How To Host A Favorite Things Gift Exchange Party (Everyone Will Love!)

A Favorite Things Party is all about sharing the little things you love most. Each guest brings one (or more) of their favorite items. Something they personally use, enjoy, and think everyone else will love too.

It could be anything from your go-to lip balm or coziest pair of socks to your favorite snack or kitchen gadget. The best part? Everyone gets to share why they love their item. It’s part gift exchange, part show-and-tell, and full of great ideas.

Supplies You Need

• Wrapped gifts (everyone brings their “favorite thing”)
• Gift tags or labels (if you draw numbers instead of names)
• A bowl or basket for drawing names or numbers
• Snacks and drinks
• Optional: decorations (cozy candles, winter greenery, or sparkle lights)

How The Exchange Works

1. Set a price limit before the gift exchange. Typically $20 or less per gift.

2. Decide how many gifts guests will bring. Explain this on the invitation.

• For larger groups, have each person bring 3-4 of the same item.
• For smaller groups, you can keep it simple with 1 or 2 gifts of the same item each.

3. Everyone brings the designated number of their favorite item wrapped, unmarked, and ready to gift.

4. When guests arrive, they write their name on the same number of slips of paper as gifts they brought (for example, 2 gifts = 2 slips) and drop them into the bowl.

4. Each guest takes a turn drawing the same number of names as gifts they brought (for example, if you brought three gifts, draw three names). When your name gets drawn, hand your gifts to those people. Take turns going around the circle, drawing names and opening gifts. When your gift is opened, share the story behind it. Share why you love it and what makes it one of your favorites!

*If you draw your own name, put it back and redraw.

5. Everyone leaves with as many new treasures as they brought, plus a list of must-try favorites.

Choose a Theme (Optional): Want to make it even more fun? Pick a theme! Try “self-care favorites,” “kitchen finds,” or “snacks you love.” Just make sure everyone knows the theme in advance so the gifts stay on track. See more theme ideas at the bottom of the post.

Make it a game! Try a fun gift exchange game to go along with your party, too!

What Makes This Party So Fun

Last year, I went to a Favorite Things Party with a group of women. We sat in a circle, taking turns opening gifts while everyone shared the story behind their favorite item. By the end of the night, I had new product ideas, four great gifts to take home, and a few new friends.

• It’s Personal: Every gift has meaning and gives a peek into someone’s personality.

• It’s a Discovery Party: You’ll find new products, snacks, and ideas you never would’ve tried otherwise.

• It’s Low-Pressure: With a set price limit, it’s all about sharing and having fun. Not spending big.

• It’s Full of Laughs: Between the stories, the surprises, and the reactions, it’s impossible not to have a good time.

Too busy to host a party this holiday season? Try a Favorite Things Galentine’s Party to celebrate Valentine’s Day. It works the same!

Related: The Great Christmas Gift Auction Game

Favorite Things Party Gift Ideas Under $20

• Reusable shopping bags or eco-friendly items
• Scented candles or essential oils, Holiday potpourri
• Fun socks, cozy slippers, or blankets
• Gourmet snacks or yummy chocolate
• Cute mugs or water bottles
• Desk gadgets or planners
• Face masks or bath bombs
• Travel-sized beauty products
• Notebooks, pens, or journals
• Unique kitchen tools (spatulas, milk frother, measuring spoons)
• Makeup, nail fun, or fragrances
• Tea or coffee blends (my favorite homemade chai tea latte mix gift)
• Mom’s Go-To items
• Favorite books or unique reading journals
• Jewelry items, small bags, or wallets

Add a personal touch by bringing something homemade or a unique find from a local shop in your area.

Different Favorite Thing Party Theme Ideas

A theme adds a fun twist, gives guests an easy starting point, and reduces the stress of “what should I bring?”

Try one of these favorite things party theme ideas:

• Self-Care Night: Candles, spa goodies, fuzzy socks
• Snack Attack: Favorite candies, chips, or local treats
• Cozy Mornings: Coffee, tea, mugs, or breakfast favorites
• Clean & Simple: Eco-friendly or minimalist finds
• Book Lovers: Favorite reads, bookmarks, reading lights
• Creative Finds: Stationery, art supplies, or DIY kits
• Kitchen Finds – Favorite cooking gadgets, spices, or utensils
• Beauty Must-Haves – Makeup, haircare, or nail polish you swear by
• Amazon Favorites – That one random Amazon product you can’t live without
• Holiday Cheer – Seasonal candles, ornaments, or Christmas treats

Or try one of these fun Christmas gift exchange themes >>

Christmas Party Games To Play

Add even more lively fun to your party with one or more of these hilarious games that adults love!

• Festive & Funny Christmas Party Games Adults Love
• Holiday Danger Word Game (Unique & Hilarious)
• Guess Who Christmas Party Game
• Never Have I Ever Christmas Game
• Christmas Scattergories (+FREE Printable Card)

What’s Next?

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