I don’t know if you’ve heard about these Favorite Things Parties or not, but if you haven’t, I am so happy to finally be introducing you to the concept! Here’s the thing with us girls – we all get fascinated and some may even say obsessed with certain products. When was the last time you bought a new beauty product or kitchen gadget and then proceeded to tell five of your girlfriends that they MUST try it asap?! Exactly. We talk about these things, we get giddy about these things and we can’t stand knowing that some of our friends may not be using said things. IT’S TIME TO MAKE OUR DREAMS OF EVERYBODY OWNING WHAT WE LOVE A REALITY. Insert a Favorite Things Party. The concept is super simple and the execution is even simpler [that’s where we come into play – our gift ideas are all outlined below!] The LIY team had our own little Favorite Things Party recently [side note: you can host this at ANY time of the year, it does not need to be a holiday event!] and thought we would share with you exactly how we did it and what our favorite things were!

What is a Favorite Things Party?

Let’s start with the basics – what is a Favorite Things party, exactly? Allow me. A Favorite Things party is when you invite any amount of friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, or whomever you want to enjoy an evening of fun with over for an hour or three. The only stipulation? If attending, they must bring a favorite thing of their own under a certain price limit [we did under $50, but this is totally up to you!]. If you’re familiar with a traditional Favorite Things Party, your price limit is typically around $10 and you would bring multiples of the gift for each guest. HOWEVER, this is a new take on the Favorite Things Party! This year, instead of bringing one gift for each guest, we decided to go a different route and bring ONE favorite thing at a higher price point!

If you like the sound of a traditional $10 price limit, you can check out our previous Favorite Things Party guide with $10 gift ideas here!

How to Host

Before you start the gift exchange, each person gets an opportunity to show off their Favorite Thing. Tell the group what it is and why you love it! Note: the gifts should not be wrapped. This allows you to display your Favorite Things! No mystery necessary. 😉 Now, let’s get this party started!

• Step 1: Write number’s 1-7 (or however many attendee’s are participating!) on pieces of paper and place them in a dish for a drawing.
• Step 2: Everyone draws a piece of paper from the dish. The number you draw is the order you will pick gifts!
• Step 3: Whoever drew #1 gets to pick the first gift! When it’s person #2’s turn, they have the option to either steal person #1’s gift OR select a new gift from the pile! If your gift gets stolen, you must select a new gift from the pile. This continues until each person has a gift!
• Step 4: Enjoy YOUR new favorite thing! Eat, drink, be merry. You know the drill! 😉 PS. You can find our favorite snacks and spirits for hosting here!

And now, for a few of OUR favorite things . . . *drumroll, please*

Our Favorite Things Under $50

Erin’s Eye Massager

So here’s the deal – this eye massager isn’t always under $50, but when it is, you better believe I grab several. It has quickly become one of my favorite gifts to myself and to give to others. It’s one of those things that you would never think to seek out to buy, but when you experience it, you will wish you had it for your entire life leading up to that point. It is heated, massages your temples and eye area, helps alleviate headaches, all while playing the most calming spa music. Trust me, you need it and so do your friends.

Becca’s Body Care Products

Kopari Coconut Crush Scrub // L’Ocitane Cleansing and Softening Almond Shower Oil

This body scrub stands out amongst the rest – rather than falling apart as you try to apply, this  scrub is more of a paste-like texture, but doesn’t skimp on the grittiness you need from a great scrub! Coconut oil holds it altogether, but also leaves your skin so moisturized  in the process! This shower oil gives my skin new life in the winter! It smells heavenly and leaves skin silky smooth!

Steph’s Beauty Products

St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Face Mist / Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Gloss [Dolly]

Welcome to my lazy girl’s Summer guide to beauty! In the Summer my preference is a fresh face, lip gloss and mascara. While I love a fresh face, I also love it to have a little color. Since I’m naturally very pale, I slather on the sunscreen, but apply this bronzing face mist to give myself a sunny glow. This plumping lip gloss is my favorite year round, but comes in especially handy when I’m looking for a little extra on my lips since I’m not wearing much makeup.

Hannah’s Hair Favorites

Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil // Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Paddle Brush // Kitsch Hair Ties

These are by far my all time favorite things! I’m all about the hair care products and have been using most of these for years! It’s no secret that I love good brushes and I’ve used the Olivia Garden brand brushes for over 10 years!! This paddle brush is one of my favorites and keeps my hair so healthy! The Olaplex Bonding Oil is a hair care must have! I use it on wet and dry hair and I swear it’s made my hair look and feel so much healthier and shinier! And these hair ties keep your hair from breaking, comfortable to wear [I have a sensitive head] and I can’t get over these pretty feminine colors!

Claire’s Silk Pillowcase

Silk Pillowcase [in Nude Champagne]

I recently hopped on the silk pillowcase bandwagon and I’m never looking back! I love the luxurious feel and if you’re a warm sleeper, they stay SO cool at night! There are all sorts of beauty benefits for your hair and skin [learn more here!] and I’m a firm believer that every woman needs one in their lives. Mine is under $50 so it makes a great “luxury” feel gift without breaking the bank!

Katy’s Favorite Things

Tyler Candle [Diva] // Sky High Maybelline Mascara // Threshold Faux Fur Blanket

The scent of these candles will fill a room…and I love the way this one smells! It’s hard to describe, but I’ve seen others say it smells like a mix of florals, chocolate, and amber. Whatever it is, I think you’ll love it and that you will be taking it to a favorite things party soon! This mascara helps give my short lashes some length and volume! If I am in a hurry and running out the door, I am reaching for this to make me look like I am a little put together and it will last all day. And lastly, I purchased this blanket for myself for a Target blog post and it quickly became a favorite. Not only is it beautiful to have on display but it is SO soft. You will not be disappointed if you snag this!

Macy’s Nutribullet

NutriBullet 

Before I had the NutriBullet I would use my blender to make smoothies and it was just so big and bulky and took up so much space in my dishwasher. I love how the NutriBullet is the perfect size for a single use. It’s so easy to just throw in some spinach, frozen fruit and milk and mix her up and boom…you’ve got yourself a healthy treat. I’ve also made “nice” cream with it. Which is simply frozen fruit, greek yogurt and milk. SO yummy! 

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