Bomboniere Ideas that People will actually keep
The Bomboniere has a bit of an image problem.
For the longest time, it meant a small box of sugar-coated almonds wrapped in tulle, placed at each table setting, and then left behind on said table. Sweet in theory, forgettable in practice.
The word bonbonníere derives from French roots, specifically the 18th century. Aristocrats began giving small boxes filled with sugar cubes or candied nuts to guests as a token of high status, wealth and gratitude at weddings and christenings.
Italians adapted the word to bomboniera (singular) / bomboniere (plural), turning the tradition into the custom of giving five almonds symbolising health, wealth, happiness, fertility and long life.
Anyway, the Bomboniere worth giving are the ones that feel like they were carefully thought about and useful for guests to carry the occasions spirit into everyday life long after the day itself.
Here are five ideas that do exactly that:
01 Custom Ceramic Plates
If you want a bomboniere that doubles as a keepsake, this is it.
In The Roundhouse is an Australian ceramic brand making some of the most beautiful bespoke dinnerware around - and their custom event plates are genuinely special. From their classic dinner plate, to their wave side plate, you can choose the style that suits your event best then work with their design team to personalise it with a monogram, date, name or custom artwork.
These are not disposable gifts, they are the kind of thing people keep for years and think of you when they use it.
Lead time note: For orders of 50 plates or more, allow 4-6 months from order confirmation to delivery, so plan ahead if this is the direction you’re going.
Best for: Weddings, milestone birthdays, baby showers, christenings.
Where to find them: https://intheroundhouse.com/ and now on Etsy!
Custom Ceramic Wedding Favour Plates via In The Roundhouse
Custom Ceramic Wedding Favour Plates via In The Roundhouse
02 Custom Espresso Cups
Similarily, there is something deeply right about giving someone a beautiful espresso cup. Everybody drinks coffee, and if they don’t they’re drinking decaf.
Custom espresso cups with a name, date, or small illustration printed or etched onto them are available through a number of Australian ceramic makers and Etsy sellers.
In The Roundhouse also offer a custom Espresso Tea Cup Set, with a small plate included!
Pair it with a small bag of good quality single-origin coffee, this becomes a gift that has a whole morning built into it.
Best for: Weddings, birthdays.
via Pinterest
Custom Espresso Tea Cup Set via In The Roundhouse
03 Honey Jars
Honey is one of those gifts that manages to feel both luxurious and wholesome at the same time.
Small glass jars of locally produced raw honey, labelled with a custom sticker bearing the event name and date, are among the consistently well-received bomboniere.
The best part is, you can make these yourself! Look for Australian single-origin varieties, Leatherwood from Tasmania, Ironbark from regional NSW or a local producer if you can find one.
Keep the label simple and beautiful. Seal with a square of fabric cut from natural linen or beeswax wrap tied with a twine, or go absolutely minimal with just a clean printed label on a clean jar.
Add a honey stick too if you’re feeling extra giving.
You can purchase these from Amazon or spotlight & custom make your labels via Canva.
Best for: All occasions.
via Pinterest
04 Homemade Jam
On that note… there is a particular warmth to giving something handmade. Something that required actual time and care that no purchased gift can quite replicate. So if you have the time, visit your local farmers market and stock up on berries or whatever is in season! (Plums, apricots, oranges, figs - the list is endless)
Some flavour combos to put in your back pocket:
Blood orange and vanilla marmalade
Strawberry and rose
Fig and honey
For the jar itself, keep it elegant. A small, glass jar with a clean label that includes the name, date, flavour and a sprig of rosemary or dried lavender.
Again, the jars can be purchased from Amazon, and labels done via Canva!
Best for: Weddings, Christenings, baby showers.
Practical note: Test batch well in advance to confirm the set and flavour then scale up. Most jam scale reliably to large quantities. ALSO they only last 7 days fresh or can be frozen (Maybe include that in a T&C).
via Pinterest
Mixed Berry Jam
05 A Baguette in a Custom Paper Bag
This one is a little unexpected, and I haven’t seen it done before. The idea came to me when I was researching the jams to be honest. It’s almost as if Pinterest thought what better pairing.
A fresh baguette - properly made, from a good bakery - tucked into a personalised paper bag printed with the event name, date and perhaps a small illustration or monogram. It’s warm, it’s generous, it’s something that will make your guests instantly smile. I know it’ll make me smile.
The paper bags can be custom-printed through a number of Australian suppliers, look for kraft paper in a natural finish for the most beautiful result. Keep the design minimal and let the baguette do the rest.
This works particularly beautiful at a morning or lunchtime event.
Best for: Baby showers, Christenings, morning or lunchtime celebrations.
Bakery tip: Speak to your local artisan bakery about a bulk order in advance, most will accomodate with enough notice.
Inspiration via Pinterest (Laura Mercier Event)
Inspiration via Pinterest
06 EVOO of course!
This one is definitely on the luxe side. We know how much the price of oil is these days.. a good quality evoo is something your guests will be awwing and wowing about!
Customise the bottles however you like, and try to find designs that go beyond the stock standard. Opt for cork tops for a more rustic feel or if you prefer to be minimal try to find a matte bottle all over so your personalisation is clearly displayed.
To keep it clean I’d suggest ordering the stickers direct from a supplier!
Simply create your design on Canva, tick transparent background, download and upload to your sticker suppliers site. I’d suggest Vista Print!
The choice is yours, and there are plenty of options.
Best for: Absolutely anything! Baby showers, Christenings, Weddings, Birthdays..
Olive Oil Small Glass Bottles Inspiration via Pinterest
Small Matte Olive Oil Bottles Inspiration via Pinterest
A Note on Presentation
Whatever you choose, the presentation is half of it.
Keep the palette consistent with your event. Keep the labelling clean, and resist the urge to over explain. A small card with a single line of thanks does enough.
The best bomboniere say: we thought about you specifically. These six do exactly that.
