Fun favors are essential to completing any party, but it can be a challenge to find the just-perfect gifts and treats for guests to take home. Here’s our guide to stores that sell party favors for varying themes and ideas that are sure to leave an impression long after the party is over.
The Craft Studio: You can never go wrong with toys and games as party favors for kids. In addition to being one of the UES’s top b-day party destinations for crafty kids, the Craft Studio also offers an ever-changing selection of toys and novelty gifts that all make for super-fun favor bag fillers. The one-of-a-kind venue and store also offers a birthday gift registry and complimentary gift wrapping and personalization options. craftstudionyc.com/toyshop
CuRious Candy: With outposts on the Upper East Side and in the West Village, CurRious Candy is fashion designer (and local mom) Cynthia Rowley’s “Tim Burton meets Willy Wonka-themed experience.” CuRious offers whimsical candy, like rainbow licorice laces and peachy penguins, as well as fanciful party favors, like rock candy jewelry sets, glitter crowns, and mysterious surprise balls that make for totally unique take-homes for budding fashionistas. curiouscandy.com
Dylan’s Candy Bar: End your party on a sweet note with picks from Dylan’s Candy Bar (now with locations on the Upper East Side and in Union Square) where you can choose from among 7,000 original confections for classic candies like lollipops, chocolate bars and gummy bears, or go for fun candy themes like Hello Kitty, or spring for extravagant gift sets to indulge any sweet tooth. dylanscandybar.com
The Evolution Store: The Evolution Store in SoHo is the destination for science and natural history collectibles and gifts—making it perfect for a science or nature-themed bash. Experience a museum-like atmosphere as you browse among anatomical dinosaur building sets, minerals and bones, and even lollipops with bugs in the middle for kid-friendly and sure-to-please memorable party favors. theevolutionstore.com
Flying Tiger: Founded in Copenhagen, Denmark, originally as a surplus store, Flying Tiger recently set up shop in the Flatiron District. They provide simple yet quirky party favors at very affordable prices. From options like patterned paper boxes and garlands to cake toppers and photo booth props, Flying Tiger is truly a budget-friendly one-stop party shop with a European twist. flyingtiger.com
Imagination Lane: Created by Deanna Magenheim, the founder of NYC’s own Let’s Gogh Art, Imagination Lane offers creatively themed and kid-friendly items, like 3D coloring books and personalized princess placemats, that put a twist on any party without needing to spend a fortune. imaginationlanenyc.com
Paper Source: With locations throughout NYC, including in the Meatpacking District and in Brooklyn, the Paper Source is a go-to destination for favor bags and thank-you cards in a variety of themes and colors. Plus, the store’s customization options for favor bags (think cute icons, graphics, and monograms) are sure to delight. papersource.com
Pearl River Mart: Go bold with exotic and stylish trinkets from Pearl River Mart in SoHo (though you better move fast, as the iconic store will be closing when their lease is up next year). Carrying over 15,000 products, the store offers items like tea lanterns, tassels, and straw finger traps that make for beautiful and interesting party favors at prices that can’t be beat. pearlriver.com
Sugarfina: While the kids enjoy the toys and candy, treat the adults in attendance (we all know it often takes more than one dedicated grown-up to host a successful soiree) to some “grown-up” candy. Consider the Cocktail Hour Candy Bento Box from Sugarfina, which serves up an alcohol-inspired candy assortment—including delights like Champagne Gummy Bears and Maple Bourbon Caramels. sugarfina.com
To read our 2015 Birthdays Guide, click here.
