How To Host A Favorite Things Party

If you’ve ever been to a favorite things party, you already know… they’re just fun.

I’ll always love sharing things I genuinely love, hearing what other people are into, and going home with a handful of new favorites I probably never would’ve found on my own.

I’ve hosted quite a few favorite things parties over the years, and even though they’re always a little different, people still ask me the same question…

“How do you actually host one?”

So here’s exactly how I do it. Nothing complicated. Just a simple way to gather people, share favorite things, and have a really fun night!

What Is a Favorite Things Party?

A favorite things party is a gift exchange where each guest brings multiple of one item they love.

Things like:

Instead of everyone bringing random gifts, everything has been pre-approved in a way… because someone already loves it.

Invitations (Keep It Simple)

I always say the invite sets the tone.

You can absolutely do paper invites, but most of the time I keep it simple with a digital invite.

I usually make mine in Canva. There are so many good templates and it’s quick.

Just make sure to include:

Guest List Tips

I try to be intentional about the guest list.

Usually, I like when people know at least one other person. It helps everyone feel more comfortable.

But I’ve also done the opposite… invited a group where almost no one knew each other.

And it worked.

Because the structure of the party gives people something to talk about right away.

How the Favorite Things Gift Exchange Works

This is the part people overthink, but it’s actually really simple.

What Guests Bring

I usually ask each guest to:

In the past, I’ve done:

It really depends on your group.

For smaller gatherings, I’ve also done:

At the end of the night, everyone leaves with the same number of items they brought.

How I Run the Party (The “Rounds” System)

This is where the fun really happens.

I like to break the gift exchange into rounds so it doesn’t feel rushed and gives people time to connect in between.

Round One

After everyone arrives and settles in:

Each guest shares:

Then we do a “1-2-3, GO!” and everyone grabs one item from the table.

It’s a little chaotic. In a good way.

Round Two

For the second round, I draw names one by one.

If your name is called, you get to go up and choose your next item.

This slows things down a bit and gives people a chance to be more intentional.

Round Three

This is always the funniest one.

We do musical chairs style… but around the table.

Music playing (usually something fun like Taylor Swift), everyone walking in a circle, and when the music stops… grab your last item.

It’s silly. Slightly chaotic. Always everyone’s favorite.

Setting the Table (Literally)

As guests arrive, I have everyone place their items on a central table.

I like to layer things using:

It makes everything feel more like a display instead of just a pile of gifts.

And it builds anticipation seeing everything all together.

What to Serve (Keep It Easy)

Every time I host, I come back to the same thing:

A charcuterie board.

It’s easy. It looks good. People actually eat it.

I usually grab everything from Trader Joe’s:

What to Bring (Examples for Guests)

If you’re hosting, it helps to give a few ideas.

Favorite things can be:

Favorite Things Party Ideas (Past Themes + Inspiration)

If you’ve never hosted a favorite things party before, or you just want to switch it up, there are so many ways to make this feel fresh every time.

I’ve hosted quite a few over the years, and each one ends up having its own personality depending on the season, the group, and what everyone brings.

If you’re looking for inspiration, here are a few past favorite things parties I’ve hosted:

Summer Favorite Things Party

Think light, bright, and a little more casual.

This is a fun one for patio nights, backyard gatherings, or girls night outside. People tend to bring things like summer beauty favorites, snacks, drinks, or anything they’re loving that season.

Teen Girl Favorite Things Party

This one is always so fun to watch.

Think trending products, skincare, cozy items, and things teens are actually excited about right now. It’s a great way to give them a structured activity that still feels social and relaxed.

Galentine’s Favorite Things Party

This is one of my favorites.

A little more themed, a little more intentional, and usually full of cozy, self-care, or fun little luxuries. It’s perfect for February and feels like a mix between a party and a girls night in.

Christmas Favorite Things Party

This one always feels extra special.

The year I hosted this Christmas favorite things party, it was to thank my cookie squad for all of their hard work during the busy holiday season. I think the girls had so much fun!

Other Favorite Things Party Ideas

If you want to get creative, you can also build your party around a theme. Totally optional, but it can make planning easier and more fun.

Some ideas I’ve seen (and love):

You really can’t do it wrong.

For one of my parties, I brought Lush bath bombs because I use them all the time and they feel like a little luxury. That’s really the goal. Something you actually love.

Every favorite things party ends the same way.

Everyone sitting around, talking about what they got, swapping things, laughing, and already asking when the next one is.

It’s not about perfect hosting or fancy details. It’s just about sharing things you love with people.

And somehow, that always turns into a really good night. If you host a favorite things party, I’d love to hear about how it went!

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