Every year, my friends and I host a Favorite Things Party inspired by Oprah's legendary holiday tradition. The concept is simple but magical: everyone brings 3 of their absolute favorite item (around $25), and we all leave with 3 new treasures that were someone else's favorite thing. Add Christmas pajamas, cozy food, and great company, and you've got the perfect holiday tradition.

This year's party was extra special, and I'm sharing the 10 favorite things that made the rounds. Whether you're planning your own Favorite Things Party or just looking for genuinely good gift ideas, these are all winners.

How Our Favorite Things Party Works

Before I dive into the products, here's our party formula (feel free to steal it!):

The Rules:

- Everyone brings 3 of the SAME item they love (their "favorite thing")

- Budget is around $25 per item (some go a bit more, but we never want this to be a financial burden)

- We do a fun exchange so everyone leaves with 3 different favorites

- Everyone brings a food or drink to share

- Christmas pajamas are mandatory (the cozier, the better!)

My Go-To Party Menu: I always order Minestrone soup from Olive Garden (it's a crowd favorite and so easy!) and make my famous ham and cheese sliders. Everyone else brings apps, desserts, or drinks, and we have the best spread.

Now, let's get to the good stuff, the 10 favorite things from this year's party!

The Ultimate Favorite Things List from My 2024 Party (So Good You'll Want Them All):

Favorite Thing 1: Perfume Sampler

This was such a smart gift! This sampler lets you try five different scents before committing to a full bottle. These smell way more expensive than they are, perfect for finding your new signature scent without buying blind. Everyone who got this was immediately planning which full-size bottle they'd order.

Favorite Thing 2: Reed Diffuser

A beautiful reed diffuser that makes your house smell amazing 24/7 without remembering to light anything. It lasts for months, looks pretty sitting out, and gives you those total set-it-and-forget-it vibes. The subtle, constant scent is chef's kiss.

Favorite Thing 3: Smart Car Diffuser

This was an instant hit! This car diffuser makes every drive smell amazing with Bluetooth-controlled scents that actually work. You control the intensity from your phone, and it turns your car from snack-wrapper chaos to spa energy. No more sketchy gas station air fresheners. Perfect for anyone who spends time in their car (so everyone).

Favorite Thing 4: Candle Warmer

This candle warmer is a game-changer! All the cozy candle vibes without the fire hazard worry. Your candles last way longer and you can leave it on without stress. It doubles as mood lighting and makes your space look so cozy and aesthetic. Seriously a must-have.

Favorite Thing 5: Mini Round Dish

These adorable mini dishes are the cutest little thing for butter, dips, jewelry, literally anything. They're oven and dishwasher safe, gorgeous to look at, and people went WILD for these at the party. Classic quality in the perfect mini size. A splurge, but so worth it.

Favorite Thing 6: Hair Detangler Spray

The miracle spray for tangled hair that actually works! One spritz and brushing becomes painless instead of a wrestling match. Worth every penny, especially if you have kids with long hair. This was a huge hit with all the moms at the party.

Favorite Thing 7: Gold Hoop Earrings

Classic everyday hoops that go with everything. These are lightweight, flattering, and instantly make you look more put together without even trying. You'll wear these constantly, they're the kind of earrings you forget you're wearing but get compliments on all the time.

Favorite Thing 8: Ultra-Soft Blanket

So soft it's almost ridiculous. This blanket is the perfect weight, machine washable, and comes in the cutest patterns. Fair warning: everyone in your house will fight over it. It's the kind of blanket you want to wrap yourself in and never leave the couch.

Favorite Thing 9: Electric Salt and Pepper Grinder

One-handed grinding that makes you feel fancy at every meal. Just press the top, no twisting, no mess. It's one of those small upgrades that has a big impact on your daily life. Fresh-ground pepper on everything? Yes please.

Favorite Thing 10: Shimmer Sunscreen

SPF 50 that makes you glow instead of looking ghostly. The subtle shimmer makes your skin look amazing while protecting it. Smells like vacation in a bottle. This is the sunscreen that makes you actually want to reapply.

Why I Love This Party Tradition

What makes this party so special isn't just the gifts (though they're amazing). It's gathering with friends during the busy holiday season, sharing our favorite finds, and creating a cozy, judgment-free space to connect. Plus, everyone leaves with things they'll actually use and love, not random gifts that end up in a donation pile.

If you're thinking about hosting your own Favorite Things Party, I can't recommend it enough. Keep it simple, make it cozy, and focus on the fun. That's what the holidays are all about!

Have you hosted or attended a Favorite Things Party? What would YOUR favorite thing be? Let me know in the comments!

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—Melanie ✨