Have you ever attended a Favorite Things Party? If not, you’re definitely missing out! These parties are a blast, filled with fun gifts, laughter, and excitement as everyone shares their favorite items. I’ve been to a few of these events, and each time, it’s been such a memorable experience. The most recent one I attended was paired with a Galentine’s Day celebration, and it gave me the idea to share how you can host your own Favorite Things Party, how the whole event works, and the amazing things people chose to share.
So, if you’re looking for a unique way to bring friends together and share a bunch of fun gifts, this post is for you! Here’s how to host the perfect Favorite Things Party, from the planning stages to the final gift exchanges.
What is a Favorite Things Party?
In short, a Favorite Things Party is a fun event where guests bring three of the same item—something they love—and exchange them with each other. The great thing is that the gifts should be items that the giver truly loves and wants to share. It could be anything: beauty products, home decor, food, or even books. It’s all about discovering new favorites that you didn’t even know you needed!
Everyone gets to go home with something they adore, and who doesn’t love that? Whether you host it for a special occasion or just because, it’s a super fun way to bond with friends, try out cool new things, and be surprised by what others bring.
How to Host Your Own
Hosting a Favorite Things Party is easier than it sounds, and the best part is that it’s all about creating a fun, low-pressure atmosphere. Here’s how you can host your own party:
Step 1: Set a Budget for the Gifts
The key to a successful party is to set a reasonable price range for the gifts. As the host, it’s important to decide how much you want each guest to spend. A typical range for gifts is between $20 and $40 per item, but feel free to adjust based on your group’s preferences. Once you’ve settled on a price, communicate this clearly with your guests.
Everyone will need to buy three of the same item, and these gifts should all fall within the price range you set. Whether it’s a beauty product, a gadget, or a cozy item, setting a budget ensures that everyone brings gifts of equal value, making the exchange fair and fun.
Step 2: Ask Guests to Bring Three of the Same Item
Once the budget is set, ask your guests to choose their favorite item to bring. It could be something they’re obsessed with, or something they think others will love as well. Here are a few examples of popular favorite items from the party I attended:
- Natural Small Calacatta Viola Marble Scallop Edge Tray – A beautiful, elegant marble tray that makes for a perfect gift.
- Diptyque Baies (Berries) Scented Wax Oval – A luxurious scented wax gift that smells incredible!
- CHANEL Le Recourbe Cils Eyelash Curler – A high-end beauty tool that every makeup lover will appreciate.
- CHANEL Le Volume Mascara – A classic beauty item that’s always a hit.
- Bamboo Jersey Short Sleeve Pajama Set – Soft and cozy pajamas, perfect for a relaxing evening.
- U.S. Apothecary Milk + Oatmeal Soap & Lotion Set – A soothing skincare duo that everyone loves.
- Capri Blue Volcano Capiz Jar Candle – A beautifully-scented candle that will make any room feel luxurious.
These gifts were not only practical but also had a touch of luxury, making the event even more special. When it comes to wrapping the gifts, you can ask your guests to either wrap them or leave them unwrapped. I personally love wrapping the gifts—it adds a fun, anticipatory element to the exchange. Whatever you decide, just make sure all the gifts are consistent in presentation, whether wrapped or unwrapped.

Step 3: Plan the Party Atmosphere
Next, plan the vibe for your party. It’s fun to have a little something to snack on and something to drink while everyone mingles and chats. Consider providing a small spread of appetizers, drinks (perhaps some wine or mocktails), and light snacks. If you want to add a little extra flair, you can even theme the party.
For the Galentine’s Day-inspired Favorite Things Party I attended, the theme was red and pink—so we all wore those colors! Think about what fits your party’s occasion. You could have a cozy winter-themed party with hot chocolate and blankets, or a beachy summer gathering with fresh fruit and tropical drinks. It’s all about setting the mood and making it a fun time.
Step 4: Organize the Gift Exchange
The gift exchange is where the magic happens! Here’s how to make it flow smoothly:
- Put everyone’s name into a hat or jar and draw names one at a time.
- The first person drawn gets to pick one gift from the table of “favorite things” and take it back to their seat.
- Continue drawing names, and each person will pick a gift until everyone has chosen theirs.
- You can either open the gifts right after each round or wait until everyone has picked their gifts. I love opening the gifts as we go—it adds excitement and gives everyone a chance to see the reactions of others.
You’ll want to do this for three rounds (since everyone brings three gifts), and that’s it! Everyone leaves with something they love, and it’s such a fun way to try out new products and share favorites.
Fun Activities During Breaks
One of the highlights of the Favorite Things Party I attended was how the host kept things engaging between rounds. After each round of gift selection, we took breaks to enjoy more snacks and drinks, and we did a fun activity. For example, we used watercolors to paint Valentine’s Day cards—such a creative and relaxing way to spend time together.
If your party doesn’t fall near Valentine’s Day, feel free to adjust the craft accordingly. You could make DIY candles, decorate cookies, or even do a little plant potting. The goal is to keep things fun and allow guests to unwind and get to know each other better.
Hosting a Favorite Things Party is a perfect way to bring friends together, share favorite items, and discover new things you’ll love. From setting the budget to enjoying fun activities, this event is sure to be a hit with everyone involved. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, a special occasion, or just want to have a fun evening with friends, a Favorite Things Party will make lasting memories.
Ready to plan your own? I hope this guide helps you host the ultimate Favorite Things Party—one filled with laughter, fun gifts, and great company. Happy party planning!



I know what Galentines party you attended. Jenny does such a great job. Everything looked so nice.
Thanks for sharing!!