Ever stood in your newly painted kitchen, toolbox still open, and realized the housewarming party is tonight — and you need 20 thoughtful favors that fit your DIY-meets-home-improvement vibe? Whether you’re hosting a “favorite things” swap or assembling goody bags for a renovation reveal, these party gift ideas favorite things 20 will help you craft memorable, budget-friendly gifts that reflect your home’s style and practical tastes.
Why a “Favorite Things” Party Works for Home Lovers
A “favorite things” party is perfect for DIYers and home improvers because every gift can be useful, stylish, and personal. Instead of generic party favors, guests exchange treasured items like hand-sanded coasters, a favorite grout brush, or a pantry staple that transformed your latest kitchen upgrade. This format encourages creativity, and you can tailor gifts to room-focused themes — kitchen, garden, bathroom — making each present both inspirational and practical.
20 Party Gift Ideas Favorite Things 20 — Room-by-Room Inspiration
Below are 20 curated ideas (split by room and use) that are easy to DIY or assemble quickly. Each idea is designed to be reproducible and budget-friendly, perfect for bulk-making the night before your event.
- Kitchen essentials — homemade herb-infused olive oil in small bottles, mason jar spice blends, or a mini wooden spoon set.
- Living room comforts — lavender sachets, hand-painted coasters, or a small jar of fireplace matches.
- Bathroom spa — DIY bath salts, lotion bars, or reusable facial rounds in a fabric pouch.
- Garden & outdoors — seed packets in kraft envelopes, painted plant markers, or a small bundle of twine.
- Toolbox treats — custom-fit sandpaper packs, a multi-bit screwdriver set, or a magnetic wristband for screws.
- Entertaining aids — printable cocktail recipe cards, bamboo appetizer picks, or a small jar of edible flower sugar.
- Decor details — tiny terracotta pots with succulents, hand-stenciled tea towels, or minimalist wall hooks.
- Scented surprises — soy tealights in tins, room spray vials, or cedar drawer blocks.
- Organizational helpers — labeled cable ties in a mini pouch, wooden key organizers, or a pocket-sized notebook for home projects.
- Gift of knowledge — a DIY cheat-sheet for simple repairs, laminated for durability.
How to Assemble 20 Identical or Themed Gifts Efficiently
- Plan a workflow: group tasks (fill jars, label, wrap) and use an assembly line approach.
- Choose consistent packaging: kraft boxes, small linen bags, or mason jars for a cohesive look.
- Pre-print tags: Include your party theme, short care instructions, and a QR code linking to your favorite DIY projects.
- Enlist friends: Turn assembly into a pre-party activity — music + snacks = fast production.
DIY Gift Ideas with Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Hand-Painted Wooden Coasters (8–10 minutes each)
Materials: unfinished wood coaster blanks, sandpaper, acrylic paint, sealer, foam brush.
- Sand edges for a smooth finish.
- Paint a base color; let dry 15 minutes.
- Add a simple stamped or stenciled motif (house silhouette, leaf, or geometric pattern).
- Seal with matte sealer and attach felt pads underneath.
These coasters are practical, quick to make in batches, and tie into many home design ideas.
2. Mason Jar Mini Spa Kit
Materials: small mason jars, Epsom salts, essential oils, dried lavender, ribbon.
- Layer Epsom salts and lavender in the jar.
- Add 8–10 drops of calming essential oil and close tightly.
- Attach a tag: “Add 1/2 cup to warm bath.”
These work great as bathroom spa favors and show a thoughtful, homemade touch.
Design Inspiration and Real-World Advice
Think of each gift as a tiny vignette of your home: choose materials and colors that match your space — reclaimed wood for rustic kitchens, matte black accents for modern decors, or botanical labels for garden lovers. Keep a unified theme: a color story, a material (linen, wood, glass), or a practical focus (kitchen helpers, spa items). This helps your collection feel curated rather than mismatched.
Budget tip: buy materials in bulk (jars, ribbon, boxes) at craft stores or wholesale outlets. Reuse shipping boxes for stiffness and structure inside larger gift sets. If time is tight, prioritize one DIY element (like a hand-painted tag) and pair it with a purchased item to keep costs and labor manageable.
Packaging and Presentation Tips
- Use kraft paper and twine for a rustic, universally appealing finish.
- Include a small instruction card to explain care or usage — it elevates a simple item into a gift.
- Number them if you’re doing a “favorite things” exchange so items can be traded fairly and easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are quick “favorite things” gifts to make for a last-minute party?
A: Opt for mason jar kits (bath salts, cookie mix), printed recipe cards with a tied wooden spoon, or store-bought candles dressed up with a hand-stamped label. These take minimal time but feel homemade.
Q: How do I make 20 matching gifts without spending a fortune?
A: Buy materials in bulk, standardize packaging, and choose one signature DIY element to make by hand (tags, coasters, or a single handcrafted item). Host an assembly party to cut labor time and keep costs low.
Q: Can these party favors double as home improvement gifts?
A: Absolutely. Practical items like a mini screwdriver sets, sandpaper packs, or a laminated repair cheat-sheet are excellent “favorite things” that support guests’ future DIY projects and kitchen upgrades.
Conclusion — Make Your Party Memorable with Party Gift Ideas Favorite Things 20
With a little planning and a clear theme, party gift ideas favorite things 20 can turn a last-minute scramble into a stylish, heartfelt experience that reflects your love for home design and DIY. Pick a room-based focus, streamline your production, and add a personal touch — like a handwritten note — to elevate simple items into cherished things. Ready to make your next gathering unforgettable? Start by choosing one DIY gift from this list and assemble a prototype today.
Want more ideas? Browse our DIY projects, explore smart kitchen upgrades, or check out seasonal home design ideas for styling tips that pair perfectly with your favorite things swap.
