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Why You Should Plan a Favorite Things Party (and How to Make It Unforgettable)

There’s a reason Favorite Things Parties have been growing in popularity—and it’s not just because of Oprah. These fun, festive gatherings are a perfect blend of gift-giving, community, and personal flair. Whether you're hosting for your closest friends, coworkers, or clients, a Favorite Things Party is a memorable way to celebrate connection, share beloved items, and discover new favorites.

If you’ve never hosted or attended one before, here’s everything you need to know about why you should plan a Favorite Things Party—and how to do it well.

What Is a Favorite Things Party?

A Favorite Things Party is part gift exchange, part show-and-tell, and all about celebrating the small joys we love. The idea is simple:

  • Each guest brings a few (usually 3–5) identical items that are one of their personal “favorite things”—something they use, love, or swear by.

  • The item must fall under a certain price point, often $10–$30.

  • Everyone takes turns sharing what they brought and why they love it.

  • Guests draw names and go home with a mix of everyone else’s favorite things.

The result? A party that’s warm, interactive, and filled with inspiration. From the perfect lip balm to the coziest candle or your go-to snack—everyone walks away with new items to try, and a little insight into what makes each person tick.

Why Host a Favorite Things Party?

Aside from the obvious (it’s a blast!), here are a few compelling reasons to plan one:

1. It’s a Unique Twist on Traditional Gifting

Tired of the same old Secret Santa or white elephant? A Favorite Things Party is a refreshing, meaningful alternative that focuses on thoughtfulness instead of novelty.

Because everyone shares something they personally love, the gifts feel genuine and intentional. It’s not about guessing what someone might like—it’s about sharing what you already do.

Bonus: You go home with gifts that have already been vetted and recommended by people you know and trust.

2. It Sparks Conversation and Connection

A Favorite Things Party is a natural conversation starter. Every gift comes with a story:

  • “This is my favorite face mask for Sunday nights.”

  • “This cookbook changed the way I meal prep.”

  • “I keep this in every bag I own—it’s that good.”

Sharing these little joys makes the gathering feel personal and intimate, no matter the group size. It’s a chance to get to know each other beyond surface-level conversation.

It also works beautifully as a team-building event for work, a gathering of women in business, or even a client appreciation event.

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3. It’s Budget-Friendly—But Feels Luxurious

Holiday parties can be expensive to host or attend. A Favorite Things Party allows everyone to stick to a modest budget without compromising on fun or thoughtfulness.

Setting a price cap—usually $10 to $30 per item—levels the playing field and keeps things accessible. And since each person brings multiple copies of just one gift, it’s easy to shop and wrap in bulk.

The result? You spend less, but the evening still feels curated and special.

Geometry Sweet Summer Mix 2-Small Batch Specialty Gifts

4. It’s Flexible for Any Occasion

While Favorite Things Parties are popular around the holidays, they work year-round. Consider hosting one for:

You can tailor the theme—favorite beauty products, self-care items, kitchen must-haves, small business finds, etc.—or keep it open-ended for even more creativity.

5. It Supports Small and Local Businesses

Encourage guests to bring favorite items from local shops, indie brands, or women-owned businesses. Not only does this make the party feel more personal, but it also introduces everyone to hidden gems they might not have found otherwise.

At Small Batch, we see this all the time—someone brings one of our signature candles or specialty teas as a favorite thing, and by the end of the night, several guests have made a note to visit or shop online. It’s a beautiful, organic way to support small businesses.

Pinecone Votive Candle

How to Plan the Perfect Favorite Things Party

1. Choose Your Guest List Wisely
Keep it intimate enough so everyone has time to share—8 to 15 guests is a great sweet spot. Invite friends, coworkers, or clients who enjoy thoughtful conversation and giving.

2. Set Clear Guidelines
Let guests know:

  • How many of their favorite item to bring (usually 3 or 5)

  • The price limit (e.g., $15 each)

  • Whether to wrap the items or keep them visible

  • If there’s a specific theme (e.g., cozy favorites, holiday essentials, under-$10 finds)

3. Create a Comfortable, Festive Atmosphere
Set the tone with cozy decor, music, snacks, and drinks. A beautifully set table or curated snack board adds to the experience. Consider setting out blank cards where guests can jot down what they received—and what they want to buy later!

4. Make Sharing Easy and Fun
Have each guest share their item and “why it’s a favorite” before the gift draw. You can draw names, pass numbers in a bowl, or assign a rotation so each guest receives the same number of gifts as they gave.

5. Add a Little Extra Magic
Want to elevate the experience? Offer:

  • A welcome drink or custom cocktail/mocktail

  • A small branded favor or thank-you from the host

  • A notecard set where guests can list their own favorites from the night

Final Thoughts

A Favorite Things Party is more than just an exchange of stuff—it’s a celebration of small joys, shared stories, and the beauty of thoughtful giving. Whether you're gathering around a holiday table or just looking for an excuse to connect, it’s a meaningful (and fun!) way to spend time with people you care about.

So grab your go-to lip balm, your favorite chocolate bar, or that local artisan find you always keep on hand—and start planning a night that everyone will talk about long after the last gift is opened.

Need help curating the perfect “favorite thing” to bring—or want to host your own branded version of the event?
At Small Batch, we specialize in thoughtfully curated gifts, custom boxes, and branded event experiences that make a lasting impression. Let’s create something unforgettable together.

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