Hosting a Favorite Things party
INSIDE : Hosting a Favorite Things party is a fun way to get together with friends and discover new things you might love. Learn what it is, how to set it up and some great ideas on gifts to share!
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I have now gone to two Favorite Things Parties and I must say… they are the most fun. Even if you don’t know the group well, you will leave laughing and excited to have gifted things you love and gained things your friends love! I highly recommend hosting one if you can.
What is a Favorite Things Party?
Each guest brings a few wrapped (or unwrapped, depending on your preference) identical items that represent one of their favorite things. This could be anything from a special spice they love to cook with, a bath bomb they swear by, or a new book they can’t put down. There’s a budget you set beforehand, so everyone spends a similar amount.
- Guests bring a few wrapped (or unwrapped, depending on your preference) identical items that represent something they truly love.
- It can be anything – a specific brand of hot sauce, a bath bomb they swear by, a type of notebook they can’t live without – the possibilities are endless!
- There’s usually a set budget per item, so everyone spends roughly the same amount.
Favorite Things Party gift ideas
- House plants
- Cookbooks
- Favorite hand lotion
- Delicious dark chocolate
- Favorite tea
- Party Glassware
- Cozy throw blanket
- Favorite book
- Relaxing bath bombs
- Pampering jade roller and gua sha tool
- Beautiful Taper Candles
How to prepare for a Favorite Things Party
To prepare for a Favorite Things Party, start by setting a date and a guest list. Decide how many people you can comfortably host and choose a date that works for most.
Next, send out your invitations whether by mail, email or text. Let your guests know it’s a Favorite Things party and explain what it is (bringing 3 favorite items), a spending limit (this is very helpful to decide ahead of time). Remind everyone to wrap their gifts.
How to do a Favorite Things party
Designate a table or spot in your home where everyone will come in and drop off their wrapped favorite items.
Everyone should then write their name down on THREE pieces of paper, fold them in half and place in a big bowl.
When it’s time to begin the game, have everyone sit in a big circle. Have the first person to pass out their gifts, draw three slips of paper. They then pass their gifts to those three people and as their gifts are being opened, they share with the group why these items are their fave!
The key is everyone leaves with the same number of gifts they brought, but each gift is a new favorite thing discovered from a friend!
There can be variations like “stealing” a gift someone else already picked, adding a layer of strategy and fun.
What type of food to eat at a Favorite Things party
Don’t forget the refreshments! Finger foods, snacks and drinks are perfect for this kind of party. You can also incorporate some background music or games to keep the atmosphere lively.
Favorite Things Party tips
- Setting a budget helps your guests know how much each gift should cost. If your budget is $5 per gift, you will get much different items than if your budget is set at $20 per gift. This helps people know how much to spend on their favorite things.
- Decide if you want the gifts to be a surprise and wrapped or for people to admire them before choosing. I think unwrapping them is part of the fun, but that is really up to the hostess.
- Most Importantly, Have Fun! This party is about sharing passions and discovering new things.
By the end, everyone leaves with a small collection of new favorite things inspired by their friend’s recommendations!
It’s a great way to discover hidden gems and share unique finds in a fun and social setting.
Looking for other fun party ideas? Check out these fun posts.