I know what people are saying with the whole "in lieu of". I know what I did is considered different to that.
I just don't understand, no matter what the reason was for and the wording that is being used, why it's tacky to donate. I know how you all feel and read all of your reasonings behind why you feel that way but I just can't get past the fact that someone donating equals tackyness.

To me, it's a generous gesture.
To answer why I gave a favor as well : I just felt that I should give my guests a little something to take home. Plus, I thought they were cute! Whether or not my guests went home and threw them out doesn't offend me. I know how that goes!