Is it necessary to give party favors for your guests? When should you give them and why? When to give out your party favors will depend on what “kind” it is. Many times as the guest is leaving is the time, especially, for example, little children. If you give them the party favors during the party, many will lose or misplace “their” gift. Anytime you wish is when you can present the guest(s) with a party favor.
Now, why would you want to give a party favor, or parting gift? One very good reason is simply for the joy of giving (on your part). I’m sure you have heard the saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”, and it does give a good feeling to be able to give to others. Another reason is to give something that will provide “memories” of the occasion. When a guest looks at the gift they automatically would think of the event and remember the good time they had at your gathering. How about as consideration, meaning, showing your appreciation for guests attending your event. Everyone who sponsors an event likes to have a good turnout. Along with that theme, how about gratitude – just demonstrating your thankfulness for the people who came, who gave and who participated, whether it be for a fundraiser, political or civic, or for a birthday party for your child. Show them how happy you were that they took their time to come and help you celebrate.
A party favor could be something that accents the party. An example might be using the snow globes as decorations and place setting cards for guests (and part of the winter holiday celebration) and having guests take the snow globes home – those “props” served two or three functions – decorations, place setting and party favor. Now that is what I call a simplified detail for an event.
Okay, so now you have decided to provide a party favor, what do you give? Good question! That depends on what kind of function you are holding. For example, a political fund raiser could provide candidate “buttons”, bumper stickers, yard signs, and maybe a photo of the guest with the candidate. They are useful for the candidate and can also be a keepsake for an event the guest participated in. For a strictly female gathering, your gift/party favor will probably best suit a female. An example, let’s say you are hosting a Mary Kay party, doing facials and makeup. You will want the ladies to leave with something that fits with that theme and most likely, some inexpensive product from that particular product line (and how about a photo of them with their “make-over”). How about a silver wedding anniversary party? A nice party favor could be a champagne glass tipped with silver with the celebrating couple’s name and date printed on the glass, or a small set of silver bells, you get the idea. The ideas of what to give is endless. You will want to remember that if the occasion is hererosexual, you will want to give something practical for both sexes. It is also nice to give something that reflects your style and individuality. Let’s say you are a “It’s 5:00 Somewhere” type person, a fun addition and party favor could be palm tree swizzle sticks, tiki platters and pink flamingo toothpicks..
Mary Gibbins' Events Planner Portal 