Throughout history, a wide range of exciting celebrations has developed, and with them came a unique set of traditions regarding gift giving. Each culture, city or region has created a set of customs that occur when a party or special occasion get-together is held. One of the most commonly encountered items attached to a party includes the giving of favors, which are small tokens of appreciation presented to attendees. Depending on the party theme or event, the gift is often a keepsake that serves as a memento of the occasion, and is an especially popular gesture associated with weddings.



Although formal occasions are typically the most linked circumstances pertaining to party favors, history shows an array of events where favors were used. Hosts and hostesses of parties have exercised the option of providing guests with a variety of small presents that range in size, value, creativity, and meaning. Birthday parties, independence celebrations, new baby merriment, and Christmas bashes are all common events where party favors play an important role.

Party favors have evolved quite a ways from the historic gifts given at special occasions. In the past, most offerings were edible and didn't provide a personalized flair. During ancient times, they often served more the purpose of acknowledging the presence of guests and sending them off with a “thank you.” Today, party favors for formal occasions, such as weddings, baby showers, and bridal parties are highly personalized, which further connects guests to their hosts and hostesses long after the event has passed.

The craftiness of party favors is filled with many different expressive forms of creativity. “It's a Boy” or “It's a Girl” cigars are passed out as favors to welcome the birth of a new child. Sometimes they are made from real tobacco while others are actually bubble gum in the shape of a cigar.

Party favors associated with the New Year or the 4th of July include momentary items that are used for a one-night celebration. Silly string, confetti, and streamers are often given to decorate homes or spread holiday cheer. During the festivities, balloons, party hats, noisemakers, and paper tubes that unroll when blown into are just some of the items given to party guests to enhance their celebratory mood.

Party favors are also given across a wide range of cultural celebrations, including Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, which involves the passing out of religious symbols to pay tribute to such a momentous occasion in a young Jewish boy or girl's life. Fun retirement party favors are often given as a gag worth a chuckle or two. Specialized favors are also created to celebrate milestones in age, such as a Sweet 16 birthday. “Over the Hill” themes often arise when friends and family finally hit their 30s, 40s, or 50s.

The giving of party favors is known to extend a hand that affects individuals of all ages. Smaller social gatherings, such as birthday celebrations for children usually hand out simple gift bags to guests, which are often filled with inexpensive toys and sweets. In this case, the party favors aren't meant to prolong the memory of the celebration, but is meant to send guests back home with a smile on their face.

History of Wedding Favors

When tracing the history of the wedding favor, the act is recorded as early as the 16th century. Some of the very first items given as wedding favors were fruits, nuts, and biscuits, which were quite popular during ancient Roman times. It was also the purpose of favors at this time to help guests celebrate the occasion. Sometimes, cereal grains, which served as a sign of fertility, were given to participants to throw in the same manner that rice is thrown at weddings today. On a higher level, wealthy families in ancient Italian civilizations gave their guests incense and scarves made from silk. In England, the 16th and 17th centuries saw the romantic gesture of passing out “love knots,” which were fashioned from ribbons and lace.

Where Did the Whole Jordan Almond Tradition Come From Anyway?

Have you ever attended a wedding and in some way, shape, or form; you are greeted by a dish or party favor filled with these common pastel-colored offerings? The tradition of giving tasty candy-coated almonds wrapped in an attractive arrangement actually spans hundreds of years. Various tales are attached to this practice, including the use of an odd number of almonds, such as five or seven, to encourage good luck.

The custom of giving five Jordan almonds is said to serve as a symbol for health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and long-life. In some cultures, highly decorated bags or boxes filled with sugared almonds were offered to guests instead of cutting a wedding cake. There is even a Greek legend that appears in the 77AD writings of Pliny who viewed the almond as a sign of youth, everlasting love, as well as the prevention for drunkenness, and was quoted as saying that five almonds given to party guests help to avoid unruliness.

International Notions of Party Favors

The take on party favors has evolved over time as different resources and materials allowed gift giving to reach new heights of indulgence and competing appreciation. Some favor ideas have survived through centuries of progress, while others have developed in many different directions. For example, Malaysian party guests often return home with hand-painted, decorative eggs as party favors. In Russia, picture frames or sachets are quite popular. In France, holiday celebrations often involved “crackers.” These intricately wrapped gifts when pulled at both ends, “popped” open to reveal a hidden gift, which could be a mask, tiara, plastic toy, or piece of paper highlighting jokes or words of wisdom.

Overall, no matter which way you look at it, a gift bag, party favor, or small present is usually expected when attending a get-together in today's society. The beauty of the process is that hosts and hostesses have a wealth of possibilities to consider, making this historic practice a highly personal adventure.