Affordable and Unique Bridal Shower Prizes
Natural-themed gift bags
Why Do Bridal Shower Prizes Matter?
Hosting a bridal shower takes a lot of work, and traditionally, showers are organized by the Maid of Honor because of how much it can add to the workload of a bride-to-be.
Part of hosting a bridal shower is working out the classic entertainment of bridal shower games and what bridal shower prizes accompany them!
Fun bridal jeopardy or wedding shower games get your guests mingling and acquainted with each other because chances are that most of the guests have just met. Creating these memories with the bridal party and all your guests will be sure to make this a shower to remember.
So whether you are full of fun printable games, simple games, or entertaining your guests with interactive games, you need to have prizes on hand for your winners.
Bridal shower prizes encourage your guests to participate, which is vital to a successful bridal shower. You don't want your guests to be lulled into their smaller social circles and quietly mingle in small groups.
Having prizes brings an element of friendly competition that encourages people to play.
Larger prizes of desirable items are sure to get anyone participating, but we also encourage buying a few smaller items in bulk for second and third-place winners. A full prize table is sure to turn heads.
Bridal Shower Prizes vs. Favors
Preparing for a shower is always intense, especially when you are trying to get every detail just right. When buying your prizes, it’s important to make sure you’re not confusing them with shower favors.
Favors are given to all attending guests as a thank you for sharing the special day. These gifts are usually small gestures placed near each guest’s seat or given to them as they leave the event.
Prizes are typically a bit more elaborate and only given to guests who win certain shower games.
Eco-Friendly Prize Ideas
Having sustainable, eco-friendly bridal shower prizes is a favorite for the bride hosting her shower in a garden or with a “Let Love Grow” theme.
Any high tea in a beautiful garden should honor and care for the plants that set her location apart. Eco-friendly prizes are an excellent idea for a bride or group who favors sustainability, organic items, and natural elements.
Organic Handmade Soaps
Essential Oil Soap Favors Via ForestsFavors on Etsy
Organic, handmade soaps are often customizable to your shower theme. They make great second and third-prize gifts or even favors! And honestly, who doesn’t love an amazing-smelling soap made with natural ingredients? It’s great for sensitive skin too!
2. Hygge Boxes
Organic, eco-friendly comfort box set Via Kismetbyme on Etsy
Hygge means cozy and content. Think of items you’d love on a dark rainy day or when you need a pick-me-up. Everyone loves items that make them feel cozy, safe, and relaxed. So why not give it as a large gift set? These sets vary and can include items like blankets, robes, chocolates or truffles, coffee, candles, and more.
3. Beeswax Food Wraps
Sustainable, zero waste beeswax food wrap kit Via CroiseBoutique on Etsy
Plastic bags are on their way out, being replaced by glass, wood, and sustainable materials, like beeswax! For the eco-friendly bride or to offer your guests a unique bridal shower prize they can actually use, pick up a beeswax food wrap kit. Your guests will be able to make their own food wraps in an environmentally-friendly way.
4. Shower Steamers
Essential oil shower steamers Via LoveFromUKByScarlett on Etsy
Shower steamers are a great way to unwind after a long day. They have gained more popularity in recent years since not everyone has a claw foot tub at home. Help your guests feel good with a visually appealing bath item.
5. Plant Propagation Set
Plant propagation set Via EcoPurpleTurtleCo on Etsy
Propagating plants is the perfect way for your guests to add new life to their home. Plant propagation doesn’t take up a lot of room like potted plants, but they still create a natural and unique look in a home. Some people even make walls dedicated to plant propagation!
6. Edible Flower Kit
Bloom this in your kitchen! We love this edible flower kit as a prize because they’re useful and gorgeous. Sure to brighten up and elevate any home cook or bartender, edible flower kits are sure to make any guest happy.
Budget-Friendly Prizes ($10 or Less)
Having bridal shower prizes doesn’t have to break the bank! Especially if you have a large shower, you don’t want to be spending hundreds of dollars on just prizes when there are so many other things to pay for.
If you’re looking for budget-friendly bridal shower prizes that don’t feel cheap, try some of these ideas below.
Silk Scrunchies
Almost everyone puts their hair in a ponytail or a bun, so scrunchies are a must-have! Silk scrunchies are gentler on your hair than traditional hair ties, and they are so soft and lovely in one’s hair. Your guests will love this prize.
2. Nail Polish
Most guests at your bridal shower won’t mind an extra bottle or two of nail polish. If you want to add some extra fun to this bridal shower prize, get some funky colors or unique patterned nail polishes to excite your guests even more. Grab a few bottles of popular brands and fill your prize table affordably!
3. Essential Oils
Essential oils are perfect as prizes because you don’t need to have a special diffuser to utilize them. Since most sets come with several bottles, you can even repackage them in smaller bags with ribbons to match your theme. They smell lovely, they’re natural, and they can be used in so many different ways.
4. Professional Pen Set
Who doesn’t love body care or office supplies? Both of them are so satisfying. Pen sets are a great option, especially when they come with fun colors of ink or their own holders. Grab a blinged-out pen set your girls can fashionably toss into their purses or place on their desks.
5. Jade Face Roller
Jade face rollers are an affordable and trendy item to add to your bridal shower prize list. It’s one of those items most guests have heard of, but probably haven’t tried yet, so a set or two is sure to excite them.
6. Insulated Lunch Tote
Functional prizes are always top picks. Every guest at your bridal shower will need a lunch tote at one point or another. Choose a trendy print and universally appealing style.
This lunchbox from Amazon is way under budget, meaning you can stock it with some fun snacks or a delicious beverage!
7. Luxurious Skincare Masks
Pamper your prize winner with a fully stocked set of sheet masks. The variety pack means there will be a mask for every occasion, so the lucky recipient can take a moment for self-care whenever they need one.
Plus, there’s enough in the set that they can share with a friend or family member or a fun at-home spa session.
8. Claw Clip Set
Claw clips are a trendy way to keep your hair out of your face and add some flair to your hair. Offer your prize winner this 8-piece set, which will work flawlessly on any length of hair.
You can arrange them in a fun basket or pack them in a cute makeup bag and still be under budget!
Delicious and Drinkable Prizes
Delicacies like coffee, wines, and special treats aren’t just to enjoy at the shower. You can give the gift of delicious to your guests through food or drink bridal shower prize items.
Hot Chocolate Bombs
Hot chocolate bombs Via BBC Good Food
Hot chocolate bombs are so versatile! They’re visually appealing to look at, delicious, and oh-so-trendy. Traditionally made as a chocolate shell with various food items inside, they melt and disperse their contents throughout your yummy cup of hot chocolate. Guests will be enticed by the beautiful design and promise of delicious with this prize.
2. Tea Sampler Set
Loose leaf tea sampler set Via RozaliaCrafts on Etsy
Like coffee, tea has an array of flavors, types, and preferences among tea enthusiasts. But most people who enjoy tea haven’t come close to trying all the available types and options out there. This provides a perfect opportunity to give your guests a sense of adventure through one of their favorite drinks.
3. Coffee Set
There are sure to be some with their eyes on this prize. Coffee sets, whether inclusive of French presses, various bagged coffees, or coffee flavorings, are always bound to be a hot favorite. Everyone loves coffee. It’s just a fact.
4. Premium Chocolate Truffles
Okay, everyone loves two things: coffee and chocolate. Including beautifully hand-crafted chocolate truffles, like in the image above, will make guests yearn to know how decadent and delicious those truffles are.
5. Wine
Wine with grape and barrel decorations
Wine is always a popular prize option, no matter where you go. You can purchase full-size bottles of wine, mini-bottles, or get a sampler set so your guests can try a variety of wine flavors.
Wine is pretty affordable too, so choosing this bridal shower prize will give you the opportunity to get the best bang for your buck.
Luxury Bridal Shower Prizes
Everyone has a different definition of luxury. Luxury can be items that cost a pretty penny, or it can be a brand-name item filled with goodies and treats.
Premium Tumblers
Popular tumblers such as Stanleys, or Starbucks tumblers, filled with goodies like Liquid IV or instant coffee are great prizes because they’re popular with every age group. Any one of your guests will be eyeing these prizes.
2. High-End Skincare
Another fact: everyone at your bridal shower loves skincare. It helps us feel and look good, keeps us from aging, and makes our makeup look spectacular. What’s not to love about it? The trouble is, most of it is pretty pricey. If you can spare some extra dollars to give your grand prize winner a luxury skincare set, they will be sure to fall in love.
3. Fragrance Discovery Sets
There’s nothing better than a high-quality perfume. Fragrance discovery sets can be as pricey as you want them to be, but they make fabulous gifts and even better prizes.
4. High-End Makeup
Trendy makeup items Via Elle
If your bridal shower crew has an affinity for makeup, consider adding some high-end makeup to your bridal shower prize list. Whether it’s a set, a lipstick, or some quality eyeshadow, your attendees won’t be able to hide their excitement for this prize.
Popular Pick Prizes
If you want to entice your guests to participate in your bridal shower games, you need to offer prizes that everyone will want. While popular trends come and go, these prizes will excite your guests and inspire their competitive nature!
HP Portable Photo Printer
Printed photos are a bit of a novelty nowadays. So your guests will be scrambling to win the grand prize if it’s a portable photo printer!
Choose one, like the HP Sprocket, that connects to their cell phone to instantly print photos and stickers from their favorite digital pics.
2. Bluetooth Mouse and Keyboard Set
A compact, easy-to-use Bluetooth keyboard and mouse is extremely handy for girl-bosses on the go. This one has a typewriter-like setup and comes in an array of colors, so you can match it to the bride’s shower color palette.
Your guests will be competing full force to get their hands on it!
3. Tumbler Accessory Set
Everyone wants to stay hydrated. That’s why so many people carry those large 40 oz tumblers everywhere they go. If you offer a fun set of tumbler accessories, your guests will be excited to play your games!
Since these items are relatively low cost, you can build your own custom set to match the shower theme or buy one of these premade sets from Amazon. Either way, the winner’s tumbler will be decked out!
4. Scratch-Off Bucket Poster
Bridal showers are meant to celebrate the unique love story of the bride and her partner. It always seems to put guests in a romantic mindset.
So offer this unique scratchable poster that they can use to connect with their own loved one. There are 100 bucket list date ideas they can try with their honey and scratch off the icon when they finish.
Any recipient will be excited to scratch off as many spots as possible and share their progress!
5. Lululemon Belt Bag
Every girl needs a go-to bag for running errands. And while the Lululemon Everywhere belt bag was a top trend, it’s taken its place as a must-have accessory.
That’s because it goes with a variety of outfits and can be taken to even the most restrictive of concert venues. Choose this popular style in a neutral color and see your guests’ competitive nature come to light!
Themed Prize Ideas
Popular TV shows, movies, and books can inspire the perfect prize for your bridal shower, especially if they are connected with your shower theme.
The best choices are those that can be used even if the recipient isn’t really a big fan!
Harry Potter Makeup Brush Set
Help your winner make a magical makeup look with an awesome Harry Potter-themed cosmetic brush set. Each set comes with everything you need to apply foundation, eye shadow, and other cosmetics with a perfectly sized compact mirror.
Even if the recipient isn’t a Harry Potter fan, the brush handles are too stunning to pass up!
2. Friends Picture Frame
Guests will be excited to have a place to put their favorite memories with this cute Friends picture frame. It holds any 4x6 photo.
Bonus points if you offer to print a picture of the bride and the guest for them to feature at home!
3. Mean Girls Burn Book Tumbler
Your guests will think this tumbler is so “fetch” when they win it at your shower! Any Mean Girls item is sure to be a hit, but this Burn Book tumbler is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
4. Spiderman-Themed Ground Coffee
Hosting a superhero-themed shower or perhaps crafting an event with a coffee theme? Offer unique coffee blends in interesting packages as prizes!
For example, this coffee has a fun flavor in a unique colorful package.
5. Disney Noodle Bowl Set
If your bride-to-be loves Disney or sushi, select a cute noodle bowl set as a shower game prize! There are endless options of designs and patterns, but this Lilo and Stich sushi time print would go well with a variety of themes.
Monetary Prizes
Monetary prizes make competition fierce! Whether it’s a $50 bill or a gift certificate to a spa, the options are endless.
Spa Gift Certificate
Spa gift certificate envelope Via DIYPaperPrints on Etsy
If a large portion of your guests live nearby, add a spa gift certificate as a grand prize for your games. This way, your guests can get a luxury spa day while still being able to choose what service they want.
2. Cash
Cash is king, and it’s highly unlikely anyone at your event won’t enjoy some free cash. You can use whatever amount you feel comfortable with, but it’s best to offer at least $20 as a prize.
3. Gift Card
Ulta gift card for $50
Gift cards are another great way to give your guests some free treats that they can still customize to fit them. If you plan on buying a gift card as a prize, pick somewhere that’s popular, like Target, Starbucks, or Amazon.
Prizes for Co-Ed Bridal Showers
Bridal showers used to just be for the bride, bridal party, and all the guests that were women. Mainly because there was a lot of lingerie thrown around.
Now co-ed showers are more common and your prize table should reflect that. So bring on the boys, and have something that they’re willing to fill out some printables for!
Cocktail Shaker Kit
No matter what gender your guests are, they will love a kit that allows them to craft unique and delicious cocktails. This is a fun grand prize to precede wine or liquor with.
2. Fondue for Two
If you have a group of foodie attendees, throw this on the co-ed shower prize list! It’s a fun addition that will allow your guests to create all sorts of delicious treats, like melted chocolate, fondue, and more.
3. A Date Night Game
Date Night Game Via Amazon
Who doesn’t love a good game made just for couples? This card game is aimed to provide couples with deep conversation, fun talks, and quality time together. If you plan to have a large amount of couples at your co-ed shower, this is a good prize option to go with.
4. Cocktail Sampler Sets
Most people love a good cocktail, but we don’t always get many opportunities to try wild and new ones. Toss a cocktail sampler kit on the co-ed shower prize table and watch all your guests’ eyes light up.
5. His and Hers Robe Sets
His and hers robes Via Plush Necessities
We all love a little matchy-matchy. Like the Date Night Game, if you plan to host a large amount of couples, consider adding some his and hers robe sets to the prize list.
Personalized Bridal Shower Prizes
Having custom bridal shower presents can either mean making the prize as a memento so your guest will always remember the amazing time they had at your event or something that they can customize for their own.
Personalized Bracelet
Personalized bracelets Via Amazon
Having a bracelet engraved with your favorite romantic quote and the date of your shower is the perfect memento. You can even get a customized bracelet that matches your bridal shower theme so guests will always remember their amazing experience.
2. Custom Necklaces
Personalized necklace Via Amazon
Like a customized bracelet, a personalized necklace allows you the opportunity to leave your guests who win the prize with a memento of your shower.
Bridal Shower Prize Etiquette
Before you choose the prizes and get the games going, you need to know some bridal shower prize etiquette. First, never offer prizes that may seem risqué for some guests.
Remember, chances are the bride’s family members will be present and may find those prizes embarrassing. You should also avoid religious or political prizes, as not all guests will share the same opinions.
It’s always best to keep these offerings fun and light! When playing games, make it clear what is needed to win the game.
Rules should be straightforward and allow for an obvious winner. If you are awarding prizes for a creative competition, ask the bride to be the judge and make it clear that she has the final say! No one will argue since it’s her party, after all.
If there is a tie, it’s important to have a prize for each winner or a predetermined tiebreaker. For instance, you can have the two players do a few rounds of rock/paper/scissors or roll a die to see who gets the highest number.
Another alternative is to choose games with a clear winner so you can avoid any hurt feelings when a tie doesn’t go in their favor.
How Many Prizes Should I Purchase for a Bridal Shower?
The big question after you organize your shower and design your bridal shower games is how many prizes you should have. Choosing your games and planning them out first is vital.
You need a rough headcount of how many people are coming. Plan extra prizes and co-ed games for co-ed showers, and then have at least one large prize for the first-place winner of each game.
After a large prize, you could have one or two available for the second and third-place winners.
The options are endless, and you should choose what is best for your guests and also for your budget. As long as you have at least one grand prize for each game, you’re covered.
Anything after that is completely optional (but still appreciated by your guests.)
Popular Bridal Shower Games for Prizes
Not all bridal shower games are created equal. For the best outcome, choose games that are simple to play and make it easy to determine a winner.
For example, bridal bingo, jeopardy, or trivia games are great options for guests to show how well they know the happy couple.
If you’re looking for more interactive games, you can play “What’s on Your Phone/What’s In Your Bag?” Create a list of common items you’d find on someone’s phone or in their bag and see who can check the most boxes.
For instance, you could require the phone battery to be below 50%, have a dog on the lock screen, and have Candy Crush loaded on the phone.
No matter what game you pick, your bride will have a blast and enjoy awarding prizes to those she loves most. To build excitement, reveal the prize before you explain the instructions.
This will peak everyone’s interest and have them on the edge of their seats, ready to compete for the prize!
Conclusion
Wedding showers are the perfect opportunity to bring friends and family together to honor the bride-to-be that they love. Offering prizes encourages guests to play your selected shower games and builds lasting memories.
As you select the right bridal shower prizes for your event, keep your bride in mind. Choose items that she would appreciate and that the recipient can easily incorporate into their lives.
Remember, functionality and thought go a long way when picking the best shower prizes! So fire up your browser and use the information you just learned to guide you to the best prize for your next wedding shower game!