Are you throwing a Hawaiian luau this summer? After buying food, drinks, and decorations, you may not have money left in the budget for party favors. No luau is complete without something to take home, but you also don’t want to spend a fortune on one party. With a trip to a discount store and a little creativity, you can still give your guests fun luau party favors they’ll appreciate long after the festivities are through. You can find all of the materials for these DIY luau party favors around the house or at your local dollar store.
Hawaiian Plastic Cups
Are you planning to make smoothies or pina coladas for your Hawaiian luau? Festive plastic cups can double as take home party favors. The Dollar Tree sells plastic pineapple shaped cups that you can fill with frozen pina colada mix. If pina coladas aren’t your thing, you can also find hibiscus flower printed cups that are great for smoothies, sweet tea, or lemonade. These plastic cups are more durable and decorative than disposable ones, and they will keep your beverages colder longer in the hot summer sun.
Not only are frozen drinks refreshing, but these luau party favors are also better for the environment. You’ll waste fewer paper cups if you let guests take theirs home, and you’ll save money! Just remember to leave out a permanent marker or two so the guests can label which cup is theirs. If they label their cup after they pour the beverage, the condensation could make it difficult to initial!
She Sells Seashells Party Favors
Remember all those seashells you collected at the beach over the years? Don’t let them sit in your garage- put them to good use at your Hawaiian luau party! The Christmas Tree Shop also sells baskets of shells for under 3 dollars a basket. First, wash the shells with warm water and dish detergent to scrub away some of the sand and dirt, and let them dry outside. Because seashells are a difficult surface to paint, washable tempera paint won’t work for this project. Instead, use nail polish. You probably have some inexpensive colors around the house, and if not, you can buy a three pack at the dollar store. You can use silver or white glitter for a classic look, or bright colors to make Hawaiian themed polka dots. The clean up is easy with diluted nail polish remover. After all the shells are dry, attach ribbon with a hot glue gun to allow for hanging.
Hibiscus flowers are necessary for any Hawaiian luau! The great thing about this party favor is that it can double as decoration before the party, a craft for the kids during the party, and a party favor guests can take home! All you need is sheets of tissue paper and pipe cleaners. You can find these supplies at craft stores, but since you don’t need high quality materials, they’ll probably be cheaper at a discount or dollar store. For a Hawaiian luau theme, go for tropical colors: fuchsia, lime green, orange, and yellow.
First, layer at least three sheets of any color you like. Fold them accordion style in one inch segments. Then, cut a pipe cleaner in half and twist around the middle of the strip until secure. Carefully separate the pieces of tissue paper toward the center of the “flower,” and you have a bright, fun luau party favor that all can enjoy!
