CHARM & CHEER: ADULT CHRISTMAS PARTY FAVORS THAT STEAL THE SPOTLIGHT!

Written By: Bec  
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​For us, the festive spirit means joy and kindness. It means making people smile; creating beautiful moments and memories. And one of our favourite ways to do just that is with unexpected surprises.

Now in everyday life, this may look something like handwritten notes to loved ones, compliments (to friends and strangers), or small gifts (such as a succulent and card left at your neighbour's doorstep). But how do you pull off an unexpected surprise at a Christmas event? What can you do to fill party guests with holiday cheer that lasts long after the celebration is over? 

You play santa claus!

We don't mean donning your best red suit and hat (although this is absolutely an option if you wish!). But rather, finding the perfect gift for your beautiful attendees; one that magically appears right when things are starting to wrap up.

Intrigued? Find some amazing Christmas party favors (and tips for delivering them in the BEST way possible) below...

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Festive Christmas Party Favors (Quick Overview)

​Christmas parties range from incredibly sophisticated to downright hilarious. There may be ballgowns, there may be ugly sweaters. There may be risqué outfits, or the cutest PJ sets you ever did see. But no matter the 'theme' of your celebration, there is a festive favor to match. From edible delights (such as Christmas cookies, candy canes, fruitcake, pudding, gingerbread houses and chocolates) to holiday-inspired gifts (crackers with a twist, Christmas-themed plant gifts), the perfect favor idea for your​ event is just waiting to be chosen!

Edible Christmas Party Favour Ideas

Baked goods, gourmet treats and festive feasts are all fair game when it comes to these delicious favor ideas! ​
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CANDY CANES
We find that candy canes provide a fun and festive touch to any kind of favor. Whether it be foodie delights or practical items, adorning your gift packing with one (or a few) of these beauties adds instant Christmas feels.



CHRISTMAS CHOCOLATES
From personalised wrappers to gourmet Christmas themed chocolates, there is such a HUGE range of options when it comes to gifting this decadent dessert. 



CHRISTMAS COOKIES
From gingerbreads, shortbreads and sugar cookies to chocolate chip cookies with holiday mix-ins (such as red and green M&M's), there's such a fun variety of Christmas inspired biscuits that you really can't go wrong! And because of this wonderful range, you can easily mix and match them with other small gifts - creating one beautiful favor (e.g. gourmet coffee or tea paired with shortbreads, sugar cookies paired with homemade jams, or chocolate chip cookies paired with a delicious hot chocolate mix).

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FRUITCAKE OR PUDDING
Mini Christmas pudding, fruitcakes or fruitcake bites are a fabulous festive treat that can be thoughtfully packaged and then personalised with a beautiful, handwritten note. As above, pair with some gourmet tea or coffee blends for the ultimate R&R favor.



HOT CHOCOLATE FAVORS
Layer hot cocoa mix and mini marshmallows in a mason jar. Tighten the lid and then, using twine or festive ribbon, attach a small gift tag, candy cane and/or chocolate spoon. ​Pair with Christmas cookies or a holiday themed mug for an extra special touch.



MINI CHRISTMAS HAMPERS
Overflowing with homemade Christmas goodies, small treats and practical cooking components (such as herbs, spices or olive oil); these wonderful favors allow guests to continue the festive fun with a relaxing picnic, or an indulgent night in.

Related: Gift Basket Ideas



MINI GINGERBREAD HOUSES
These tiny creations are always so beautifully presented. So much so that you don't actually want to eat them! BUT, when you do dig in, the taste is OH so worth it. A decoration and gift all in one.



MINI PAVLOVAS
Mini pavlovas are an incredibly tasty take-home treat that will get mouths watering! For added flair, pack plain pavlovas in a small box, and then have guests decorate them with their choice in toppings (such as shaved chocolate, chocolate balls, strawberries, cherries and other bits and pieces) before leaving.



POPCORN
​Different flavors of gourmet popcorn (think peppermint, chocolate drizzle or caramel) packaged in beautiful Christmas gift bags make for a delicious and fun party favor.
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Festive Favor Ideas

​A great way to get guests into the holiday spirit this Christmas season is to gift them thoughtful, fun and FESTIVE favours! 

​CHRISTMAS CRACKERS (WITH A TWIST)
Christmas crackers: the holiday season wouldn't be the same without them. But when it comes to using them as favours, they're best presented with a twist! Rather than the store-bought options, source your own DIY Christmas cracker kit. Now, you have the ULTIMATE festive packaging for small gifts. For example, fill your crackers with gift cards, tree decorations or wrapped chocolates. And for an extra cute idea, pop in a handwritten thank-you note and then personalise the outside of each cracker with individual names.



HOLIDAY-THEMED PLANT GIFTS
We absolutely LOVE gifting plants. They're green, they're beautiful to look at, and they last LONG after the celebration. For a Christmas themed event, there are three main players in this department: mini Christmas trees, poinsettias, and succulents.

​The mini Christmas tree is a fabulous idea, as guests can leave it outside throughout the year; bringing it in only during the holiday period (where it will shine bright with lights and ornaments). Ponsiettas are a beautiful plant associated with Christmas time, lighting up tables and benches with deep green and red foliage. And the good ol' succulent. When packaged just right, these lovely little plants make the best Christmas favors. Small and easy to care for, they will bring a smile to faces year round.



HOMEMADE CHRISTMAS PARTY FAVORS
Homemade favors just get you in the feels. There is something incredibly special in knowing that the host has put a lot of thought, time and skill into creating something just for you. So why not tug on the heart-strings at your next event; filling Christmas goodie bags with beautiful homemade items such as knitted beanies or ugly sweaters, crocheted Christmas characters, home-baked breads, homemade jams in glass jars, or even handmade Christmas cards.

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Other Christmas Party Favors

These unique favors will instantly add holiday spirit to your special occasion. But with the added benefit of being a little unusual (and, in turn, incredibly memorable!):
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• Adults Christmas eve box: filled with wine, Christmas cookies, warm socks and anything else you might find in a pamper/care package (but with a Christmassy twist!). Place items into a Santa sack or stocking for added fun.
• Adult colouring book: featuring festive drawings and fun Christmas quotes. Pair with a packet of pencils, and perhaps a hot beverage or bag of cookies, for a truly relaxing experience!
• Christmas crafts: such as Christmas tree macramé kits, crochet patterns (and the materials needed to complete it), mini cross-stitch kits, or even DIY baubles
• Gift cards: for a festive feast at a local café or restaurant, to take in your favourite classic Christmas movies at the local theatre, or for fun Christmas experiences in your area (such as Santa photos, Christmas plays, or entry to an upcoming carols by candlelight concert).
• Lottery tickets: featuring fun Christmas characters (and hopefully the winning numbers!)
• Practical Christmas themed items: such as beautiful Christmas tree candles, reusable Christmas hats, soaps or pamper products with festive scents, or cooking items that can be used at Christmas dinner!

​Delivering the Gifts

Around Christmas, there are so many fun ways to gift favors.

For starters, you may wish to ditch the goody bags completely, opting for wrapped gifts instead. Label these with individual guest names. During the event, secretly place them under the Christmas tree, ready and waiting for party goers to find at the end of the night (full stealth mode required for this mission!).

If you like the idea of a 'secret Santa visit', another option is to hang stockings or small 'Santa sacks' up for each attendee (these could become a wonderful part of your décor - a stocking garland, for example). At some point during the celebration, fill the stockings with small gifts (again, stealth mode required). When it comes time to leave, guests will not only get a wonderful surprise, but will get the added bonus of a beautiful Santa sack or stocking to take home and use throughout the holiday season.

And finally, there is the option of favor bags, boxes or wrapped gifts filled with goodies. These alone will bring so much Christmas spirit to the celebration, and their display will make for a beautifully festive section of your venue that guests will be excited to explore at the end of the night!

Fun Tip:
Decided on a 'secret Santa visit'? Award the first person to notice that gifts have 'magically' appeared a special Christmassy prize :)

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Add a Touch of Magic to Your Celebration With Christmas Favors to Remember!

​Christmas parties range from incredibly sophisticated to downright hilarious. From formal wear to ugly sweaters. But no matter the 'theme', there is a festive favor to match. So whether you're after Christmas inspired Bachelorette, bridal shower or wedding favors, or perhaps some corporate holiday party favors, this list has you covered!

As always, we love hearing about your real life adventures with our tips, tricks and ideas. So please feel free to share your experiences (and any other Christmas themed inspiration) with our wonderful community via the comments section below.

Have THE most amazing time on your special day - with THE most festive favors in town!

- Bec :)

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​P.S. The image below is perfect for Pinterest... Go on and share these favors for holiday parties - you know you want to! :)