Here is a truth about baby shower game prizes: nobody remembers the price tag, but everybody remembers the thought. A hand-poured candle in a jar you decorated yourself beats a generic gift card every time โ not because it costs more (it costs less), but because it says you cared enough to make something. DIY baby shower game prizes let you give winners something personal, beautiful, and genuinely useful, all while keeping your party budget firmly under control.
This guide gives you 20 DIY prize ideas with complete instructions โ materials lists, step-by-step directions, cost breakdowns, and time estimates for each. You will also find a prize planner table, packaging tricks that make homemade gifts look boutique-bought, a shopping list organized by store, and answers to the questions DIY hosts ask most. Every prize here costs under $6 to make, takes under 30 minutes, and is something winners will actually use.
Why DIY Prizes Win Every Time
Store-bought prizes say “I bought this.” DIY prizes say “I made this for you.” At a celebration built around handmade love โ a new baby โ that message lands. DIY prizes also solve the three classic prize problems: cost (game prizes for 8โ10 games add up fast), sameness (another candle from the discount bin), and waste (prizes nobody wants end up in a drawer).
Homemade prizes sidestep all three. A batch of bath salts costs about $12 total and makes 10 prizes. Each one is unique. And because you choose useful things โ food, self-care, plants โ winners actually use them. The secret is presentation: a $2 jar of bath salts in a clean jar with a ribbon and a handwritten tag looks like a $15 boutique gift. This guide shows you exactly how to get that effect every time.
Prize Planner: Cost, Time, and Difficulty at a Glance
| Prize | Cost each | Time (batch of 10) | Difficulty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lavender bath salts | $1.20 | 25 min | Easy | Relaxation lovers |
| Soy candles in jars | $2.50 | 40 min | Medium | Cozy homebodies |
| Hot cocoa kits | $1.80 | 30 min | Easy | Winter showers |
| Succulent pots | $2.00 | 20 min | Easy | Plant people |
| Homemade lip balm | $0.90 | 35 min | Medium | Everyone |
| Cookie mix jars | $2.20 | 30 min | Easy | Bakers |
| Sugar scrub cubes | $1.50 | 30 min | Easy | Spa fans |
| Herb seed packets | $1.00 | 15 min | Easy | Gardeners |
| Chocolate-dipped spoons | $1.40 | 25 min | Easy | Sweet tooths |
| Mini photo frames | $2.80 | 30 min | Easy | Sentimental types |
| Infused olive oil | $3.00 | 20 min | Easy | Foodies |
| Sleepytime tea blends | $1.60 | 25 min | Easy | Tea drinkers |
| Decorated notebooks | $2.40 | 30 min | Easy | Writers, planners |
| Bath bombs | $1.70 | 40 min | Medium | Luxury feel |
| Popcorn seasoning sets | $1.30 | 20 min | Easy | Movie nights |
Spa & Self-Care Prizes
1. Lavender Bath Salts
Materials (makes 10): 5 lbs Epsom salt, 1 cup baking soda, 30 drops lavender essential oil, dried lavender buds, ten 4-oz jars with lids, ribbon, tags.
Steps: Mix the Epsom salt and baking soda in a large bowl. Add the essential oil drop by drop, stirring constantly so it distributes evenly. Stir in two tablespoons of dried lavender buds. Spoon into jars, filling to just below the rim. Tie ribbon around each lid and attach a tag reading “Soak, relax, repeat โ thanks for playing!”
Cost: About $12 for 10 ($1.20 each). Time: 25 minutes. Tip: Layer the salts with the buds for a pretty striped effect visible through glass jars.
2. Soy Candles in Jars
Materials (makes 10): 2 lbs soy wax flakes, 10 candle wicks with stickers, ten 4-oz mason jars, essential oil or candle fragrance, a pouring pitcher, clothespins or wick holders.
Steps: Stick a wick to the bottom center of each jar. Melt the wax in the pouring pitcher over a double boiler (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat, stir in 30โ40 drops of fragrance, and let cool two minutes. Pour into jars, using a clothespin laid across the rim to keep each wick centered. Let set 4 hours, then trim wicks to 1/4 inch.
Cost: About $25 for 10 ($2.50 each). Time: 40 minutes plus setting. Tip: Match the scent to your shower theme โ vanilla for classic, citrus for summer, pine for winter.
3. Sugar Scrub Cubes
Materials (makes 12): 2 cups granulated sugar, 1/2 cup coconut oil (melted), 20 drops essential oil, a silicone ice cube tray, small bags or jars.
Steps: Mix sugar and melted coconut oil until it holds together like wet sand. Stir in essential oil. Press firmly into the silicone tray and refrigerate 30 minutes until solid. Pop out the cubes and package 3โ4 per bag with a tag: “Scrub-a-dub โ you earned it!”
Cost: About $9 for 12 ($0.75 each โ cheapest spa prize here). Time: 30 minutes plus chilling. Tip: Add a drop of food coloring for pastel cubes that match your theme.
4. Homemade Lip Balm
Materials (makes 15): 2 tbsp beeswax pellets, 2 tbsp coconut oil, 2 tbsp shea butter, 15 drops peppermint or vanilla oil, 15 small lip balm tubes or tins.
Steps: Melt beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter together in a double boiler. Remove from heat, stir in flavor oil, and pour carefully into tubes. Let cool one hour. Cap and attach a tag: “Pucker up, winner!”
Cost: About $13 for 15 ($0.90 each). Time: 35 minutes. Tip: Buy tubes in bulk online โ they cost pennies each in packs of 50.
5. Bath Bombs
Materials (makes 10): 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup citric acid, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1/2 cup Epsom salt, 3 tbsp coconut oil (melted), 20 drops essential oil, bath bomb molds, spray bottle with witch hazel.
Steps: Whisk all dry ingredients. Separately mix melted coconut oil and essential oil, then drizzle into the dry mix while whisking. Spritz with witch hazel one spray at a time until the mixture holds like damp sand. Pack firmly into molds, let dry 24 hours, then unmold and wrap in tissue.
Cost: About $17 for 10 ($1.70 each). Time: 40 minutes plus drying. Tip: These feel the most luxurious of all DIY prizes โ save them for the headline games.
Sweet Treat Prizes
6. Hot Cocoa Kits
Materials (makes 10): 10 small jars or cellophane bags, cocoa powder, sugar, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, cinnamon sticks, ribbon.
Steps: Layer in each jar: 3 tbsp cocoa powder, 2 tbsp sugar, 2 tbsp chocolate chips, a handful of mini marshmallows. Tuck a cinnamon stick on top. Seal, tie with ribbon, and attach a tag with instructions: “Mix with 8 oz hot milk. You deserve it.”
Cost: About $18 for 10 ($1.80 each). Time: 30 minutes. Tip: The layered look in a clear jar is the whole prize โ pack layers tightly so they stay distinct.
7. Cookie Mix Jars
Materials (makes 10): 10 quart mason jars, flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, chocolate chips, oats (for oatmeal cookies), tags with the recipe.
Steps: Layer dry ingredients in each jar in this order: flour mixed with baking soda and salt, brown sugar (packed), white sugar, oats, chocolate chips. The stripes look gorgeous through the glass. Attach a tag with the wet ingredients and baking instructions: “Add 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla. Bake at 350ยฐF for 10โ12 minutes.”
Cost: About $22 for 10 ($2.20 each). Time: 30 minutes. Tip: These double as shower favors if you make extras โ one batch serves both purposes.
8. Chocolate-Dipped Spoons
Materials (makes 12): 12 sturdy plastic or wooden spoons, 1 bag chocolate chips, crushed peppermint or sprinkles, cellophane bags, ribbon.
Steps: Melt chocolate chips in 30-second microwave bursts, stirring between each. Dip each spoon, tap off excess, and immediately sprinkle with crushed peppermint or sprinkles. Stand spoons upright in a jar to set (30 minutes). Wrap individually in cellophane with ribbon and a tag: “Stir into hot coffee or cocoa.”
Cost: About $17 for 12 ($1.40 each). Time: 25 minutes plus setting. Tip: Use white chocolate and crushed freeze-dried raspberries for a pink-themed shower.
9. Popcorn Seasoning Sets
Materials (makes 10): 10 small jars, popcorn kernels, and seasoning mixes โ try parmesan-herb (grated parmesan, garlic powder, dried herbs), cinnamon-sugar, and spicy chili-lime.
Steps: Fill each jar halfway with kernels. Add a small separate bag or layered top of seasoning mix. Tag it: “Movie night is on you โ the popcorn’s on us!” Make an assortment of flavors so winners can trade.
Cost: About $13 for 10 ($1.30 each). Time: 20 minutes. Tip: This is the best prize for co-ed showers โ universally loved, zero fuss.
10. Sleepytime Tea Blends
Materials (makes 10): Dried chamomile, dried lavender, dried lemon balm, dried rose petals, 10 small tins or bags, tags with brewing instructions.
Steps: Mix 3 parts chamomile, 1 part lavender, 1 part lemon balm, and a pinch of rose petals. Portion 2 tablespoons into each tin. Tag: “Brew 1 tbsp in hot water for 5 minutes. Sweet dreams, champion.”
Cost: About $16 for 10 ($1.60 each). Time: 25 minutes. Tip: Buy dried herbs in bulk from a spice shop โ far cheaper than tea bags and far prettier.
Home & Garden Prizes
11. Succulent Pots
Materials (makes 10): 10 mini succulents (buy in bulk trays), 10 small terracotta pots, potting soil, acrylic paint and brushes for decorating, tags.
Steps: Paint the pots in your shower’s colors โ pastel stripes, polka dots, or simple color-blocking. Let dry. Fill with soil, plant one succulent per pot, and top with decorative pebbles. Tag: “Watch me grow โ thanks for playing!”
Cost: About $20 for 10 ($2.00 each). Time: 20 minutes plus paint drying. Tip: These are the longest-lasting prize on this list โ winners keep them for years. Buy succulents a week ahead so they settle before the party.
12. Herb Seed Packets
Materials (makes 15): Bulk herb seeds (basil, parsley, cilantro), small kraft envelopes, a custom stamp or stickers, planting instruction tags.
Steps: Portion seeds into envelopes (a teaspoon per envelope is plenty). Seal with a sticker, stamp a cute design on the front, and attach planting instructions: “Sow 1/4 inch deep, keep moist, harvest in 6โ8 weeks.”
Cost: About $15 for 15 ($1.00 each โ cheapest on the list). Time: 15 minutes. Tip: Perfect for spring and summer showers. Pair with a tiny terracotta pot for a $2 upgrade.
13. Infused Olive Oil
Materials (makes 8): 8 small glass bottles with corks, good olive oil, fresh rosemary sprigs, dried chili flakes, garlic cloves, funnel, tags.
Steps: Sterilize bottles in boiling water and dry completely. Add rosemary and a pinch of chili to each bottle, then fill with olive oil using the funnel. Cork and tag: “Drizzle on everything. You earned it.” Let infuse at least 3 days before the shower for full flavor.
Cost: About $24 for 8 ($3.00 each). Time: 20 minutes plus infusing. Tip: The foodie prize โ save for the games the food-loving guests win. Note the infusion date on the tag; use within a month.
14. Decorated Mini Photo Frames
Materials (makes 10): 10 small wooden frames (dollar store), acrylic paint, small embellishments (buttons, ribbon, dried flowers), glue gun.
Steps: Paint frames in theme colors. Once dry, glue on embellishments โ a ribbon bow at the corner, tiny dried flowers along one edge. Slip in a cute placeholder photo or a note: “Insert favorite memory here.”
Cost: About $28 for 10 ($2.80 each). Time: 30 minutes plus drying. Tip: These photograph beautifully on the prize table and feel far more expensive than they are.
15. Decorated Notebooks
Materials (makes 10): 10 plain kraft-cover notebooks, washi tape, stickers, stamps, fine markers.
Steps: Decorate each cover differently โ washi tape borders, stamped designs, hand-lettered quotes (“She believed she could, so she did”). No two alike. Tuck a nice pen into the spiral or tie one on with ribbon.
Cost: About $24 for 10 ($2.40 each). Time: 30 minutes. Tip: Great for showers with writer, teacher, or planner guests who will actually use them.
Bonus Ideas: Five More in Five Minutes
Need a few extra prizes fast? These take almost no time:
16. Mug cake kits. A pretty mug from the dollar store filled with a single-serve cake mix packet and a tag with microwave instructions. Cost: ~$2. Time: 5 minutes each.
17. Mani-pedi sets. A small organza bag with a nail file, a mini polish, and a cuticle stick. Buy polish in multipacks. Cost: ~$2. Time: 5 minutes each.
18. Honey jars. Small jars of local honey with a wooden dipper and a tag. Cost: ~$2.50. Time: 10 minutes for 10.
19. Bookmarks with tassels. Laminated cardstock strips decorated with washi tape, hole-punched with a yarn tassel. Cost: ~$0.50. Time: 15 minutes for 10.
20. Shower steamers. Like bath bombs but simpler โ baking soda, citric acid, and eucalyptus oil pressed into muffin tins. No tub needed; they dissolve in the shower. Cost: ~$1. Time: 30 minutes for 12.
Packaging: The Secret to Boutique-Looking Prizes
Homemade prizes live or die by presentation. These five tricks make $2 of materials look like $15:
1. Uniform containers. Buy all your jars, bags, or boxes in the same style. Uniformity reads as “curated collection,” even when the contents differ.
2. Ribbon and twine. A 99-cent spool of ribbon transforms any jar. Match it to your shower colors. Baker’s twine gives a rustic look; satin ribbon reads elegant.
3. Handwritten tags. Kraft paper tags with handwritten notes beat printed labels every time. Write the prize name, a one-line instruction, and a thank-you. Your handwriting is the “handmade” signal.
4. Tissue and filler. Crumpled tissue paper or shredded filler in gift bags makes small prizes look abundant. Never hand someone a rattling empty-feeling bag.
5. The prize table display. Arrange prizes on a cake stand or tiered tray with a small sign: “Winners’ Prize Table.” Elevation and signage make even simple prizes feel like treasures worth competing for.
The Smart Shopping List
Buy in this order to save the most: dollar stores for jars, ribbon, tags, frames, and organza bags; bulk online for Epsom salt, soy wax, wicks, lip balm tubes, and essential oils; grocery stores for coconut oil, sugar, chocolate chips, and herbs; nurseries for succulent trays (ask about bulk discounts). One well-planned shopping trip covers all 20 prizes.
Total budget check: Making 10 each of the five cheapest prizes (lip balm, seed packets, scrub cubes, bath salts, popcorn sets) costs roughly $65 total โ under $1.30 per prize. Even the full 20-prize spread stays under $150, less than most hosts spend on store-bought prizes for half as many games. For more ways to stretch a party budget, our gifts under $25 guide and budget gift ideas share the same philosophy: thoughtful beats expensive.
Watch: Baby Shower Prize Ideas
See prize ideas in action โ including packaging tricks and budget breakdowns โ in this video walkthrough. It is a great companion to watch while you craft.
Matching Prizes to Games
Not every prize fits every game. A little matching elevates the whole experience:
High-energy physical games (balloon race, chug-off) โ fun, celebratory prizes: popcorn sets, mug cake kits, candy. Winners are sweaty and laughing; give them something playful.
Skill games (diaper sprint, price guessing) โ premium-feel prizes: candles, bath bombs, infused oil. Skilled winners appreciate the “best” prizes.
Creative games (onesie decorating, pictionary) โ creative prizes: notebooks, photo frames, seed packets. Match the maker’s spirit.
Participation and consolation โ small treats for everyone: lip balm, bookmarks, honey jars. Nobody should leave a game empty-handed.
Keep two or three “prize tiers” on the table and let winners choose in order of victory โ choosing is half the fun. Our DIY gift ideas guide has more handmade inspiration if you want to expand beyond game prizes into favors.
The Winner’s Moment: Presenting Prizes With Ceremony
How you award a prize matters as much as the prize itself. A mumbled “here you go” deflates the win; a thirty-second ceremony makes a $2 jar of bath salts feel like the Olympics.
Announce winners like it matters. Use the winner’s name, the game they won, and one detail: “Sarah takes the Diaper Changing Sprint in 47 seconds โ a new house record!” Applause follows naturally when the win is narrated.
Let winners choose. Arrange prizes in tiers on the table and let each winner pick. Choosing is inherently satisfying, and it guarantees everyone gets something they actually want. Restock the table between games so late winners still have real options.
Photograph every win. Designate someone to capture each winner holding their prize. These photos become part of the shower’s story โ and winners share them, which is lovely free joy for the mom-to-be’s memories.
Keep a winners’ board. A small chalkboard or poster listing each game and its champion, updated through the party, builds a narrative arc. By the final game, guests are invested in the “season standings” โ and the overall champion deserves a small extra prize.
Storing and Transporting Your Prizes
You made 60 beautiful prizes; now get them to the party intact. Pack jars upright in boxes with crumpled paper between them โ never stack heavy jars on delicate ones. Transport candles flat and cool; heat softens soy wax and ruins smooth tops. Keep bath bombs in airtight containers with silica packets until party day; humidity is their enemy. Food kits travel best assembled the night before and kept dry.
At the venue, set up the prize table early โ ideally before guests arrive. Keep it away from the food table (greasy fingers and ribbon do not mix) and out of direct sunlight (which melts chocolate-dipped spoons and fades labels). Bring 5โ10 extra empty gift bags for winners who want to carry multiple prizes home neatly. A little logistics love protects all your crafting work.
Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Baby Shower Game Prizes
How many prizes do I need for a baby shower?
Plan one prize per competitive game (usually 4โ6 games), plus 5โ10 small consolation prizes. Making 10 of each DIY prize in batches is far more efficient than making exactly the number you need โ extras become favors or backup prizes.
How far in advance can I make DIY prizes?
Bath salts, sugar scrubs, candles, lip balm, and seed packets keep for months โ make them up to 4 weeks ahead. Bath bombs are best within 2 weeks (they absorb moisture). Food kits (cocoa, cookie mix) are best within 1โ2 weeks. Succulents should be potted no more than a week ahead so they look fresh.
What if I am not crafty?
Start with the “easy” rated prizes: bath salts, seed packets, popcorn sets, and honey jars require zero craft skill โ just measuring, pouring, and tying ribbon. The packaging does the visual work. Nobody will know (or care) that the “crafting” took 15 minutes.
Are DIY prizes cheaper than store-bought?
Almost always. The DIY prizes in this guide average $1โ3 each; comparable store-bought prizes run $5โ15. The savings multiply across 8โ10 games. The one exception: if you have to buy specialized equipment (like a double boiler you will never use again), factor that into the first batch’s cost.
How do I make DIY prizes look professional?
Uniform containers, matching ribbon, handwritten kraft tags, and a tiered display. The four elements together create a boutique look regardless of what’s inside. Also: remove all price stickers, wipe jars clean before filling, and trim ribbon ends at an angle.
What are good DIY prizes for a co-ed shower?
Gender-neutral crowd-pleasers: popcorn seasoning sets, infused olive oil, mug cake kits, honey jars, and succulents. Avoid anything heavily scented or pink-packaged unless you know the guys will not mind โ or lean into the comedy and award the burliest winner a lavender bath bomb with full ceremony.
Can DIY prizes double as party favors?
Yes โ and they should. Make a large batch of one or two prizes (lip balm, bath salts, seed packets) and give one to every guest as a favor, with nicer tiered prizes reserved for game winners. It is efficient, cohesive, and guests love taking home something handmade. Our gift ideas guide has more small-gift inspiration.
What about guests with allergies?
Label everything. Note common allergens on tags (coconut oil, essential oils, nuts in food kits). Offer at least two prize options per game so winners with sensitivities can choose safely. When in doubt, non-food, unscented prizes (succulents, notebooks, frames) are the safest universal choice.
The Bottom Line
DIY baby shower game prizes prove that the best rewards are not bought โ they are made. Pick three or four ideas from this guide that fit your skills and your crowd, make them in batches a week or two ahead, package them beautifully, and watch winners light up. The prizes cost less, mean more, and photograph better than anything from a store shelf. Start with one easy batch this weekend โ once you see how simple bath salts or seed packets are, you will wonder why anyone ever bought prizes at all. That is a win for the host, the winners, and the budget โ the rare triple victory.
