There are some great products out there that allow for special customization, making them thoughtful and clever party favors for not allot of money. The mantra here though is ‘plan ahead’ as most special orders require at least a two week turn around.

First up, M&M’s. Whatever voodoo magic they possess that allows them to print teeny tiny edible ink on the candy’s rounded shell is now available to you! They have a great interactive site that allows you to select colors and your own special message. There are more than a dozen formats in which you can receive your customized M&M’s, but the basics are: a 7oz bag for $11.99 (minimum 4 bags), a cellophane gift bag with ribbon for $3.75 (minimum 20 bags), and a very smart looking square tin with clear top for $4.25 (minimum 20). I spent some time playing with their online sample generator, the results of which are below.

Next, Jones Soda - a company with a great packaging and marketing strategy, not to mention a fine selection of great flavors. Well you can now order up a 12 pack of your favorite flavor (Fufu Berry anyone?) and create a customized label with your picture on the front and an area for limited text above the nutrition information on the back. This service runs $29.95 (plus shipping and handling), costing around $2.50 a bottle, pretty inexpensive considering it will be the hit of the party. A single bottle with a ribbon wrapped around the neck and placed in the center of each plate would make for a great looking party table. Or how about a cool way to announce the birth or adoption of your new bambino at the office - Junior’s fresh mug goes on the front, birth info on the back.

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