When we planned a holiday party for Manhattan's downtown chic set at one of the coolest NYC lofts we've ever been to, we knew we needed to step it up when it came to party favors. Because guys don't give a shit, and girls appreciate all those little details... we focused just on the ladies. Who doesn't love a fresh new Essie polish?! With a quick online bulk purchase, and some clever words these little gifts became THE easiest DIY favor of them all. * Added bonus if you have a hot toy soldier dancer handing them out at the door.
With an impressive bow, gift card and sometimes even a matching bag, a good gift wrap can make more of an impression than the actual gift! It's all about the presentation. Given our obsession with pops of color and glitter, a favorite of ours is classic brown paper. It's a blank canvas with endless possibilities for creativity. Since you could easily find yourself in a Pinterest rabbit hole of so many wrap ideas, here are a few we're particularly loving that seem to be fairly easy to try. All you need is a quick trip to the craft store or maybe just a dig into your craft box and you're ready to make some gifting magic.
Credits: Pinterest
Shopping suggestions:
Paper Source
Michael's
Because we're always ones to be dreaming of a donut during those last 10 second of crunches in class, this water bottle seemed like the perfect party favor for a chic work out party. Whether a charity spin, a wedding day yoga sesh with your bridesmaids, these would look so cute propped up with a custom towel and bright neon yoga mat. Think about it.
Shop this chic sports bottle at Ban.do
At PG we have a full on soft spot for good stationary. No correction... amazing stationary. In our mobile consumed lives, when you take the time to sit down and either write a thank you note, extend an invite, or simply to say "hey girl, hey", it clearly has provoked a lot of thought on your part. Shouldn't the stationary you're sending feel just as thoughtful as the words you're writing? We think so. Which is why our studio is full of collected cards and greetings for the chance to send out a little piece of awesome just when the time is right.
A few of our favorites below for when you're thumbs are tired of typing, and you're words need a little more "oomph".
Portland Palomino: For dreamy colors, and calligraphy that will make you want to sign up for an art class. If you just can't get enough of the original fonts, they offer custom tattoo design. I meannn.......
Ladyfingers Letterpress: For bright, punchy colors and some lines that will actually make you laugh out loud. They also have a line of "tiny" cards that are so. damn. cute. You won't be able to resist.
Rifle Paper Co: For florals that feel more like Brenda, Donna & Kelly's 90's era printed dresses and less like your grandma's curtains. The colors and different blooms all feel fresh and fun like sending a real bouquet!
Oh Happy Day: These "Dough-Notes" will have you both giggling and drooling. And well doughnuts are the new cupcake...so there's that too.
Here at Partygirl we know we are nothing without our essentials. Some of our best DIY's and party tricks are done on an "As-We-Dream-It-Up" basis. AKA.... on the fly. To make this happen we always have a PartyGirl tool box full of tricks that is ready at any moment and we think you should too. Our favorite essentials store is Michael's but any craft or paper source store will have what you need. Here are a few essentials to get you started!
Tool Box: Essential for obvious reasons. We love that it's fairly small and can be stored anywhere without taking up tons of room. It holds a ton of stuff and can be painted (or glittered) easily if wanted.
Glue Gun: Probably the most important thing in the entire PartyGirl tool box. It's small and compact so you can carry with you to events for touch ups on the fly. It's quick and very effective.
Scissors: No explanation necessary. You'll always need them!
Glitter: It's like having sugar in your kitchen... it can spruce up anything and the same can be said for a little glitter. It just always comes in handy.
Tape Measure: We love this small little guy because it's easy to keep in your kit or throw in your bag without taking up much room.
Modge Podge: The BEST for glittering pretty much anything. Learn to love it!
Foam brushes: the best for Modge Podge-ing anything. Also great for painting as well. They clean out quick and are super cheap so you can always have a bunch on hand.
Sharpie Marker: Labels, Gift cards, Posters.... we could go on for days.
Exacto Knife: For tearing boxes open, crafting and for when your scissors just won't cut it.
Scotch Tape: Because it's also just a life essential.
Ribbon and Bows: You never know when you'll need to do a quick gift wrap or pull together a dinner party in record time.
E6000: When you have a little more time for drying and need a stronger hold than a glue gun this is your answer!
A bottle of paint: Our wild card item. We love a metallic Martha Stewart paint for making things sparkle just a little more if needed. You probably have a wild card essential too!