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It’s officially Christmas party season, which means calendars are filling up with cookie swaps, book club parties, family gatherings, and that one event that always sounds fun in theory until you have to shop for it: the “Favorite Things” party.
If you know, you know. You show up wearing an ugly Christmas sweater and carrying a bag with a wrapped item you love. Your friends bring their favorite things too, and everyone leaves with a mix of little treasures that someone else swears by.
If you are anything like me, you barely remember what you cooked for dinner last night. So, trying to recall your top favorite product of the entire year can feel overwhelming.
Fortunately, Arkansas is full of talented makers and small businesses that produce products suitable for almost any budget, personality or party theme. While getting ready for my upcoming gatherings, I put together a list of my favorite Arkansas-made gifts that are ideal for women’s parties, family exchanges, teacher gifts, stocking stuffers and last-minute surprises for hosts and co-workers.
And if you haven’t been invited to a Favorite Things party, don’t take it personally. Maybe your friends just don’t realize what they’re missing. This gift list still works for hostess gifts, stocking stuffers or even a personal “try this in 2026” list as you explore more Arkansas-made products in the year ahead.
Don’t miss our Ultimate Arkansas-Made Gift Guide!
My Top Arkansas-Made Favorite Things
These are the things I am taking to my own parties this year. Some are foodie favorites. Some are cozy comforts. All are Arkansas-made and easy to gift.
- Arkansas Hot Honey by Guenther Apiary
A perfect balance of sweet and heat. Use it on cinnamon toast, charcuterie boards, baked Brie, roasted veggies and especially pizza. This year, I discovered The Odd Soul in downtown Springdale, and their namesake pizza would be unbeatable if they ever teamed up.
- pH Delight Syrup by Pink House Alchemy
Lavender may be their classic, but pH Delight is the flavor I always add to my cart. Cinnamon, vanilla and a touch of honey, it’s magic. It’s the perfect fix for boring January coffee. Their seasonal syrups, like Pumpkin Butternut Squash or Winter Mint, also make great two-bottle gift sets. Or stash one away for your own January coffee bar.
Beautiful, handmade pasta from Northwest Arkansas provides an upscale vibe without any confusion, as all their products are delicious. Pair a box of pasta with a jar of artisanal sauce or tapenade for a simple two-item gift that always impresses.
A Delta-based company combines dried herbs, fruits and spices into teas that support everything from immunity to hot flashes. Try their Super Woman blend as a gift; it’s perfect for teachers, caregivers and wellness-minded friends. Check your local boutique; they are expanding across the state!
A household staple in Arkansas. The original and spicy versions are easy to find at a grocery store, making them perfect stocking stuffers. Great for men, grillers, hosts, and anyone who never shows up to Sunday lunch empty-handed.
Matcha, sipping chocolate, Onyx Delight and seasonal blends. Gift one or bundle a few for a luxurious at-home drink bar. Perfect for your coffee-loving friends or that family member who always orders something fancy. And, if you aren’t close to one of their moody locations, this lets you make your favorite beverage right at home!
Arkansas founder Jen Higgins transformed her signature mismatched socks into a mission supporting domestic violence survivors. Fun patterns, “sandals socks,” and meaningful impact make these a win for teens, teachers and girlfriends.
- Books by Arkansas Authors
A book is always a hit, and friends love to know what others are reading. Some of my favorites this season include:
• The Fruitcake Murders by Ace Collins
• The House with a Secret Cellar by Kat Pritchett
• The Third Act of Theo Gruene by Talya Tate Boerner
- War Eagle Mill Jams, Butters and Biscuit Mix
This combo tastes like Christmas morning. Freshly milled mixes, fruit butters, jams and classic biscuit blends make easy gifts for neighbors, co-workers and brunch lovers.
- Handmade Laundry Soap
Buff City Soap or She Shed Shenanigans offer fresh-smelling, skin-friendly laundry soap. It feels personal, useful and indulgent all at once. While individuals might not usually buy fancy laundry soap on their own, this will encourage them to return!
Heaven in a jar. Your legs, elbows and sandal-season feet will thank you. The scents are fresh and clean, and the texture feels like a spa treatment. If only I could get her to make an “after baseball” scent that would make my son want to bathe!
- Confident Coffee Chai Mix
A homemade dirty chai with a shot of espresso might be my new favorite drink of the year. Confident Coffee occasionally sells its chai spice mix in small bags, making it the perfect warming gift for winter.
House of Webster’s hot-and-sweet bread-and-butter pickles bring delightful and unexpected gift joy! They are also always the fun surprise on a charcuterie board or relish tray.
- Colquitt Bath Co. Soap and Bath Bombs
Colorful, fragrant and handmade, their bath bombs sometimes feature gold leaf or lavender petals. It’s a perfect five-minute grab-and-go gift. Just stopping by the store to pick up your present is a treat in itself. Plus, they include gift wrapping with your purchase, which is always a plus!
Easy, delicious and made with love by adult clients at the Howard County Children’s Center. Perfect for teachers, neighbors and busy families. You can give them the ingredients they need or wait and let the recipient use them on a hectic evening.
More Arkansas-Made Favorite Things to Consider
If my favorites are not your favorites, here are more Arkansas-made gift ideas to spark inspiration.
Foodie Favorites
- Savoy Tea
- WOO-chestershire Sauce
- Lambrecht Gourmet Sweet and Spicy Pecans
- Delta Dust seasoning by Fennel and Fire
- Aunt Susie Granola
- Arkansalsa
- Petit Jean packaged bacon or Coffee Cake
- Guenther Apiary Creamed honey
- Deb’s Gourmet Pantry Pepper Jelly
- Vanzant’s Fruit Farm Fruit butter
- Wicked Minis Snacking Crackers
- Kyya chocolate or Markham & Fitz chocolate bars
- Arkansas wine
- Fruit preserves and Jellies
- Arkansaw Hog Sauce
- Coffee from a local roaster – Mountain Bird, Airship, Doomsday, RoZark Hills
Body and Home Products
Gifts to represent Arkansas
- Bird seed mixes
- Birdseed Cottage-style birdhouses and wreaths
- Arkansas trail guides
- Old Dog Pottery coffee mug or batter bowls
- Arkansas Swig cozies
- Teleties Arkansas hair ties
Explore More Arkansas Gift Guides
If you still need ideas, these Arkansas-focused lists offer even more inspiration:
- Ultimate Arkansas Gift Guide
- Arkansas Themed Corporate Gift Ideas
- Holiday Shopping at Arkansas Museum Gift Shops
- Arkansas Made Food Gifts
- Arkansas Made Gifts for Men
- Arkansas Made Gifts for Women
- Arkansas Made Stocking Stuffers
- Arkansas White Elephant Gift List
The best part of a Favorite Things gift exchange is discovering something new.
If you want to host a favorite things party, it’s easy—just invite a group of people and ask them to bring their favorite item wrapped. They can bring a snack or try out a new recipe, and you can do a white elephant gift exchange. With all these new ideas, there’s always something fun to steal!
Arkansas is full of makers, growers, and creators who put their heart into everything they produce. Whether you’re shopping for a party, building a stocking, wrapping a hostess gift or just treating yourself, these Arkansas-made favorites support local businesses and make gift-giving a little more meaningful.
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