It seems odd that one of the most frequently practiced party traditions has no clear cut origin, birthday party favors for the guests to say thank you. It has, however, over the years, become the usual way for the family to say "thank you for coming" to their guests. Early records, dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, document that familes in England gave out love knots made of lace and ribbons as birthday party favors. Early Russian history notes that they too distributed favors.

The concept has managed to survive through the years. It has taken on different forms in different cultures and in our own culture it has evolved into a huge industry, as manufacturers continue to invent new favors and twists on old ones to bring into the birthday party favors marketplace.

In Malaysian culture, hand-painted, decorated eggs, are the traditional birthday party favors. Italian couples traditionally distribute hard-shelled chocolate candy filled with almonds, or marzipan (almond paste) fruits as birthday party favors. Orange blossoms are used traditionally at Spanish parties. One example of such a birthday party favors is stems of orange blossoms in a bud vase for each guest. Middle Eastern birthday party favors are the Jordan almond. Grown plentifully in the region, the multicolored, candy-coated nuts are delicious. It has found its way into containers that range from simple mesh bags to silver tins as birthday party favors. Middle Eastern Custom dictates that five almond pieces are presented to each guest. The traditional Greek party favors is a "switch." Russians and Japanese often use birthday party favors. In both cultures, gifts like picture frames, bud vases, or sachets as given to guests as a "thank-you."

Giving birthday favors based on a family's cultural, religious, or historical background is very meaningful, but many cultures simply do not have a party favor concept. By the way, when making your choices, keep in mind that your thank you gifts can also serve to add to the general ambiance and be a part of your decor. A really personal way of distributing your birthday party favors is to place them a wicker basket with a handle, and carry it around as you greet your guests and say "thank you for coming."