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Favorite Things Party Packing List
The identical gifts, the wrapping and the small extras hosts ask you to bring.
A real, editable checklist below — tick, tap a line to rewrite, drag to reorder.
Tick the circles, tap any line to change it, drag the dots to reorder.
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Count first. In a group of 10, each guest brings 9 identical gifts, according to Our Little Lifestyle, so a favorite things party is mostly arithmetic before it's shopping. Hosts differ, though. Charleston Moms' invite asks for two gifts at $20-$30 each, while Spot of Tea Designs asked for three items under $10. Settle the count, the price cap and the wrapping with your host, then pack the rest. This list covers what goes in your bag, not how to host, and it assumes a gift exchange among friends.
Why these items are on the list
- Identical gifts, the number your host sets. Hosts vary: two each, three each, or one for every other guest. Ask before you shop.
- Gifts within the budget. Our Little Lifestyle suggests around $20, or $15 for large groups and up to $50 for small.
- Wrapping, if your host wants it. Some hosts want gifts wrapped, others unwrapped, so check the invite first.
- Name tags, if personalized. Our Little Lifestyle says names are only needed on personalized gifts, like an initial makeup bag.
- Optional: soap, candle or lotion. Our Little Lifestyle calls soaps, candles and lotions the most popular gifts, since everyone can use them up.
- Optional: a daily beauty item. Think of what you actually use every day, like a sleep mask.
- Optional: small accessory, like hair ties. Hair ties, jewelry cases and bracelets all came up as ideas.
- Snack or candy to add. If your gift is under the limit, add one to get close to budget.
- Optional: practical favorite, like surface spray. Things you use regularly and love are the heart of the party.
- $5-$10 grab bag gift. Optional at Charleston Moms' party. You only play the winner-takes-all draw if you bring one.
- Bottle of your favorite drink. Some hosts ask each guest for a favorite wine or mocktail. Check first.
- Appetizer to share. Some hosts ask everyone to bring something they love.
- Story about why you love it. The gifter explains the pick; Our Little Lifestyle suggests five or ten minutes before moving on.
- Gift bag to carry home. Small gifts can be thrown away in cleanup, so bag each one before opening the next.
- Someone to take notes. Someone should list every item so the group can share it afterwards.
- Lighter gifts, if traveling. On a trip, keep gifts light and within TSA liquid limits.
Keep it open on your phone while you shop, then tick things off at the door so nothing is left on the kitchen counter.
When to use it
Use it once the invitation arrives, because the host's count and budget decide what you buy.