It is hard to decide which is more fun: throwing parties or hosting them. There is just something about the planning and execution process which brings joy to the lives of many. One of the best aspects of party planning often overlooked is the party favors. It is proper etiquette to send guests home with a "thank you" trinket, and choosing the right favors is often a lot of fun and fairly inexpensive. As an added bonus, many favors can double as party decorations, which will save you money on overall decorations and leave you less to clean at the party's conclusion. If you are in the midst of party-planning and find yourself having trouble choosing the perfect party favors, check out the following list of hot trends in the party favors world. 1. Old Faithful - It is the little black dress of party favors: the little box containing candy delicately tied with ribbon. This favor trend is timeless because it is simple, elegant, easy, and inexpensive. Simply purchase a box, fill with candy, confetti (great for weddings), or any other creative filling, and tie with a satin or organza ribbon. If you like this idea, but want a more creative execution, try choosing a wacky or whimsical box and filling it with something unique. For example, there are boxes out there in the shape of shoes, or boxes covered in decorative images. Choose the one that best complements your party and fill it with something creative, like confetti bubble bath or hot chocolate. 2. Multiple Uses - Place card holders often give hosts the best bang for their buck, because they are so versatile! If you choose a decorative place card holder, it can serve as party dcor, and later seat people (for a unique idea, slip a person's picture into the holder instead of a place card). At the conclusion of the party, send people home with their place card holder as a favor they can use to hold cards, notes, photos, and more! If you are not having a sit-down occasion, slip a photo of each guest into the place card holder, set in places around the party, and have guests grab their specific favor before they walk out the door. 3. I'll drink to that! Cocktail favors are some of the most popular items on the favor market today, because everyone loves to have creative and decorative barware. They make wonderful gifts because people do not usually purchase these items for themselves. Give guests a wine stopper, bottle opener, or corkscrew that complements the theme of your party, or choose an all-purpose bar tool (they exist in favor form now). 4. Throwbacks - People love the nostalgic memories of the "good ole' days," when they were children playing in the streets, riding bikes through the warm summer breeze, and chasing the ice cream truck down the road because they didn't have their money ready when he flew by the house. There are some great party favors out there to remind people of these times, like ice cream bowls shaped like ice cream cones, or antique-inspired gumball machine favors. Throwback party favors are popular for adults and children, because children can appreciate them at the time, and adults will love a blast from the past. 5. Event Theme - Depending on what type of event you are celebrating, favors that fit into that theme are always a hit. Give Quinceanera or Sweet 16 candles to guests as they leave, photo favors of a new graduate at a graduation party, religious-inspired cross bookmarks at a Communion or christening, et cetera. These favors are always a safe bet and usually inexpensive. 6. Party Theme - If your party is "just 'cause" and not based on a particular milestone event, it is fun to throw it around a theme. In this situation, you can poke through a favor selection, pick your favorites, and then plan the party around them. Give people ornament photo holders or mini snow globes at a holiday party, seashell-shaped candles or salt and pepper shakers at a beach party, or miniature cowboy hats at a western-themed party. The possibilities are endless, and this is where you can really think outside the box and have a good time with your planning. 7. Use 'em till you use 'em up - If the idea of party favors makes you cringe while remembering all the useless and tacky trinkets you have amassed through the years, you will be happy to know that many favors nowadays are quite useful. Favors are available in a wide variety of kitchen tools, salt and pepper shakers, tape measures, keyboard dusters, and many more. Guests will appreciate having something small, portable, and useful that is also precious. 8. Packages of Fun - They may be a little more expensive, but putting together a favor package for guests is often fun and much appreciated by the recipients. Create a kitchen set by including a whisk, cookie cutters, and a peeler. Delicious treats await! If you like the cocktail idea, buy corkscrews, bottle openers, and bottle stoppers and tie together in a mini ice bucket. Simply choose various favor options from a single collection and tie together in a bag or box with a pretty ribbon, and guests will rave. 9. Smile for the Birdie - Photo frames are immensely popular choices, because people can develop photos from your party and display them in their new favors. For graduation parties and weddings, you can give the frames to guests with pictures of the party's star, or for sit-down occasions, you can put guests' pictures in the frames and use them as place cards/favors. 10. Pamper Guests - Everyone loves to be pampered, but it usually takes a backseat to the everyday demands of life. Pamper your guests with gifts like a custom fragrance (many companies will provide this service to you for a nominal fee) in a decorative crystal perfume bottle, or distribute travel-size nail kits to guests on their way out the door. Some places even offer bottles of personalized bubble bath, hair products, and sunscreen. Whichever favor trend you choose for your next party, if you follow the suggestions on this list, your favors are sure to be a hit, even with the surliest guests. Take your favorite favor idea, and with a little creativity, you can make it your own and create a hot new trend.
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