We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
Favorite Things Party Gift Ideas
Thoughtful Picks at Every Price Point
Record-breaking cold calls for staying inside, good company, and things that make winter feel a little more bearable. The Galentine’s “Favorite Things” party I went to recently was exactly that — cozy, low-key, and full of gifts people loved enough to share. We did two exchanges at different price points: one in the $5–$10 range, and one in the $30–$35 range. We drew numbers, and on your turn, you could either open a gift or steal one that had already been opened. After three steals, a gift was locked and could no longer be taken. It was such an enjoyable night, filled with laughs, stories, and chocolate covered raspberries! The only thing that was missing was Julie Andrews singing in a dress made of curtains. Anyone else immediately have that song stuck in their head when they hear “favorite things”?
After all the excitement of opening and (sometimes stealthily) stealing gifts (threats were made, friendships tested), I couldn’t help but notice which items got the biggest reactions or the most steals. Here’s a look at the smaller $5 to $10 gifts…
1. Three different Grace & Stella Under Eye Masks: An easy self-care win for busy moms. I love using these after washing my face — simple, relaxing, and surprisingly refreshing.
2. Swedish Dishcloths: These were a crowd favorite. They replace paper towels for just about everything — spills, counter cleanups, and even post-meal baby wipes. Throw them in the dishwasher or washing machine and reuse the next day!
3. Plastic Mason Jar Lids: One of those things you don’t realize you need until you have it. Even if you’re not into canning, mason jars seem to multiply, and the metal lids always rust. These are easy to wash, won’t rust, and make everyday use so much easier.
4. Magnetic Lint Bin: One of those little household helpers that just makes life easier. If your dryer has space on the side, this is an easy win.
5. Thermal Socks: The perfect balance of softness and thickness, without being itchy. These thermal socks keep your feet warm and comfortable all winter long.
6. In His Image: I haven’t read this, but it was one of the attendees favorite book of the year! It is a Christian nonfiction book that explores how understanding God’s attributes helps believers grow in Christlikeness and reflect His character more faithfully in everyday life.
7. None Like Him: Same author as the book above and another one that was highly recommended for those looking to deepen their faith. A Christian nonfiction book that explores God’s incommunicable attributes (self-existence, omniscience, and sovereignty) – inviting readers to rest in who God is rather than striving to be what only He can be.
8. 4-Piece Stainless Steel Measuring Cup Set (Copper, Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia): One friend explained how surprisingly useful it is to have two sets of kitchen essentials—and after watching these get “stolen” multiple times, it was clear we were sold! I’m always short on clean measuring cups while cooking, and since I didn’t win this set, I clearly need to buy my own.
9. Kitsch Air Dry Cream: A lightweight, frizz-fighting cream that smooths hair while letting your natural texture shine. Perfect for lazy mornings or when you want effortless, touchable hair without having to blow dry.
10. Crave Brush: Perfect for your gym bag! This sleek, easy-to-use hairbrush makes detangling a breeze and leaves hair smooth without tugging or pulling.
11. Trader Joe’s Stand-Up Collapsable Grocery Tote – Only $4 per tote at Trader Joe’s, and everyone wanted one! These sturdy, roomy totes are perfect for milk, groceries, or just carrying a bunch of stuff, and they collapse flat for easy storage.
12. Clean Skin Club Clean Towels: These biodegradable disposable face towels make cleansing or drying your face a breeze. I won a set and was impressed! Makeup washed right out, leaving my skin fresh and clean. Use them with your favorite cleanser or just to gently dry off after washing.
13. Kitsch Hair Wand: All the postpartum moms laughed because this feels essential after all that post-baby hair loss and the inevitable flyaways. This tiny, mascara-looking tool tames stray hairs and keeps your hair looking polished in seconds.
14. Tangle Teezer Brush: Another brush that got rave reviews! It detangles without pulling and leaves hair smooth and manageable!
15. Dude Wipes: Don’t let the name fool you, these unscented wipes are a lifesaver for women, too! Stay fresh, anytime, anywhere. Perfect for handbags, gym bags, or just keeping handy at home.
Once the small gifts were all claimed (and occasionally stolen), it was time for the slightly “fancier” round. These $30–$35 gifts brought a little extra wow factor — items people really loved and wanted to hold onto.
16. Living Proof No Frizz Conditioner: This was praised highly for smoothing frizz and adding softness without weighing hair down.
17. Beginner Embroidery Kit: One friend said she was tired of just scrolling on her phone while watching TV and wanted to try something hands-on. This kit makes it easy to get started and learn all of the basics of embroidery. Now she makes cute baby gifts, embroidered shirts, dish towels, you name it!
18. CRZ Yoga Butterlift Workout Leggings: When these were opened, the whole group, myself included, raved about them. Super soft and comfortable. They don’t roll down and hold up beautifully through workouts and washes.
19. Tarte Tubing Mascara: II haven’t tried tubing mascara yet, but it’s officially on my list! Apparently its a favorite for giving lashes length and definition without smudging. It stays put all day, and is easy to remove.
20. EACHY Travel Makeup Bag: This bag was a hit! Everyone wanted one! The flat-open design lets it lay completely flat so you can see and grab everything easily.
21. Crown Affair Hair Towel: I wanted this one so badly! But apparently, so did everyone else, and it got swiped fast! Microfiber towels usually dry hair quickly but I don’t like how rough they feel on my skin. This one feels soft like a regular towel while cutting blow-dry time in half, and from my research, it’s one of the best out there. Slightly over the budget, but the gift giver loved it so much she didn’t even care!
22. Optimum Nutrition Vanilla Ice Cream Protein Powder: A little sample of this protein powder was part of my gift! I love starting my day with a morning smoothie. They are healthy, refreshing, and a little boost for my hormones and migraines. After researching protein powders extensively, I landed on this one: low in sugar, high in protein, and delicious. The flavor is great, and it blends perfectly into smoothies for a simple, nourishing start to the day.
23. INKEY List Vitamin C and EGF Serum: To bump my smoothie gift into the $30–$35 range, I added this vitamin C serum. I love a little pampering, and vitamin C feels amazing on freshly washed skin. Plus, it’s one of the best little things women in their 30s can do to help keep skin bright and healthy!
24. Nutribullet Blender: This makes whipping up a morning smoothie effortless. I use it almost every day and love it. While the name-brand version is a bit out of budget, I found a knock-off at Aldi for $20! Great find in the aisle of shame! To make this gift extra special, I included my favorite morning smoothie recipe, included at the end of this post!
25. Rifle Paper Co. World Travel Wall Calendar: A really pretty calendar from Rifle Paper Co. with travel-inspired artwork for each month. Functional, but also something you actually want hanging on your wall all year.
26. Red Mandarin and Guava Candle: A bright, fruity scent that feels fresh. This was paired with the candle warmer lamp below!
27. Candle Warmer Lamp: I ended up taking this one home, and I absolutely love it. It sits right by our entryway and adds both a soft glow and a beautiful scent as soon as guests walk in. It’s a simple way to make your home feel warm and welcoming.
28. Maybelline Lifter Gloss: A super hydrating gloss with just the right amount of shine. It’s comfortable, not sticky, and easy to throw on for everyday wear. This was paired with the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask.
29. Eva NYC Deep Conditioning Hair Mask: A rich, nourishing mask that leaves hair feeling noticeably softer and smoother. Perfect for dry, damaged, or winter-weary hair that needs a little extra love.
30. Fancy Forest Work Tote Bag: This bag came highly recommended for one very practical reason – it has an interior water bottle holder that can even fit a Stanley. It’s easy to dress up or down, and no more worrying about drinks tipping over and spilling all over the inside of your purse.
31. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask: If you haven’t tried this yet, you’re missing out. You put it on before bed and wake up with soft, moisturized lips. Simple, effective, and totally worth the hype.
32. Vera Pasta Marinara Sauce: One friend brought a trio of favorites — Vera marinara sauce, plus maple mustard and maple syrup from the local Phoenixville Farmers Market. These were instantly popular, and it felt like everyone was hoping to snag them.
33. Maple Mustard: If you are local to Southeastern Pennsylvania, you will have to make it to one of the farmer’s markets where Ridge Valley Farm brings some of their delicious syrups and sauces. If you are further away, maybe this mustard would hit the spot.
34. Maple Syrup: Another farmers market find from Ridge Valley Farm. If you’re not local, consider this your sign to explore your own farmers market. You never know what delicious, small-batch gems you’ll discover.
Once I started brainstorming my favorite things, I couldn’t stop! These are a few more of my most-loved items that didn’t make it into the exchange this year but would make great gifts for any occasion!
35. Portmeirion Sophie Conran Casserole Dish: I use this every time I host. It’s gorgeous and incredibly practical. Microwave, stovetop, or oven safe, it’s perfect for dishes like mac n’ cheese, scalloped potatoes, or baked beans. A beautiful piece that’s as useful as it is eye-catching.
36: Chip & Dip Bowl Set: A classic for a reason. This is perfect for entertaining and gets pulled out again and again.
37. A Serving Platter: A beautiful serving platter, especially one found affordably at HomeGoods (I scored a white ceramic oval platter with a decorative dots around the rim for $13), gets used for every gathering!
38. Electric Pour-over Kettle: I am obsessed with this kettle! You can set a precise temperature and even keep it warm for up to two hours. Perfect for snow days (no more kids burning their mouths on hot cocoa), for sipping tea when you’re sick, or for coffee pour-overs. I especially love using it when hosting! Everyone can easily help themselves to a hot cup of tea.
39: Fabric Napkins: Pair your serving platter with some beautiful fabric napkins! At two recent gatherings, sustainability came up in conversation, and I realized how much I’d love a set of nice fabric napkins. Perfect for everyday use or special occasions, they’re a simple way to skip disposables while adding a touch of style to the table.
Whether you’re looking for gift inspiration or just want to see what people actually love to use, these exchanges were full of ideas worth remembering. I hope a few of them give you a little spark for your next cozy gathering!
Ashleigh's Morning Smoothie Recipe
- 30g spinach*
- 130g frozen mixed berries
- 15g (half scoop) protein powder
- 245g almond milk
*I like to buy a big container from Costco and keep it in the freezer!
Leave a comment and let me know what you would bring to a favorite things party!
