Organizing a 'Favorite Things' Gathering with Your Buddy Squad is Worthwhile
As our schedules have become more hectic, it's tough for my girlfriends and me to hang out spontaneously. But there are two annual events that I know we'll all attend: an ornament swap party in December and a Favorite Things party in the spring, sometimes even before Galentine's Day.
What the Heck is a Favorite Things Party?
Similar to White Elephant or Dirty Santa parties during the holiday season, a Favorite Things party is a twist on the gift exchange game. Instead of bringing a gag gift or sticking to a strict monetary limit with a random purchase, you contribute one of your faves. Certainly not your favorite flannel shirt hanging in your closet or your holy grail moisturizer on your vanity. If your favorite flannel falls within your friends' budget, and you don't mind one of them sporting that scarf around town, then, by all means, bring it on!
Why Host a Favorite Things Party?
The idea behind the Favorite Things party is to share something that brings you joy, like your personalized "link in bio" for your go-to items and current loves. We usually set a higher budget than our typical host gift limitation because this is considered a special treat—something you wouldn't buy for yourself without a cause. These little luxuries are the gems you ask for on birthdays or anniversaries. After the holiday hustle and bustle, everyone is fed up with spending money, and no one is truly in need of another candle. A Favorite Things party in the spring is a delightful celebration, as everyone remains in high spirits playing the game in the same fashion as White Elephant or Dirty Santa (within your own boundaries). Pro tip: It's also incredibly entertaining to see the looks on everyone's faces when they realize you brought your favorite tea set to the party!
Ideas for Favorite Things Gifts
Favorite Things party gifts span the spectrum and truly reveal your friends' personalities and favorite items. Here are a few suggestions:
- Books or a local bookstore gift card
- Coffee table books
- Skincare, hair, or makeup items that don't necessitate a specific skin tone or hair type (this was a hot commodity at our recent party!)
- Manicure/pedicure gift card
- Vintage finds such as ginger jars, vases, or other decorative vessels
- Serving pieces like a cheese board, platter, salad bowl, etc.
- A selection of local food faves such as coffee, dressings, snack mixes, etc.
- A canvas bag for trips to the beach or gym
- Insulated picnic bags
- A houseplant in a pretty pot
- Artwork gift voucher from a local artist
- Barware like glasses or cocktail shakers
- Candlesticks and tapers
- Linen napkins and/or tablecloths
- Gift card to your favorite local restaurant (along with the signature cocktail recipe)
- Beach towels
- Fine olive oil
- Unique kitchen tools and gadgets
- A robe, slippers, or sleep masks
- Candles or diffusers
What would you bring as your favorite item?
Enrichment Data
The Favorite Things Party is a social event where guests bring one of their favorite items, within a set price limit, to allow everyone to experience and enjoy each other's preferences. In contrast, White Elephant or Dirty Santa parties are centered around participants bringing a single humorous or inexpensive gift, chosen at random, and following a sequence of gift selection and stealing for the element of surprise and friendly competition[1][4].
The following features illustrate the differences between the two:
| Feature | Favorite Things Party | White Elephant/Dirty Santa || -------------- | -------------------- | --------------------------- || Gift Selection | Personal wishes and prized items among friends | Randomly selected, humorous, or inexpensive gifts || Exchange Dynamics | Everyone receives a personalized collection of favorite items | Gift selection platforms with stealing allowed to add a level of fun and competition || Atmosphere | Bonding and sharing personal tastes | Humor, unexpected outcomes, and strategic play || Objective | Exposing and enjoying each other's favorites | Enjoying the gaming element and the thrilling uncertainty |
In essence, while both events involve a gift exchange, they approach gift selection, dynamic interaction, and overall atmosphere distinctly.
- Holidays Occasions and Favorite Things Parties are two events my girlfriends and I always attend, including an ornament swap in December and a Favorite Things party in the spring.
- For the Favorite Things Party, we contribute one of our favorite items, such as candlesticks, books, a local bookstore gift card, or a canvas bag, sharing our personalized "link in bio" loves.
- SouthernLiving suggests gifts like candlesticks, serving pieces, coffee, skincare items, and manicure/pedicure cards for Favorite Things parties, allowing everyone to experience each other's preferences.
- Entertainment Ideas Tips suggest hosting a Favorite Things Party, where guests bring their favorite items within a higher budget than usual, enjoying the special treat and bonding over personal tastes.
- During White Elephant or Dirty Santa parties, participants bring a humorous or inexpensive gift at random, while in a Favorite Things Party, guests share their niche interests and loves, creating a unique atmosphere of bonding and sharing.
