Make Baby Shower Favors from Foam Cups: A Step-by-Step Guide

Transform plain foam cups into cute baby-bootie favors.

For a baby shower, rather than purchasing real baby booties or shoes for decorations and giveaways, you can craft charming and economical versions using Styrofoam cups. Although recyclable plastic drink cups are an option, the pure white foam looks more like baby booties compared to the colorful plastic ones.

Step 1

Cut off the top inch from each foam cup. To simplify, make a vertical cut downward 1 inch with scissors, then repeat the same cut about an inch away. Fold the foam flap inward and trim around the cup's edge. Also cut off the other flap to end up with a cup that is 1 inch shorter than before.

Step 2

Make a vertical slit starting from the top of the cup, 1 1/2 inches long. Create another identical slit 1 1/2 inches apart from the first. Exact measurements aren't crucial, but the slits should be consistent with each other.

Step 3

Gently fold the Styrofoam flap between the slits inward; this will be the "tongue" of the baby shoe. Apply just enough pressure to bend it slightly, not to push it all the way down.

Step 4

Use the hole punch to make a small hole near the top on each side of the foam next to the flap—not on the flap itself. Punch one or two more small holes, evenly spaced, below the first to mimic the eyelets for laces on a baby shoe. Try to align the holes on both sides for a symmetrical look.

Step 5

Cut a piece of ribbon 8 to 10 inches long for each bootie. Thread the ribbon through the holes as if lacing a real shoe, pulling gently until it's centered with equal lengths on both sides—just like shoelaces.

Step 6

Press the sides of the cup near the flap gently inward to shape it like a baby bootie. Tie the ribbon into a bow to finish the bootie design.

Step 7

Fill each bootie with a small handful of party favors or treats such as spice drops or wrapped candies.