Ever stood in the middle of a half-painted living room, paint fumes in the air, wondering what to bring to a “favorite things” party where everyone is expected to bring 20 identical gifts? I’ve been there — juggling a weekend refresh of my kitchen backsplash while trying to pull together simple, thoughtful party gifts that match my DIY vibe. If you want party gift ideas that are creative, homey, and easy to DIY, this guide will walk you through 20 favorite things that are perfect for a “Favorite Things 20” exchange, with step-by-step tips and design inspiration you can apply right away.
Why Host a Favorite Things Party (and How to Plan One)
A Favorite Things party is a fun way to share small items you love with friends — often everyone brings multiples of the same item so attendees can swap. It’s low-pressure and perfect for makers, decorators, and anyone who appreciates thoughtful, practical gifts. Before you decide on your contribution, set the ground rules: price range, theme (kitchen, wellness, home decor), and how many copies of the same item each guest should bring.
- Set a budget and theme (e.g., under $20, home spa, kitchen upgrades).
- Tell guests to label and package gifts clearly for easy swapping.
- Make it interactive: display station, raffle, or quick show-and-tell for each item.
party gift ideas favorite things 20: 20 Creative & Practical Picks
Below are 20 party gift ideas that are inexpensive, DIY-friendly, and perfect for a favorite things gathering. Many can be customized to match your home-improvement aesthetic and packaged using simple supplies.
- Mini herb starter kits (mason jar, soil disc, seed packet)
- Hand-poured soy candles in small tins (scented with essential oils)
- Custom-painted terra cotta planters
- Upcycled fabric coasters (use scraps from upholstery projects)
- Tea towel sets with stamped designs
- Mini tool kits (tape measure, small screwdriver, keychain level)
- Homemade spice blends in labeled jars
- Natural sugar scrubs in mini jars
- Decorative drawer liners (cut-to-fit samples)
- Hand-lettered recipe cards with your favorite dish
- Pressed-flower bookmarks
- Small bottles of infused olive oil or vinegar
- DIY plant propagation stations (glass tube + wooden base)
- Custom-stenciled wooden coasters
- Mini chalkboard labels for pantry organization
- Scent sachets made from fabric scraps and dried lavender
- Repurposed glass spice jars with labeled lids
- Simple macramé keychains
- Portable fabric shopping bags with printed logo
- Handmade bath bombs in small organza bags
Why these work for a Favorite Things exchange
Most items are lightweight, low-cost, and easy to produce in multiples — ideal if you have to make 10–20 of the same thing. They’re also home-focused, which pairs nicely with a DIY and home improvement crowd. Many are customizable to match guest tastes and seasonal trends.
DIY Tips & Step-by-Step Ideas for Top Picks
1. Mini Herb Starter Kit — Quick How-To
- Gather small glass jars or recycled baby food jars and clean them.
- Add a layer of pebbles for drainage, then fill with potting mix.
- Place a seed packet inside or plant 2–3 seeds per jar (basil, parsley, or cilantro).
- Label with a kraft tag and care instructions.
2. Hand-Poured Soy Candles
- Melt soy wax in a double boiler, stir in 8–10 drops of essential oil per 4 oz of wax.
- Secure a wick in a tin, pour wax, and let cool completely.
- Add a sticker label and a short scent description.
3. Upcycled Fabric Coasters
- Cut fabric scraps into 4” squares, add batting between two layers.
- Topstitch around edges or use fabric glue for a no-sew option.
- Stack pairs and tie with twine for a cozy, rustic look.
Packaging, Presentation & Design Inspiration
Presentation elevates simple gifts into something memorable. Use leftover paint chips for colorful tags, wrap sets in brown kraft paper and secure with washi tape, or tie bundles with twine and attach a tiny paintbrush or mini measuring tape for a DIY-home theme. Group items on a display table using wooden crates, and label each gift with the maker’s name and care tips.
- Color palette: neutral tones + one accent color (e.g., sage green) to match popular home design ideas.
- Use recycled materials: burlap, twine, and leftover wood for tags.
- Include a small card with instructions for use or care to add value.
Budgeting & Real-World Advice
Plan each gift for $5–$20 depending on materials and time. Buying supplies in bulk (candles wax, mason jars, essential oils) reduces cost per unit significantly. Schedule a weekend “production line” to assemble multiple items at once — it’s efficient and fun with friends. If you’re pressed for time, choose no-sew or minimal-assembly ideas like infused oils or labeled spice jars.
Looking for projects that help upgrade your home while also making perfect party gifts? Try these ideas as part of larger weekend work sessions: paint small planters while working on accent walls, or sew coasters while recovering dining chairs. For more inspiration, check out our DIY projects and home design ideas pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does “favorite things 20” mean for a party?
“Favorite things 20” usually refers to bringing 20 identical small items (or items grouped for 20 guests) to a Favorite Things party so everyone can swap. Confirm expectations with the host — some parties ask for fewer duplicates or a specific budget per item.
2. How do I package multiple gifts efficiently?
Use bulk packaging materials like kraft paper, mason jars, and simple tags. Create an assembly line: wrap, label, and tie in batches. Reuse materials from past projects to save money and match your DIY aesthetic.
3. What are good themes for a Favorite Things party?
Popular themes include kitchen upgrades, home spa, gardening, and cozy living. A clear theme helps guests pick complementary items and makes the swap more cohesive.
Conclusion — Try These party gift ideas favorite things 20 at Your Next Meetup
Hosting or contributing to a Favorite Things party doesn’t have to be stressful. With these 20 party gift ideas — from mini herb kits to handmade coasters — you can create thoughtful, budget-minded gifts that reflect your DIY spirit and home-improvement sensibility. Pick a theme, assemble in batches, and style your display with simple, coordinated packaging. Ready to make something memorable? Gather your supplies, try one of the step-by-step projects above, and share your results with friends. For more project inspiration, visit our kitchen upgrades and DIY projects pages.
Have a favorite thing to add to the list? Try it out at your next gathering and see which items become instant hits — then come back and tell us how it went!
