Need a Holiday Party Idea? Host a “My Favorite Things” Party This Holiday Season

The holiday season is a perfect time to gather with loved ones, friends, or colleagues for a fun and memorable event. Hosting a “My Favorite Things” party is a unique way to celebrate the joy of giving and sharing, all while keeping things light, meaningful, and inclusive. Here's how to plan one that's sure to be a hit!

What’s a “My Favorite Things” Party?

Each guest brings a set number of identical, affordable gifts (usually three to five) that represent their favorite thing—anything from a cozy candle to a beloved snack (these are my fave sweet treat!) or skincare product. At the party, everyone exchanges gifts, creating a fun opportunity to discover new favorites and hear the stories behind them.

Celebrate Traditions of Giving

Gift-giving is a universal tradition with rich origins. In Scandinavian countries, exchanging gifts during Yule celebrates love and warmth during the darkest days of the year. In Jewish tradition, Hanukkah includes gifts as part of its nightly celebrations, symbolizing miracles and hope. Other traditions, like Kwanzaa, encourage gifts that honor creativity and community. By keeping your “My Favorite Things” party open to all holiday traditions, you can focus on the shared joy of giving, no matter the reason or season.

Setting the Scene

• Decor: Opt for cozy decorations like fairy lights, winter greenery like this , or warm candles to create an inviting atmosphere.

• Snacks: Include a mix of sweet and savory treats, such as charcuterie boards, spiced cookies, mini quiches, and hot cocoa or mocktail stations. These ready made cocoa spoons are cute and convenient! Guests can also bring snacks that represent their favorite foods! I bought this set of wood trays last December and I love them. They fit together for storage and can be used in multiple configurations.

• Playlist: Keep it festive but inclusive, with holiday jazz, acoustic versions of classics, or a mix of upbeat songs.

  
  

  Gift Guidelines

• Set a price limit ($20 per item) to keep it affordable for everyone.

• Encourage creativity! Popular ideas include:

  • A favorite book or journal.

  • Gourmet snacks like chocolate or specialty popcorn.

  • Self-care items such as lip balms, bath bombs, or cozy socks.

  • Fun gadgets like reusable straws or a handy kitchen tool.

  • A craft or small DIY kit.

    
    

How to Exchange Gifts

Here are three easy ways to handle the gift exchange:

1. Round Robin: Guests take turns presenting their favorite thing and why they love it, then randomly distribute one to three people. I love hearing why others love what they brought to share!

2. Grab Bag: Guests draw numbers and pick from a pile of wrapped gifts. You can combine this with the presentation aspect of the previous option.

3. Musical Swap: Play music and pass wrapped gifts around in a circle, stopping when the music ends.

   
   

Why It’s the Perfect Holiday Party Idea

A “My Favorite Things” party combines the fun of gift-giving with personal stories and shared joy, making it an inclusive celebration for any tradition. It's about connection, creativity, and discovering new things to love—all wrapped up in good company and delicious snacks. It's the perfect holiday party idea for friends, family, and the workplace.

So grab your guest list, set a date, and get ready to make this holiday season unforgettable with a party full of laughter, surprises, and a whole lot of favorites!

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