How to Host a Favorite Things Party

For the last six years, I have been hosting a Favorite Things Party for the holidays.  It is one of my favorite parties I host all year!  I realized in all the years I’ve been hosting this party I’ve never shared details for How to Host a Favorite Things Party so you can join in the fun too.

To be completely honest one of the reasons why I’ve never shared details about this party is because it’s the one party I work hard to be completely present.  Spending quality time with my girlfriends can be rare, especially with all of our busy schedules. So, I put my phone and camera away and focus on creating an inviting space and an evening filled with good times.  This year I managed to snap a few photos and decided it was high time I shared the secret of how to host a Favorite Things Party with you so you can join in the fun!

What is a Favorite Things Party?

If you’ve never heard of it, a Favorite Things party is similar to a White Elephant gift exchange – but more fun, all women, and actual gifts you want to take home. There are several ways you can choose to exchange gifts.  For the past few years at our party, each guest brings two different wrapped gifts with their favorite things to exchange. 

What to Bring to a Favorite Things Party

GIFT – Each girl brings 2 gifts of their favorite things, and will go home with 2 gifts from their friends’ favorite things!  Guests are encouraged to bring two different gifts so there are lots of fun new gifts and products to discover.

Our price limit was $25 per gift. You can set the limit at whatever works for your group, or you could simply do one gift at a higher value.

Another option, which I haven’t tried yet, is to have guests bring 3 identical gifts. Have guests write their name on 3 different pieces of paper. In numerical order, take turns selecting three names out of the bowl.  Those three people would get the “drawers,” three favorite things! That gift is yours to keep, no swapping, or stealing.

FOOD/DRINK – In addition to gifts, each guest is encouraged to bring their favorite appetizer or dessert to share.  This year I ordered individual charcuterie boxes from The Board Lady and it was one of my favorite things I’ve ever served at a party.  These little boxes were such a hit, I am certain that they will be making an appearance and many more celebrations in the future!

How to Exchange Gifts

As guests arrive they draw a number, which will indicate the order which they get to select their gift.  Person number 1 will choose the first gift and unwrap it.  They show the group what they received so everyone knows what is up for grabs.

Then, the next number in line has the option to steal a gift or select from the pile of unwrapped gifts.  

We allow the gift to be stolen twice before it is frozen and can no longer be stolen.  Stealing gifts is part of the fun!  It’s also so much fun to see what gifts were the biggest hit that year based on how coveted it is from the group.

Favorite Things Gift Ideas

Sometimes coming up with a gift to take to a Favorite Things Party can be a challenge, especially if you have been doing it for a while.  I’ve compiled a list of some of the gifts that have been the biggest hit over the years at our Favorite Things Party.  

Capri Blue Volcano Candle – This is everyone’s favorite candle and even though it’s made an appearance a few years in a row, it’s always a hit.

Yeti Wine Tumbler – These wine glasses keep your wine at the perfect temperature.  Paired with your favorite bottle of wine this is always a popular gift.

Red Aspen Nail Dashes – This was a new gift this year and one I personally love.  I am obsessed with these pop-on nails and after our party, I’m pretty sure my friends will be too!

Buxom Mascara – Everyone has a make-up item they swear by and my friends are pretty passionate about their mascara. Paired with a gift card to Sephora this was a popular gift that was quickly stolen.

Aerie Hugger Leggings – These leggings are the absolute best!  They provide all the support you need but feel like a warm cozy hug.  They are seriously my favorite leggings, so I brought a gift card to Aerie so my friends could go get their own.

Nickel & Suede Leather Earrings – These are pretty and comfortable statement earrings. They’re “lightweight and life-changing” according to my friends.

Fashion Shoulder Bag – This was a new addition this year and it was highly coveted.  Everyone wanted to go home with this bag.  This cute fashion backpack purse is perfect for a weekend getaway bag, shopping or outdoor activities.  It’s cute casual and ideal for carrying all your daily essentials

C.C. Beanie Hat –  This cute pom beanie hat is the perfect accessory to keep warm all winter long. Pair it with your favorite beauty product for a great gift your fashionista friends will love.

Magnetic Wrap Bracelet – This was another gift that has made an appearance for more than one year and it’s still a winner.  This trendy accessory goes with any outfit and looks great whether you are wearing a casual pair of jeans or a sparkly dress.

The absolute best part of this party is sitting back and watching my favorite people laugh and relax during such a busy season.  It’s a night I look forward to as soon as the holiday season starts and a tradition I’m happy to carry on year after year!