Party bags, those delightful little bundles of joy, have long been associated with children's parties, filled with plastic toys destined for landfill and lurid sweets of questionable origin. Yet recently, adults have begun reclaiming this humble tradition, creating thoughtfully curated gifts that elevate an ordinary evening into something a touch more extraordinary. And honestly, who doesn’t love the quiet thrill of leaving a party clutching an unexpected treat?

Adult party bags might feel like a trendy novelty, but there's actually a rich tradition behind them, one far deeper than neon-coloured jelly beans or logo-stamped stress balls. The idea of sending guests home with tokens of gratitude goes way back - think ancient Egyptians handing out amulets at feasts to ward off misfortune, or Romans offering visitors small bundles of grain and fragrant flowers to symbolise goodwill and hospitality. Even the medieval knights had their own version: tiny keepsakes, like embroidered ribbons or miniature armour, offered as symbols of chivalry and protection. By the Victorian era, these small tokens had grown lavish - brides handed out silk bags filled with sugar cubes, then a symbol of wealth and status, to impress their guests. The posh French and Italians perfected it even further, presenting ornate boxes known as bonbonnieres, delicately crafted from porcelain or crystal, filled with sweet treats. These are now what we call wedding favours.

Fast forward a couple of centuries, and the adult party bag had nearly disappeared, relegated mostly to children's birthday parties or corporate events filled with joyless promotional tat that no one really wants. But, recently, something lovely has started to happen: the adult party bag is back - and this time, it's being done brilliantly.

Modern hosts are swapping cheap plastic and forgettable freebies for thoughtful, carefully curated bags that align beautifully with their event's theme. Picture attending a literary evening and leaving with a stylish bookmark tucked inside a slim novel you've genuinely been meaning to read. Or imagine a rustic garden party where guests take home tiny envelopes filled with wildflower seeds, a charming reminder of an afternoon spent sipping elderflower cocktails among the roses. These bags feel generous yet intimate, crafted to genuinely please rather than simply to impress.

This rebirth of the adult party bag isn't just nostalgia - it speaks to something deeper about how we build and maintain relationships. Neuroscientists talk about the 'helper's high,' the dopamine-fuelled rush we get from giving something thoughtful to someone else. On the flip side, receiving an unexpected gift triggers a similar response, making us feel seen, valued, and special. That moment when you unwrap your party bag the next day, discovering a small jar of honey harvested from local bees or a miniature bottle of Baileys, is deeply satisfying. It's these seemingly small details that turn an ordinary evening into one you'll remember warmly for weeks, or even months. And you'll definitely remember the host as someone who treated you that bit more special for a long time.

There’s a savvy practicality to the modern adult party bag, too. With our collective obsession with minimalism and decluttering, nobody wants items that will languish unloved at the back of a drawer. Instead, hosts are focusing on little luxuries you actually want and can use right away - a small bar of handmade chocolate infused with sea salt, perhaps, or a tiny tin of single-origin coffee to perk up the next morning. At higher-end events, you might find carefully chosen items like miniature bottles of locally produced gin, gourmet popcorn, or bags of bath salts. The more sustainably-minded among us are giving out seed packets or eco-friendly tote bags - little gifts that carry the added bonus of doing good.

Meanwhile, corporate events still churn out mountains of branded notepads and pens that nobody asked for - but the best brands are slowly catching on. High-end events, like the Oscars, famously fill their swag bags with extravagant experiences and luxury products - think stays at exclusive Caribbean resorts or luxury Swiss chalets. Yet ironically, most Hollywood stars politely decline these costly favours, mindful of the tax bills and optics of appearing too eager for freebies. It turns out there’s such a thing as too much of a good thing.

Personalisation is another growing trend transforming the humble party bag into something extraordinary. Rather than generic sweets or promotional fluff, thoughtful hosts now tuck in treats uniquely suited to their guests’ tastes and interests - perhaps a small jar of truffle honey, an elegant notebook personalised with initials, or even digital goodies like e-vouchers for spa treatments. It’s a brilliant way to create genuine, lasting memories of an occasion, giving guests something to smile about long after the party ends.

In a world increasingly digital and transactional, the physical act of gifting tangible items feels newly special and slightly indulgent. When you leave a friend's dinner party with a bag containing a miniature bottle of your favourite cocktail, a candle scented subtly of bergamot, or a tiny box of salted caramels, the gesture feels intimate and warm. Unlike extravagant celebrity bags, these simpler gifts hit exactly the right note - generous, but never ostentatious.

Around the globe, different cultures have their own charming take on party favours. Greeks and Italians still favour sugared almonds at weddings, their bittersweet flavour symbolising life's ups and downs. Indians often gift miniature elephants for luck, while in Japan, it’s common to give guests envelopes filled with money called 'otoshidama' during special celebrations. These global traditions all share a single, universal truth: the power of small gifts to foster goodwill and gratitude.

Looking ahead, adult party bags are likely to become even more creative and meaningful. With sustainability taking centre stage, eco-friendly and reusable items are fast replacing disposable trinkets. Digital gifts - like subscriptions to online classes, music downloads, or e-books - are gaining traction, too. But there’s something undeniably special about a physical, tactile gift, one that you can unwrap, touch, and genuinely savour. Cookies, boxes of sliced birthday cake and a bottle of water is perhaps the most appreciated after a late night of celebrations!

Ultimately, the resurgence of the adult party bag tells us something quietly hopeful about the direction we're heading in. As we navigate a digital, often impersonal world, these thoughtful little packages offer a small but significant gesture of connection, kindness, and gratitude. They are, in short, a joy worth rediscovering—and a charming tradition worth keeping alive.