How to Host a Favorite Things Party: Ideas, Gifts & Fun Tips
Looking for a fun and creative way to celebrate with friends? A Favorite Things Party is the perfect excuse to get together, share your must-have items, and discover new favorites from everyone else! Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a girls’ night, this party theme is all about connection, laughter, and thoughtful gifts.
Just like these Adult Christmas Party Themes, this party is a holiday favorite!
And if you’re looking for more gift ideas, check out this favorite things gift idea list.
What Is a Favorite Things Party?
A Favorite Things Party is a fun gift exchange where each guest brings a few of their favorite items to share with the group.
Think of it as a mix between a gift swap and show-and-tell! Each person chooses a small item they absolutely love—something they use all the time or can’t live without—and brings multiple of the same item to give away.
Here’s how it usually works:
- Each guest chooses one favorite item, like a cozy candle, a beauty product, or a kitchen gadget.
- They bring 2–5 of the same item (you can choose the number and set a price limit—usually $5–$20 each).
- Everyone takes turns sharing what they brought and why it’s their favorite.
- Guests then draw names or numbers to determine who gets each gift!
By the end, everyone leaves with a few new “favorite things” to try!
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How to Plan a Favorite Things Party
Planning this type of party is super easy and totally customizable. Here’s how to get started:
1. Choose a Theme or Occasion
You can host a favorite things party for just about anything—girls’ night, Christmas or even a cozy winter get-together. While this is typically a Christmas-themed party, it can be hosted at any time of the year, like Galentine’s Day!
A theme makes it more fun! Try:
- Self-care favorites
- Kitchen must-haves
- Beauty and skincare essentials
- Holiday favorites
2. Set a Budget
Decide on a spending limit to keep things fair and affordable. Common budgets are:
- $5 gifts (budget-friendly fun)
- $10–$15 (perfect for a mix of nice items)
- $20+ (if you want to splurge a little)
3. Invite Your Guests
Send cute invitations—digital or paper! Be sure to include:
- The date, time, and location
- How many of the same gifts to bring
- The price limit
- Whether there’s a theme
4. Plan the Food & Drinks
Keep it simple and fun! You can:
First, print these fun Favorite Fun Party Signs.
- Set up a Christmas Charcuterie Board or grazing table
- Offer signature cocktails or mocktails
- Serve Christmas Desserts or finger foods
You could even ask each guest to bring one of their favorite snacks or drinks to share!
5. Exchange & Share
When it’s time for the gift exchange, have everyone explain why they chose their item—it’s always fun to hear why something made their “favorites” list.
Then do a random draw, play a swapping game, or hand them out directly to keep things lively!
Favorite Things Gift Ideas & Examples
Need some inspiration? Here are some crowd-pleasing favorite things that always go over well:
Gift Favorites $10 – $15
- Cute coffee mugs or tumblers
- Cozy socks or fuzzy slippers
- Lip balm or mini hand lotion sets
- Nail polish
Gift Favorites $15 – $20
- Candles (seasonal scents are always a hit)
- Fun kitchen gadgets (like a mini whisk or garlic chopper)
- Small home décor items (like a plant or picture frame)
- Journals or notepads with pens
- Makeup brushes or hair accessories
Gift Favorites $20+
- Bath salts or spa gift sets
- Cozy throw blankets
- Wireless phone chargers
- Trendy tumblers (Stanley dupes, anyone?)
- Cute tote bags or crossbody purses
The best part is choosing something you truly love—because chances are, everyone else will love it too!
Invitations & Party Details
You can send digital invitations via Evite, Canva or go old-school with cute printed invites.
Include these details:
- Date, time, and location
- How many gifts to bring
- The price limit
- Any theme (like “cozy favorites” or “holiday favorites”)
- RSVP info
If you want to get creative, design invites with a “favorites” checklist theme or include a spot where guests can write a few of their current favorite things to share at the party.
Favorite Things Party Decorations
Decor doesn’t have to be complicated! Stick with a cozy, welcoming vibe that fits your theme.
Decoration Ideas
- Color palette: Pick soft neutrals, pastels, or classic gold and white for an elegant look. These party signs are perfect!
- Balloon garland or backdrop: Create a simple photo area with a “My Favorite Things” banner.
- Table setup: Display gifts on a long table with a sign “Our Favorite Things” so guests can admire all the items before the exchange.
- Candles, fairy lights, or string lights: Add a warm, twinkly glow.
- Flowers or greenery: Small vases or faux stems create a beautiful centerpiece.
If you’re hosting around the holidays, add festive touches like ornaments, twinkle lights, or a hot cocoa bar!
Favorite Things Party FAQs
Q: How many people should I invite?
A: 6–10 guests is ideal—it’s enough for variety without the exchange getting too long.
Q: How do you handle the gift exchange?
A: There are a few ways to do it:
When each guest arrives, have them write their name on two slips of paper and place them in a bowl. If each person brought two gifts, then there would be two complete rounds. Place all wrapped gifts on a table and have each person tell why they brought their favorite thing.
Have each person draw a number, and in numerical order, gifts are selected. Then do the same for round two. Each person keeps the gifts they selected, without exchanging or stealing.
Second Favorite Things Party Rules Option
If you’re doing a Dirty Santa–style exchange with a large group, have everyone bring their gifts already wrapped. Guests draw numbers to determine the order, then take turns picking a present or swiping one from someone else. After a gift is opened, the person who brought it explains why it’s one of their favorites.
The exact rules can differ, but most versions allow each gift to be stolen only twice, and you can’t grab back a gift right after it’s taken from you. The person who opened the very first present usually gets the final chance to steal before all gifts are finalized.
This can be a lot of fun and prolong the party’s exchange part!
Third Favorite Things Party Rules Option
For a small party group of five or less: have each guest bring a gift for each person at a $5 or $10 price point, and gift each person a “favorite thing!”
Q: Should gifts be wrapped or unwrapped?
A: Either works! Wrapped gifts are more of a surprise, while unwrapped ones make it easy for everyone to see all the goodies.
Q: Can you host a virtual favorite things party?
A: Absolutely! For anyone who can’t attend in person, have them mail their gifts ahead of time and meet on Zoom for the “reveal” portion.
Favorite Things Party Ideas
Have a party where everyone shares their favorite things. These ideas show fun gifts, drinks, and treats that guests will enjoy and remember.
Favorite Things Party Signs make a Christmas gift exchange easy to run and easy to enjoy. This printable set comes with signs for welcome, drinks, food, favors, and game rules so guests always know what to do.
Bring your party plans together with a cute and easy Favorite Things party invitation. Soft holiday colors, gift art, and sweet seasonal details help set the mood before guests even arrive.
A festive Christmas charcuterie board is full of easy snack foods that look nice on the table. It has rolled meats, soft and sliced cheese, fresh fruit, and olives for a mix of sweet and salty bites!
Cubes of cheese, sliced meats, fresh berries, olives, and nuts are shaped like a little tree and topped with a cheese star. A great pick for Favorite Things parties where guests love to snack and share.
Tequila, white cranberry juice, and triple sec give a clean, crisp taste that feels both cool and bold. A salt rim, fresh lime, and rosemary make the glass look dressed up without much work.
Sweet pomegranate and tart cranberry give each sip a bold, fresh taste that feels just right for a holiday crowd. Serve in clear glasses so the bold color can shine and catch every eye.
Sweet and tart cranberry flavor pairs well with a light vodka kick. Sugared cranberries on top add a sweet crunch that stands out on the table.
Make a fun holiday snack called Reindeer Chow. It has chocolate, cookies, pretzels, and red and green candies. It is crunchy, sweet, and colorful. Great for sharing at a Favorite Things party or giving as a little gift.
Each cookie is light, buttery, and melts in your mouth. Topped with a Hershey’s Kiss, they look bright and festive, perfect for a favorite things party.
Make your party sweet and special with a creamy peppermint cheesecake everyone will love. The filling is smooth and rich with cream cheese, heavy cream, sugar, and a hint of vanilla and lemon.
Easy to use and adds a cheerful touch to gifts or party favors. Kids and adults will love the sweet, snowy design on each candy bar.
Soft vanilla cupcakes are topped with fluffy marshmallow buttercream that melts in your mouth. Each cupcake becomes a snowman using marshmallows, fondant, and a little edible pen for the face.
Soft wheat bread is topped with a creamy mix of cream cheese, garlic, and dill, then layered with crisp cucumber slices shaped like little Christmas trees.
A fresh twist on a classic, this Christmas Mojito mixes mint, lime, and cranberry juice with white rum and PAMA pomegranate liqueur.
The Christmas Tree Cheese Ball is a fun snack that looks like a holiday tree. Cream cheese and Boursin mix smooth and creamy, while olives add a salty bite.
Soft cream cheese is shaped into a snowman and rolled in Parmesan cheese for a light, cheesy bite!
Hard-boiled eggs get a creamy filling of mayo and mustard. Easy to make, tasty to eat, and great for a holiday party table.
Each bite has rich cream cheese, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, tender artichokes, and a hint of pesto. Top it with chopped nuts and parsley for a simple snack!
Soft crescent roll dough wraps around rich pesto, sweet roasted red peppers, and sharp parmesan cheese, creating little savory bites everyone will enjoy.
Lime jello is mixed with vodka and a little brown food color. The jello is shaped like a small Christmas tree.
You can make special snacks like Christmas Tree Cupcakes, using chocolate cupcakes, creamy buttercream, and colorful candy melts.
Soft, chocolatey brownie bites are topped with fluffy whipped cream and a fresh red strawberry to look like a tiny Santa hat. Kids and adults will love grabbing these festive, bite-sized treats.
Pretzel sticks form the snowman’s body while white and dark chocolate melts for a rich, creamy coating. Candy eyes, carrot-shaped sprinkles, and black gel create a cute face and buttons.
Sandwich-sized bags hold chocolate kisses and other sweet treats, while cardstock toppers can be decorated with names or little messages.
Santa Charcuterie Board is a tasty and easy snack idea for a Favorite Things Party. Salami, cheeses, crackers, nuts, and fruits are arranged in a fun Santa design.
They mix chocolate, peppermint, and a little alcohol for a fun twist. Topped with whipped cream, mini chocolate chips, and crushed candy canes!
Creamy coconut milk mixes with rum, sugar, and lime for a sweet and tangy drink. Top with pomegranate arils for a festive look that will impress guests and make your party feel extra special.
Final Thoughts
A Favorite Things Party is the perfect way to celebrate friendship, laughter, and thoughtful little treasures. Whether you’re hosting during the holidays or just want an excuse to gather with friends, it’s easy to plan, full of personal touches, and guaranteed to make everyone smile.
So grab your favorite things, a cute invitation, and a few decorations—then get ready for one of the most fun (and gift-filled) parties of the year!
Susan B
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