ShubhList

Return favour ideas by type: what to check before you buy in bulk

Return favours are bought in large quantities, so small details multiply: a weak handle, a missing label or a leaky lid becomes a hundred problems. Order one sample first, check it against the points below, then order the full quantity with time to spare.

Cloth potli and pouch bags

Packing small favours, dry fruits or sweets for guests to take home.

What to check

  • Inside size that fits what you will put in, with room to close.
  • Drawstrings that pull smoothly and do not fray.
  • Fabric with no loose glitter or dye that rubs off on clothes.

What to avoid

  • Ordering the full quantity before checking a sample.

Shop link: search “Cloth potli and pouch bags” on Amazon.in

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Dry fruit and sweet boxes

Edible favours that keep for some days.

What to check

  • A best-before date well after the wedding.
  • Ingredients and allergen information on the label, especially nuts.
  • The manufacturer’s name and address on the pack.
  • Sealed packing that survives travel.

What to avoid

  • Plastic wrapping film around sweet boxes, which is prohibited.
  • Storing boxes in a hot room or car before the event.

Safety: Label nut-based favours clearly. Some guests may have allergies.

Sources: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Gazette of India (copy published by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board): Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021: notification G.S.R. 571(E), 12 August 2021; Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: Government notifies the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021, prohibiting identified single use plastic items by 2022 (posted 13 August 2021). Checked 26 October 2026.

Shop link: search “Dry fruit and sweet boxes” on Amazon.in

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Small potted plants and seed kits

Favours that last after the wedding, for guests who like plants.

What to check

  • Plants that suit your guests’ climate and indoor conditions.
  • Packing that keeps soil in during the journey home.
  • A short care note for each plant: light and watering.
  • Delivery timing, so plants arrive fresh and are kept watered until the event.

What to avoid

  • Plants delivered weeks early with nobody to care for them.

Shop link: search “Small potted plants and seed kits” on Amazon.in

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Candles as favours

A small, giftable favour for adults.

What to check

  • A tin or thick glass container that will not tip easily.
  • A label with burning instructions.
  • Fragrance strength: a gentle scent suits more people.

What to avoid

  • Lighting favour candles at the event near fabric, flowers or children.

Safety: Any candle needs a steady surface and someone watching it while it burns.

Shop link: search “Candles as favours” on Amazon.in

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Steel water bottles and tumblers

A useful favour that replaces disposable bottles.

What to check

  • A leak-proof lid; test the sample upside down.
  • Capacity that suits daily use.
  • Lead time if you want names or a date engraved.
  • Whether it is meant for cold drinks only or also hot.

What to avoid

  • Bottles with no material or care information.

Shop link: search “Steel water bottles and tumblers” on Amazon.in

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Reusable cloth tote bags

A favour bag guests can reuse, or a welcome bag for outstation guests.

What to check

  • Fabric thickness and stitching at the handles.
  • Print method and lead time if you want a design.
  • Size that fits what you plan to put inside.

What to avoid

  • Thin plastic carry bags as a cheaper substitute.

Sources: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Gazette of India (copy published by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board): Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021: notification G.S.R. 571(E), 12 August 2021; Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: Government notifies the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021, prohibiting identified single use plastic items by 2022 (posted 13 August 2021). Checked 26 October 2026.

Shop link: search “Reusable cloth tote bags” on Amazon.in

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Rules referenced on this page

Under the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021, notified on 12 August 2021, India prohibited the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of listed single-use plastic items from 1 July 2022. The first group on the list includes plastic sticks for balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks and thermocol (polystyrene) for decoration. The second group includes plates, cups, glasses, cutlery, straws, trays, wrapping or packing films around sweet boxes, invitation cards and cigarette packets, plastic or PVC banners under 100 micron, and stirrers; it does not apply to items made of compostable plastic.

Sources: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Gazette of India (copy published by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board): Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021: notification G.S.R. 571(E), 12 August 2021; Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: Government notifies the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021, prohibiting identified single use plastic items by 2022 (posted 13 August 2021). Checked 26 October 2026.

The same 2021 amendment rules raised the minimum thickness of plastic carry bags to 75 micron from 30 September 2021 and to 120 micron from 31 December 2022.

Sources: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Gazette of India (copy published by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board): Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021: notification G.S.R. 571(E), 12 August 2021; Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: Government notifies the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021, prohibiting identified single use plastic items by 2022 (posted 13 August 2021). Checked 26 October 2026.

General buying and safety information, not legal or professional advice. Rules can change; check the current rules with your local authority or the body cited above before you rely on them.