How to host a favorite things party: tips & gift ideas
There’s something special about sharing the things you love most with the people you love most—and that’s exactly what a favorite things party is all about. Instead of gag gifts or competitive swaps, this gift exchange is centered on joy, discovery, and little luxuries your friends may not have tried yet. Think of it as a thoughtful, feel-good alternative to the classic holiday party or white elephant exchange, where everyone leaves with something they’ll genuinely enjoy.
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What is a favorite things party?
At its core, a favorite things party is a gift exchange where guests bring a few of the same items (all at or under the set budget). Everyone then goes home with the same number of gifts that the other guests brought.
The twist? Instead of gag gifts or random picks, guests bring something they truly love and want to share with the group. It might be the lipstick shade you’ve repurchased five times, the hot sauce you keep in your bag, or the matcha powder you swear by to get through the morning. The fun is in discovering new favorites from your friends while sharing your own go-to products.
How is it different from a white elephant gift exchange?
- White elephant is usually about surprise and humor—guests bring wrapped gifts, and the fun is in stealing, swapping, and unwrapping something unexpected.
- Favorite things parties are about intention and enthusiasm—guests bring items they genuinely use and love, and everyone gets to leave with something useful (and a new recommendation).
How do you plan a favorite things party?
1. Compile your guest list
When it comes to a favorite things holiday party, smaller is usually better. We recommend inviting 5–10 people—just enough for variety, but not so many that the exchange drags on or gets confusing. A smaller guest list makes it easier to ensure everyone gets time to share why their item made the cut.
2. Set a budget
The key to keeping your favorite things gift exchange fair and fun is setting a clear budget up front. Depending on your group size, you can structure it a few different ways:
- Large groups (10+ people): Ask each guest to bring one wrapped gift in the $20–$40 range and play Dirty Santa-style.
- Medium groups (6–9 people): Have everyone bring three of the same item in the $5–$20 range. Guests will swap in three rounds until everyone leaves with three different favorites.
- Small groups (5 people or fewer): Each guest brings enough gifts in the $5-$10 range for everyone in the group (e.g., four identical gifts for four guests).
Be sure to note the budget in the Details Block on your Paperless Post event page so guests know exactly what to bring and how much to spend.
3. Design and send your invitations
Once you’ve decided on your budget and swap style, it’s time to spread the word with a customized invitation. From stationery-inspired Cards to textable Flyers, Paperless Post has designs to match any holiday party style—whether you want something festive and bold or chic and understated.
4. Establish your favorite things party rules
To avoid squabbling, decide on your favorite things party rules before you start swapping. Make sure you understand how to explain the rules, include them in a Details Block in your invitation, or send out a broadcast message before the party with instructions or a link to avoid any confusion.
If you’re playing Dirty Santa-style with a big group, have everyone bring their gifts wrapped. Each guest should draw a number from a bowl and take turns choosing (or stealing) gifts in numerical order. When someone opens a gift, whoever brought it shares why it’s their favorite. Rules vary, but typically each gift can only be stolen twice, and you can’t immediately steal back a gift once it’s taken from you. Whoever was the first to open a present at the very beginning has the last chance to steal, and then all gifts are locked in.
For medium-sized groups, have guests bring three identical gifts unwrapped. Display all the favorite things in the center of the room or on a table. Have everyone share why they brought their favorite thing, then draw numbers from a bowl. In numerical order, take turns selecting a gift from the pile. That gift is yours to keep, with no swapping or stealing. Do this for three separate rounds, redrawing numbers from a bowl each time.
For small groups, the gift exchange is pretty straightforward. Everyone brings as many gifts as there are guests. Take turns sharing why you love your item, then pass them out amongst the group.
5. Set up your space
A favorite things party works best when all the gifts are displayed together. Set aside a table or a designated spot where guests can place their items as they arrive. Want to add an extra special touch? Try adding a seasonal table runner, twinkle lights, or a themed backdrop. If you’re playing Dirty Santa-style or hosting a medium-sized group, prep a bowl with numbers ready for the draw.
6. Plan the food and drinks
The gift exchange is the main event, but snacks and drinks make it feel like a celebration. Keep things simple with shareable bites like appetizers, a charcuterie board, dips, or small desserts. Pair with wine, Champagne, or a signature cocktail to keep the mood festive.
Favorite things gift ideas & examples
Wondering what to bring to a favorite things party? Whether you’re hosting or attending, the most fun part is choosing your gift. The best favorite things gift ideas are everyday items that feel like a little treat—something you swear by, always repurchase, or love to recommend. Need inspiration? Think of the brands you follow on Instagram, the small businesses you’ve discovered recently, or the products that brighten your daily routine.
Pro tip: To help your guests brainstorm, you can add a Links Block to your Paperless Post invitation that links out to a list of favorite things gift exchange ideas.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Elevated basics: These are items you use every day, but upgraded—things people may not splurge on for themselves, but would love to receive.
- Le Bon Shoppe Classic Cashmere Socks ($24)
- Crown Affair The Scrunchie No. 001 ($15)
- Baggu Standard Reusable Bag ($14)
Beauty products: Beauty staples are always crowd-pleasers. Bring the product you keep buying over and over again, or introduce your friends to a cult favorite. If it’s a higher-priced item, consider the travel size to stay on budget.
- Dedcool Xtra Milk Travel Spray ($30)
- Dieux Forever Eye Mask ($25)
- Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey ($25)
Food and drink: From pantry staples to indulgent treats, edible gifts are an instant hit. Share your favorite spice blend, a go-to condiment, or the snack you can’t stop recommending.
- Sqirl Strawberry Rhubarb Jam ($15)
- Diaspora Spice Co. Popcorn Seasoning ($14)
- Maldon Sea Salt Flakes ($15.64)
Books: If you’re a reader, gifting a favorite book is one of the most personal ideas. You can stick to novels, introduce a favorite cookbook, or even share a beautifully designed coffee table book.
- “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking” by Samin Nosrat ($25.11)
- “1000 Record Covers” by Michael Ochs ($15.87)
- Rifle Paper Co. “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen Classic Book ($17)
Trinkets for the home: Little home goods are thoughtful, useful, and always appreciated. Think of items that elevate everyday living with a small touch of charm.
- STAUB Ceramic Prep Bowl Set ($29.99)
- Gohar World Fish Lemon Squeezer ($32)
- P.F. Candle Co. Incense Sticks ($11)
Favorite things party FAQs
Should I host a favorite things party or a white elephant party?
It depends on the holiday party vibe you want. A white elephant exchange leans more funny and competitive, while a favorite things party is more thoughtful—and everyone goes home with something useful they’ll actually enjoy.
How many people should I invite to my favorite things party?
Smaller groups are best—around 5–10 people—so the gift exchange feels manageable and everyone has a chance to share their pick.
What should I serve at a favorite things party?
Stick with easy bites and drinks you can set up beforehand, like a charcuterie board, finger foods, wine, or a signature pre-batched cocktail. That way, you can enjoy the gift swap without fussing in the kitchen.
Do you wrap your “favorite things” gifts?
Unless you’re hosting a Dirty Santa-style exchange, most favorite things party gifts are left unwrapped so everyone can see what was brought.
Plan your favorite things party with Paperless Post
A favorite things party is all about connection—sharing what you love most and discovering new favorites from your friends. With the right guest list and a little planning, it’s an easy, feel-good alternative to a white elephant exchange.
Paperless Post makes hosting even simpler with customizable invitations you can send by text, email, or link, plus built-in planning tools. With everything in one place, you can focus less on logistics and more on the fun of swapping favorites.
Invite guests to mix and a-mingle with festive designs you can email, text, or share.
