Turn your holiday gathering into a memorable celebration with a Favorite Things Party — inspired by Oprah’s My Favorite Things tradition. Follow this step-by-step guide to host a warm, laughter-filled event that highlights great gifts, tasty snacks, and meaningful conversation.
Where the Idea of a “My Favorite Things” Party Came from
A friend and I had a cozy tradition of watching Oprah’s My Favorite Things show together: coffee, comfy seats, and the joyous surprise of the audience receiving Oprah’s favorite items. Inspired by that excitement, we adapted the concept for a realistic home party where guests share and swap affordable favorite finds. The result is a cheerful, low-pressure celebration that emphasizes connection more than extravagance.
This party format works year-round, but it’s especially popular during the holiday season or as a warm pick-me-up after the New Year.
Why You’ll Love Hosting a My Favorite Things Party
A My Favorite Things Party is a creative twist on a traditional gift exchange. Each guest brings multiples of one favorite item within a set budget, plus a favorite snack to share. The night becomes a mix of storytelling, discovery, and delicious bites.
- Creative gift-giving: Guests bring items they already love—practical, inexpensive, and often surprising.
- Deeper connections: As people explain why a particular item is their favorite, conversation deepens and friendships grow.
- Lots of laughs: The sharing, swapping, and snack sampling make for an evening full of fun.
- Flexible and inclusive: Ideal for book clubs, coworkers, family groups, or friends of any age.
Pick a Party Date and Get Ready for the Gift Swap Fun
Choose a date with your group’s schedule in mind—early December is convenient before calendars fill, or consider a cheerful January gathering to start the year with friends. Because the gift exchange is the central activity, decide the budget and format before sending invitations. Typical options include:
- 3 gifts at $5 each
- 2 gifts at $10 each
- 4 gifts at $5 each
You can set a higher limit if your group prefers. Also choose whether gifts should be wrapped for surprise or unwrapped to show their charm. Clear guidance helps guests shop and arrive prepared.
Start by Sending out Invitations to your Favorite Things Party
Send invitations either digitally or by mail. Aim for 4–8 weeks’ notice when possible, though last-minute parties can be lively too. Make sure the invite explains the concept, the gift budget, how many of the same item to bring, and that each guest should also bring a favorite snack to share.
Sample invitation wording:
🎄You’re Invited to a My Favorite Things Party! 🎁
Let’s celebrate by sharing small things that bring joy. Here’s how to join in:
- Bring 3 identical “favorite things” gifts, $5 or less each, wrapped and ready to exchange.
- Bring a favorite snack (sweet or savory) to share.
- Drinks will be provided; we’ll exchange gifts, sample snacks, and enjoy good company.
When: [Date & Time]
Where: [Location]
Prepare your home for Hosting a My Favorite Things Party
On party day, have your gifts wrapped and ready. Arrange seating in a circle to create an intimate setting for the gift exchange. Use your dining or coffee table to display snacks brought by guests. Set up coffee and tea stations and a festive cold drink so guests can help themselves as they arrive.
Provide a bowl or container for name slips—guests place their name in once for each gift they contributed. This makes the drawing fair and helps manage the exchange smoothly.
How to Do a My Favorite Things Gift Exchange Game
Prepare numbered slips equal to the number of guests and place them in a bowl to draw one at a time. The guest who draws number 1 starts the game. On her turn she draws two names from the name bowl (if her own name is chosen she redraws), presents her gifts to those two people, and explains why each item is a favorite. Then the guest who drew number 2 takes a turn, and so on until every guest has had a turn.
As host, keep a few small backup gifts on hand in case something goes amiss, or if the last person ends up short.
Snacks and Appetizers for a My Favorite Things Party
Snacks become part of the My Favorite Things theme—ask each guest to bring a favorite sweet or savory item to share. Arrange all the treats on a central table so people can graze throughout the evening. The hostess provides drinks and one additional gift and arranges comfortable seating for the exchange.
Gift Ideas for a My Favorite Things Party
Choose small, useful items that many will enjoy. Here are popular, budget-friendly ideas you can suggest to guests:
- Small kitchen tools (like a frosting spatula or silicone spatula)
- Travel-sized makeup bags or organizers
- Cozy socks, slipper socks, or warm mittens
- Stainless steel collapsible straws or reusable utensils
- Quality lip balm, hand cream, or lip gloss in small packages
- Novelty or seasonal items found on sale—these can be delightful surprises
The Biggest Gift of a My Favorite Things Party
Beyond the presents themselves, the real gift is time spent together. These gatherings encourage laughter, sharing, and closer friendships. The small items exchanged become tangible reminders of the people who gave them and the memories you made together.
Other Christmas Party Ideas
- Creative and inexpensive gift exchange games for seasonal parties
- A movie-themed holiday party for fans of cozy seasonal films
- Simple, stress-free dinner party recipes for hosts who prefer low-fuss menus
- Classic appetizers like baked brie that work well for holiday entertaining
- Festive snack boards, including charcuterie and cookie displays, to elevate your party table
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Use this guide to plan a simple, joyful Favorite Things Party that brings friends together, creates new traditions, and leaves everyone smiling.