Memory Jar

Give each woman a clear jar with a removable top. This can be a simple canning jar, a large jelly jar or any clear jar. You can leave the lid as it is, cover it with material or decorate it with glitter, ribbon or beads. Include a small token from the conference in the jar. This might be a pen, ribbon or button created for the conference identification. It might be a symbol of the city in which the conference is being held.

The instructions to the women read, "This is a memory jar. While you can't always keep everything in your life, you can keep tokens, such as a piece of cloth from your child's first blanket or a key from a first car, in the jar to remind you of special times in your life. You choose your tokens to fill this jar with special memories." Instead of a clear jar, give carved boxes or even cookie jars for this purpose.

Basket of Goodies

Decorate small baskets with ribbons and bows. If the conference has a color theme, use ribbon in those colors. Fill the baskets with individually wrapped chocolates and caramels. If it is winter time, add packets of chocolate to mix up for a satisfying hot drink. Tuck in specialized coffee and tea packets. A more elaborate basket might include a gift card to a coffee shop. Be sure to include a specific note of appreciation rounding out a basket of goodies to make the conference women feel special.

Favorite Books

Put together a selection of books for each women attending the ministry conference. Include fiction books from well-known Christian authors such as Robin Lee Hatcher, Karen Kingsbury and Francine Rivers. Add a touch of mystery with books from Terri Blackstock and Brandilyn Collins. For historical fiction look for books from Tracie Peterson and, for the Old West and romance with more than a touch of humor, include books from Mary Connealy. For non-fiction include books from authors Florence Littauer and Jill Briscoe. Contact book store owners or publishers for group discounts or even free books for the conference.

Conference Souvenirs

Most conferences create promotion items for the conference such as pens, buttons, conference brochures, and usually, special identifying ribbons or labels for those in charge from the coordinator to the official greeters. You can also create a special souvenir for each woman who attends. You can tie the souvenir to the theme of the women's ministry conference. If the theme focuses on marriage and relationship give a charm, keychain or plaque with the text from 1 Corinthians 13:4 to 8, considered the Love Chapter, on it. If the theme focuses on self-image, bring in makeup artist for makeovers with the gift of makeup or a photographer and do glamor poses. Add a label from the conference to the gift or the bag, box or envelope in which you wrap the souvenir.