Want to throw a unique party to have fun with friends, family or neighbors? A Favorite Things Party might be just what you need! This interesting party idea brings your group of friends together to share favorite items and everyone leaves with something new and exciting.
In this guide, CustomAny will walk you through just 6 simple steps to throw a perfect Favorite Things Party. This comprehensive guide also provides you with fun ideas to ensure a memorable event! Keep reading to find out the right steps to host a Perfect Favorite Things.
What is a Favorite Things party?
A Favorite Things Party is a fun and interactive event where guests share and exchange items they love. It’s a creative twist on gift-giving, with a few simple guidelines:
- Each guest brings a set number of their favorite item (usually 3-5 of the same item).
- These items are often inexpensive, with a price limit such as $5, $10 to $25 or a little more.
- The favorite things can be anything the guest enjoys and thinks others will like, such as snacks or sweets, beauty products, kitchen gadgets, small accessories…
At the party, each guest takes turns sharing why he or she loves the chosen item before swapping gifts. After the Favorite Things party, everyone leaves with new goodies, making it a fun way to discover new products and enjoy each other’s favorite things.
6 steps to throw a perfect Favorite Things Party
Throwing a Favorite Things Party can be a lot easier and more fun than you might think! Just follow these 6 simple steps to plan such an event that everyone will enjoy.
Step 1: Set the Theme & Budget for your Favorite things party
To get started, decide if you want a theme for your Favorite Things Party. A theme can add a fun twist and help guide guests on what to bring. Some popular theme ideas include:
- Beauty products for skincare and makeup lovers
- Snacks for foodies
- Self-care items for relaxation
- Home decor for those who love decorating
You can also go for specific themes like:
- Luxury on a Budget
- All Things Cozy
- Summer Essentials
- …
However, you don’t have to choose a theme—guests can bring anything they love if you prefer a more flexible approach.
Next, set a budget for the gifts.
You should choose a price limit, such as under $10 or $20. This step keeps things affordable and makes the Favorite Things Party fun, fair, and stress-free for all.
Step 2: Create the Guest List and Invitations
Create guest list
Choosing the right guest list is a must.
How many people can you comfortably host based on the space and the type of gathering you want? A group of 8-12 guests is typically ideal for a fun, yet intimate gathering because it allows everyone a chance to share and connect.
Making invitations
Once your guest list is ready, it’s time to send out the invitations.
Digital invitations:
For a Favorite Things Party, ready-made cards may not fit well if you’ve chosen a specific theme. Instead, consider using digital invitations, which you can easily design through platforms like Canva or Paperless Post. These options let you customize the invite to match your theme and get your guests excited for the event.
Do it yourself
If you prefer a more personal touch, DIY invitations are a great option. You can craft your own cards with basic supplies and include fun details, such as using our custom stickers to match the theme.
Note
Make sure your invitations include all the important details:
- Date
- Time
- Location
- Party theme
- Budget for the items
- How many to bring
Don’t forget to ask your guests to RSVP so you can plan accordingly and ensure your Favorite Things Party runs smoothly!
Step 3: Decorate your Favorite party things
The right decorations can elevate the mood of your Favorite Things Party and make the event even more enjoyable.
Where to throw the party?
First, choose a cozy and comfortable venue for the gift exchange. It can be:
- Your living room
- Your backyard
- A rented space (like a small cafe)
The key is to create a welcoming atmosphere where guests can relax and have fun.
Let’s talk about decoration
For decor, you should keep things simple but showing your appreciation and thoughtful gestures:
- Place a welcome sign at the entrance that says “Welcome to [Your Name]’s Favorite Things Party!” You can use UV DTF transfer stickers, which work best for intricate and lettering designs, for personalized this sign. Besides, add cute icons or images of favorite things, such as a heart, a book, or coffee cup, to give it a fun and welcoming touch.
- Set up a chalkboard or large poster where guests can write down or display their favorite things. You could write prompts like “Share your favorite food”, “Favorite hobby” or “Best guilty pleasure”…
- Set up a display table where everyone can show off their favorite things before the exchange.
- Add decorations like string lights, flower arrangements, or a personalized “Favorite Things Party” banner to make the space more festive.
- Set up a photo booth with themed props related to popular favorite things: oversized sunglasses, a mock coffee cup, or a mini shopping bag. This adds a playful activity while also making great keepsakes for guests.
Tips
It will be thoughtful if you provide guests with cute gift bags or baskets to collect their items. To add a personal touch, tag each bag with custom die-cut stickers that match the theme or include the guest’s name.
When it comes to decoration for a Favorite Things party, you don’t need to go overboard. These small but suitable details will make your Favorite Things Party feel special and organized.
Step 4: Decide on Party Food & Drinks
Another step in throwing a Favorite Things party is deciding on what to serve at the party.. You should plan a simple menu but ensure that it matches the atmosphere of the event. We recommend finger foods which are easy and fun to eat and bite-sized desserts that add a sweet touch to the party.
- Sliders
- Mini sandwiches
- Mini pizzas
- Charcuterie boards
- Popcorns
- Chocolate-covered treats
- Cupcakes
- Cookies
- Macarons
- …
If your Favorite Things Party has a specific theme, tailor the menu accordingly. For example:
- For a “Summer Essentials” theme, you could serve refreshing fruit platters and iced lemonade.
- For an “All Things Cozy” theme, offer hot cocoa and warm pastries.
Want a unique touch? You can create a “Favorite Things” cocktail station where guests can customize their drinks by adding their favorite ingredients to a basic cocktail or mocktail. This interactive option makes the event feel personalized and fun while keeping the food and drink menu simple.
Step 5: Gift Exchange and Fun Games
The gift exchange is the heart of your Favorite Things Party. Here’s how it works:
- Each guest brings 3-5 of the same item to share with others.
- Set aside time for each guest to present their gift, explain why it’s their favorite, and share a short story about what makes it special.
- After the presentation, other guests take turns choosing one of the items.
To keep things lively, add a fun game to the mix:
- Play “Two Truths and a Lie” or “Never Have I Ever” to get guests chatting about the gifts they brought. These icebreakers can add laughter and help everyone feel more connected.
The combination of the gift exchange and light games will make your Favorite Things Party both meaningful and entertaining, ensuring guests have a great time.
Step 6: Send Guests Home with Party Favors
Last step – Let’s send your guests home with a small thank-you gift. This gift will add a thoughtful impression to your Favorite Things Party. Here are some ideas for memorable parting gifts:
- A mini version of one of your favorite items
- A small treat or souvenir that ties into the party theme
Tips:
Consider providing custom tote bags or mason jars filled with sweet treats or small goodies.
At this last step, one small yet thoughtful favor will leave a large impression and remind everyone of the good times shared in your Favorite Things party.
Let’s party
Hosting a Favorite Things Party is a fun and easy way to bring friends together and share items everyone loves. By following these 6 simple steps, we are sure you can create a memorable experience for your guests, full of laughter, great conversations, and thoughtful gifts.
If you need more inspiration for what to bring or give at your event, check out our related blog post, “Top 20 Favorite Things Party Gift Ideas,” for unique and fun suggestions.
