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A Favorite Things Party is a simple and fun way to celebrate the people you love while swapping gifts you know everyone will actually use. Instead of stressing over finding the “perfect” present, guests share their tried-and-true favorites, making every gift feel more personal and meaningful. Whether you’re throwing a holiday party, celebrating a birthday, like a 21st or 40th birthday, or just gathering your girlfriends for a fun night at home, a Favorite Things Party turns gift-giving into a celebration of bonding, surprises, and fun!

How to host a Favorite Things Party on www.prettymyparty.com.

Table of contents

What is a favorite things party?

A Favorite Things Party is a gift exchange where each guest brings a set number of their favorite items (usually two or three of the same thing) to share with the group. These items can be anything from a favorite candle, snack, or beauty product to a cozy pair of socks or a favorite kitchen gadget. During the party, everyone explains why they love their item before giving it to other guests. It’s a low-pressure, high-fun event that leaves everyone with a handful of curated gifts and a long list of new favorites to try.

4-week planning timeline for a favorite things party

Planning a Favorite Things Party is easy when you break it down week by week. Here’s a simple timeline to keep everything on track:

Week 4: Decide on the basics

Pick your date, build your guest list, and set a comfortable budget for food, drinks, and party supplies. This is also the time to decide how many favorite things each guest should bring.

Week 3: Send invites and choose a theme

Decide if you want to send a stylish, printable invite or digital invitations. Pick a theme or color palette to tie your decor together and make the party feel chic and girly.

Week 2: Decor and menu planning

Order or make any decorations and party printables you’ll need. Start planning a simple menu that fits your vibe, whether it’s appetizers, a dessert bar, or a full meal.

Week 1: Confirm details

Follow up on RSVPs so you have a final headcount. Shop for food, drinks, and any last-minute supplies you’ll need for setup and hosting.

Day of: Party prep

Set up your space, add your final touches, and have an easy cleanup plan ready to go. Then get ready to relax and have fun!

Budgeting and cost breakdowns

No matter your budget, planning ahead makes hosting a Favorite Things Party stress-free. Here’s a simple guide to help you manage costs, choose where to DIY, and decide when it’s worth it to splurge.

No need to guess what you’ll spend—here’s a realistic budget breakdown to help you plan your Favorite Things Party with ease.

Sample budget (per guest and total)

For a Favorite Things Party in 2025, you can expect to spend around $30 per guest, depending on how simple or elaborate you want your setup to be. Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Invitations: Digital invites are a great free option, keeping costs at $0.
  • Food and drinks: Plan about $15 per guest if you’re serving appetizers, drinks, and a small dessert selection.
  • Party favors or small gifts: Budget around $7 per guest for a thoughtful takeaway or extra treat.
  • Decor and printables: Expect to spend about $5 per guest if you’re mixing DIY decor with a few purchased items.
  • Supplies: Plates, cups, napkins, and other basics will add about $3 per guest.

For a party of 10 guests, your total budget would be around $300. Adjust up or down depending on your guest list and how much you want to DIY or splurge.

Pro Tip

When you’re budgeting, build in a small buffer—about 10 to 15%—for last-minute extras like food, decor tweaks, or supplies you didn’t think of. It keeps you flexible and helps avoid any day-of surprises.

With your budget in place, you can start picking what to DIY and where it’s worth treating yourself to a few splurges.

DIY decor hacks vs. splurge items

Save with DIY:

  • Create your own signs, menus, and tags with free or low-cost templates on Canva.
  • Use candles, string lights, and greenery you already have for cozy, budget-friendly decor.
  • Set up a self-serve snack or drink station or make it a pot luck to cut costs.

Where to splurge

  • Upgrade with a few statement decor pieces, like a custom backdrop or big floral arrangement.
  • Order specialty desserts if you want an eye-catching sweets table.
  • A pro (or even a DIY photo booth) can help capture all the fun without anyone having to play photographer all night.
  • Splurge on premium alcohol, a champagne bar, or a mixologist for a fun, upscale touch your guests will love.

A little creativity goes a long way. Mixing DIY details with a few special touches helps your Favorite Things Party feel high-end without overspending.

Invitations and RSVPs for a Favorite Things Party

Sending out themed invitations sets the tone for your Favorite Things Party, and it’s easier than ever to keep it simple and fun. You can do digital invites or find printable ones on sites like Etsy. The key is giving guests all the important information they’ll need to get excited and come prepared.

Sample invitation wording

Here’s an easy example you can customize for your party:

You’re invited to a Favorite Things Party!

Bring 3 of your favorite items under $25 to share with friends. Make sure they are three of the same item.

Date: Friday, June 21, 2025
Time: 7–9 pm EST
Location: 123 Main Street, Miami

We’ll have snacks, drinks, and plenty of fun. Let us know if you can make it by June 14!

Tip: Make sure to include how many items to bring, a price limit (if you have one), and any theme details.

Digital tools vs. printable options

Digital invitations

If you want fast, easy RSVPs, digital invites are the way to go. Platforms like Evite, Paperless Post, and even group texts or email invites make it simple to send updates, track guest lists, and even add a little party flair with themed templates.

Printable invitations

If you love a hands-on, personal touch, printable invites are a fun option. You can design your own or grab a ready-to-use template on Canva. Printed invitations are perfect if you’re hand-delivering them or want a keepsake for a special occasion like a milestone birthday or holiday gathering.

Pro Tip

Send a reminder two to three days before the party with a quick note about what to bring, the start time, and anything else guests should know. A little reminder keeps excitement high and helps avoid last-minute questions.

Whatever you choose, sending invites at least three to four weeks in advance gives guests plenty of time to RSVP and shop for their favorite things.

Choosing your Favorite Things Party theme and decor

Choosing a theme for your Favorite Things Party adds a personal touch and makes planning your decor even easier. You don’t need to go over the top. A few thoughtful details can tie everything together and make the night feel special.

Seasonal theme ideas

Picking a theme based on the season is a simple way to make your party festive. Here are a few ideas:

  • Spring garden party: Organize a spring garden themed party. Fresh flowers, pastel colors, and light snacks like fruit trays and lemonade.
  • Cozy winter gathering: You can plan a winter wonderland theme with twinkle lights, plaid throws, hot cocoa bar, and mini comfort food bites.
  • Summer backyard bash: The theme could be a luau with string lights, bright colors, tropical decor and drinks, and a laid-back BBQ menu.
  • Fall favorites night: Pumpkin accents, warm-toned decor, apple cider cocktails, and a pie-tasting table.

You can also choose a theme based on your group’s shared interests—like a spa night, coffee-lovers party, or favorite book club picks!

Easy DIY centerpiece and signage ideas

You don’t need to spend a fortune to make your party look nice. Here are a few easy DIY ideas:

  • Centerpieces: Use mason jars filled with fresh flowers, mini succulents, or colorful candy that matches your theme. Arrange them down the center of the table or in clusters around the room.
  • Signage: Create or buy simple signs like “Welcome,” “Take One,” or “Favorite Things Here!” Print them out and pop them into frames you already own, or string them up with clothespins and twine.

Focusing on just a few eye-catching pieces, like a pretty table setup or a cozy drink station.

Gift-exchange rules for a Favorite Things Party

One of the best parts of a Favorite Things Party is how flexible the gift exchange can be. You can keep it classic or mix it up based on your group’s style and vibe.

Gift exchange styles

Classic exchange

Each guest brings a set number of their favorite item (usually two or three identical gifts). During the party, everyone shares why they love their item, then draws names or numbers to decide who gets which gift.

Unwrapped swap

Skip the wrapping and display all the favorite things on a table. Guests take turns picking items based on a random draw or fun game (like trivia questions or mini challenges).

Wrapped surprise

Have guests wrap their gifts so no one knows what they’re choosing. It adds a fun element of mystery when everyone sees what they picked!

Virtual favorite things party

Hosting from afar? Guests can mail their favorite things to each other ahead of time, then hop on a video call to swap stories and open gifts together.

Price-limit guidelines

Setting a clear price limit helps keep things fair and low-stress for everyone. A typical range is $10 to $25 per item, depending on your group’s comfort level. Make sure to include the limit on your invitation so guests have time to find something perfect.

Communication tips: Include all the must-know details in your invite—how many gifts to bring, the price limit, and any theme guidelines.

Remind guests that it’s about sharing something you love, not finding the “perfect” trendy gift.
A few days before the party, send a quick reminder with a checklist so no one forgets what to bring.

Curated gift ideas by category

One of the best parts of a Favorite Things Party is discovering new must-haves you might have never found on your own. If you’re stuck on what to bring, here’s a roundup of favorite gift ideas by category with examples to get you started.

Beauty and self-care

Share your go-to products that make every day feel a little more special.

Gift ideas:

Home and decor

Help friends cozy up their spaces with thoughtful finds.

Gift ideas:

Food and drink

Edible gifts are always a crowd-pleaser, especially when they’re favorites!

Gift ideas:

Tech and gadgets

Share gadgets and little things that make life easier.

Gift ideas:

Pro tip: The best gifts at a Favorite Things Party are the ones you genuinely love and use yourself. Pick something you’d be excited to give, and even more excited to get!

Food and drink ideas for a Favorite Things Party

Good food and drinks make your Favorite Things Party even more memorable—and setting up self-serve stations keeps it simple for you and fun for guests. Here’s how to plan a menu that fits your style without the stress.

Menu ideas for easy party setups

Finger foods:
Keep things light and easy to grab.

Dessert bars:
A sweet ending that everyone will love.

Mocktail/cocktail stations:
Set up a drink table where guests can mix their own.

  • Sparkling water, lemonade, and soda mixers
  • Garnishes like fresh berries, mint, and citrus slices
  • Spirits like vodka, gin, or tequila for cocktails
  • Recipe cards for a signature drink or two (like a favorite sangria or mojito)

Tip: Pre-batch a signature cocktail or mocktail in a pitcher or large beverage dispenser to make serving even easier.

Dietary-restriction labels and allergen-friendly tips

Be sure to offer a few options for guests with dietary restrictions or allergies so everyone can join in comfortably.

  • Label each food and drink item clearly—especially if it contains common allergens like nuts, dairy, or gluten.
  • Include a few vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free options on your menu (even just one or two choices makes a big difference).
  • Keep ingredient lists handy if anyone needs to double-check.

Pro Tip

Little tent cards or mini chalkboard signs make it easy to label dishes and add a cute, polished touch to your setup.

Games for a Favorite Things Party

Party games and icebreakers are a great way to keep the energy up and help guests bond—especially if not everyone knows each other. Here are simple ideas that work for in-person and virtual Favorite Things Parties.

Fun game ideas for your party

Printable Scattergories-style sheets

Create a quick game sheet where guests list favorite things that match certain categories (like “favorite snack,” “favorite self-care item,” “favorite tech gadget”). Set a timer for 5 minutes and see who can fill in the most answers.

Example categories:

  • Favorite beauty product
  • Favorite guilty-pleasure snack
  • Favorite binge-worthy show
  • Favorite must-have for travel

Speed sharing: Pair up guests and give them 2 minutes each to share a favorite item they brought—or just a personal favorite story. Then rotate partners and repeat. It’s fast, fun, and sparks tons of new conversations.

Digital polls

Use tools like Poll Everywhere or Slido to run live polls like “What’s your ultimate can’t-live-without product?” or “Best snack ever?” during the party. Share results instantly for a good laugh.

Virtual-friendly versions

Hosting a virtual Favorite Things Party? These games work just as well online:

Zoom breakout rooms: Split guests into smaller breakout groups for 5-minute mini games like sharing their favorite thing, showing it on camera, and telling the story behind it.

Kahoot quizzes: Create a Kahoot trivia game themed around favorite things—like guessing the most popular snacks, beauty products, TV shows, or past gift favorites from your group. Bonus points if you personalize it with inside jokes!

Game prizes that guests will love

Add a little extra excitement by offering simple prizes for your game winners! Here are a few easy ideas:

  • A mini gift card (like $5 to Starbucks or Target)
  • A cute candle or small self-care item
  • A fun snack pack or gourmet chocolate bar
  • A cozy pair of socks or a cute mug
  • A bundle of stationery or colorful pens

Pro tip: Keep prizes small, fun, and in the same spirit as the party—little favorites that make people smile.

Social media and photo ideas for a Favorite Things Party

Capturing the fun is part of the magic, and making it easy for guests to snap and share photos keeps the energy going long after the party ends. Here’s how to make it simple and social-media ready without a lot of extra work.

Party hashtag ideas

Create a custom party hashtag so everyone can easily find and share their photos afterward. Keep it short, fun, and easy to spell. Here are a few ideas to spark inspiration:

  • #MyFavoriteThingsParty
  • #FavoriteFindsFest
  • #FavoritesAndFriends
  • #SwapAndShareParty
  • #FaveThingsBash2025

Tip: Print a small sign with your hashtag and place it near your photo area or food station to remind guests to tag their pics.

DIY photo booth backdrop ideas

Set up a simple, stylish space where guests can snap photos together. It doesn’t need to be complicated!

Add a few props like mini chalkboards, fun photo props, heart sunglasses, or colorful boas for extra fun.

Mobile lighting hacks

Good lighting makes all the difference in party pics! Here’s how to get bright, flattering shots without a pro photographer:

  • Use natural light: Set your photo booth area near a window if you’re partying during the day.
  • Ring light setup: Invest in an affordable ring light to instantly upgrade your indoor lighting.
  • Clip-on selfie lights: Offer a few mobile selfie lights that guests can clip onto their phones for easy, on-the-go brightness.
  • Bounce light: Place a white foam board opposite a light source to help bounce light back onto faces for softer, more even photos.

Make your Favorite Things Party an annual tradition

Once you’ve hosted your first Favorite Things Party, it’s easy to turn it into a yearly event everyone looks forward to. Here’s how to keep the tradition going:

  • Pick a signature time of year: Host it every December as a fun holiday kick-off, or every spring to celebrate fresh starts.
  • Switch up the theme: Keep things fresh by rotating themes like self-care favorites, kitchen must-haves, or favorite local finds each year.
  • Invite new faces: Mix up the guest list by encouraging friends to bring someone new next time.
  • Create a keepsake: Save a group photo or write down everyone’s favorite picks from each year. It’s a simple way to see how tastes (and friendships) grow over time.

The best part? Each Favorite Things Party gets easier and more fun as your tradition builds. Start with this first one, and you’ll create memories that only get sweeter every year.

Favorite Things Party FAQs

Planning your first Favorite Things Party? Here are the most common questions people have and quick answers so you can host your party like a pro.

1. What’s a good budget for a Favorite Things Party?

Most parties set a price limit between $10 and $25 per item. Choose a range that feels comfortable for your group. Make sure to mention the limit clearly on your invitation so everyone’s on the same page.

2. How many people should you invite?

Favorite Things Parties usually work best with 6 to 15 guests. Small groups keep the gift swap feeling personal and manageable. If you’re planning a bigger bash, consider breaking guests into smaller swap groups.

3. Do you have to wrap the gifts?

It’s totally up to you! Some parties have guests wrap the gifts to add a fun element of surprise. Others keep gifts unwrapped so everyone can see and choose. Pick the style that fits your party vibe best—and let guests know ahead of time.

4. How do you explain a Favorite Things Party to guests who haven’t heard of it?

Keep it simple! Tell guests it’s a gift-sharing party where everyone brings a few of their favorite items to swap. Each person brings multiples of the same item (usually two or three), shares why they love it, and leaves with new favorites from friends. It’s low-stress, fun, and all about sharing things you genuinely love.

5. Can kids come to a Favorite Things Party?

Absolutely—if you want! Some hosts plan a separate kid-friendly version with smaller, inexpensive gifts like toys, books, or treats. If you’re keeping it adults-only, make sure to mention that clearly on the invitation so guests can plan ahead.

6. What if a guest forgets to bring their gifts?

It happens! Have a few extra simple gifts (like a candle or cute notebook) on hand just in case. You can also offer to let them join in the swapping fun anyway—it’s more about the experience than perfection.

7. How long should a Favorite Things Party last?

Most parties last around 2 to 3 hours. Plan enough time for snacking, chatting, playing a few games, and doing the gift swap without feeling rushed.

A Favorite Things Party is more than just a gift swap—it’s a simple, meaningful way to celebrate connection, share a little joy, and discover new favorites together. With a little planning and a few thoughtful touches, you’ll create a night your guests will talk about long after the party ends.

Ready to plan your Favorite Things Party? Start now and get ready for a night of fun and surprises.

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