Party Favors in English: The Ultimate Guide to “Lembrancinhas de Aniversário”

When planning a birthday party—whether it is for your child, a milestone celebration, or a casual gathering—one of the most delightful details is the little parting gift given to guests. In Brazil, we lovingly call this a lembrancinha de aniversário. But what is it called in English? And how do native English speakers approach this charming tradition?

Whether you are hosting an English-themed party, writing invitations in English, or looking for cross-cultural inspiration, understanding the terminology and trends will help you pull off an unforgettable event.

What is a “Lembrancinha” Called in English?

If you walk into a party supply store in the United States, the UK, or Australia and ask for a “souvenir,” people will think of vacation trinkets like a keychain from New York or a fridge magnet from London.

Instead, the exact English terms for a birthday lembrancinha depend slightly on the context:

• Party Favor: This is the most common, universal term for any small gift given to guests as a token of appreciation at a party, shower, or wedding.
• Goodie Bag / Loot Bag: Typically used for children’s birthday parties. It refers to a small bag filled with treats, small toys, stickers, and candy handed out as kids leave.
• Party Bag: A British and Australian favorite, synonymous with a goodie bag.

Classic vs. Modern Party Favors

Just like in Brazil, party favors have evolved significantly over the years. Moving away from cheap plastic trinkets that end up in the trash, modern hosts lean toward thoughtful, high-quality items.

1. For Children’s Birthdays (Kids’ Parties)

Children’s parties in English-speaking countries rely heavily on the classic goodie bag. However, parents are getting much more creative:

• Themed Kits: Mini play-dough tubs with cookie cutters, small watercolor sets, or DIY slime kits.
• Books & Puzzles: A small paperback book or a themed mini-puzzle matching the party’s theme (