A party favor or party favour (see spelling differences) is a small gift given to the guests at a party as a gesture of thanks for their attendance, a memento of the occasion, or simply as an aid to frivolity.
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It is traditional in some Western cultures for the guests at bridal showers and weddings to receive party favors; these vary in price and durability in accordance with the desires and budget of the host or hostess. This practice has spread to many other formal occasions such as baby showers, engagement parties, retirement parties, anniversaries, and holiday gatherings.
For small social gatherings such as birthday parties, guests may receive a simple and inexpensive favor such as a small toy. In some cases guests might receive a small "gift bag" with a handful of favors toys or trinkets, candy, pencils or other small gifts. Occasions such as birthday parties, seasonal parties, unique events such as a Bar/Bat Mitzvah or Christening are a few social gatherings where favors may be appropriate.
A host or hostess has the option to make or buy party favors for their event. The main factors in this decision are budget, longevity of favor, and time allotted for the task.
A typical party favor budget is computed by allotting a specific percentage of the overall event budget to favors. Traditionally, a bigger event such as a wedding or baby shower would allow for 20% of the overall budget to cover party favors. For a smaller event such as a birthday party or seasonal party, 5%-10% of the overall budget is customary.
The longevity of the favor depends on whether or not it is edible. If the host or hostess chooses to give an edible favor, they have the option to make it themselves or buy it from a favor company. The decision about longevity is personal to the host/hostess. For example, if the party is for a child, giving a party favor bag with a few themed items that the child will be able to play with is appropriate. If the party is for Halloween, giving edible "treats" is appropriate. If the party is for an anniversary, giving an item that can be taken home to commemorate the occasion such as a key chain or ornament is appropriate.
Time allotted for the task will also determine whether a host/hostess makes or buys their party favors. If the party is scheduled months in advance, time may be available for a handmade favor. If the guest list is large then buying the favors may be more efficient.
Party favors may also refer to ephemeral items which help partygoers celebrate, but which are not meant to be lasting souvenirs. Examples include but are not limited to party hats, balloons, noisemakers, blowouts (paper tubes that unroll when blown into), Christmas crackers, plastic leis, glow sticks, streamers, deely bobbers and confetti.
In Britain they are simply called "party bags fillers" or loot bags or goodie bags.
In Australia everyone knows them simply as "party bags" or party packs.
In India, party favours are referred to as return gifts.
In the Philippines, they are simply called "give-aways".