Birthday Party Favors in English: Como Falar lembrancinha

Party Favors 101: How to Say “Lembrancinha de Aniversário” in English and Ace Your Next Celebration

If you are planning an international birthday party, looking to impress English-speaking guests, or simply curious about how different cultures celebrate, you’ve likely wondered: How do you say lembrancinha de aniversário in English?

Unlike Portuguese, which has a distinct and charming word specifically for party tokens, English relies on a few different terms depending on the context, the age of the guests, and the style of the event.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about party favors in the English-speaking world, from vocabulary to creative ideas!

What’s the English Translation?

The most common and accurate translation for lembrancinha de aniversário is party favor (or simply favor).

However, depending on the vibe of the party, you might hear a few other terms:

• Party Bag / Goodie Bag / Loot Bag: These are traditionally small bags filled with candy, small toys, and trinkets handed out to children as they leave a birthday party.
• Swag Bag: Usually used for trendy, adult, or corporate events, but sometimes adopted for upscale milestone birthdays.
• Souvenir: While this translates directly to lembrancinha, in English, a souvenir is almost exclusively something you buy while traveling on vacation (like a fridge magnet from Paris). Using it for a birthday party will sound a bit unnatural to native speakers. Stick to party favors!

The Evolution of Party Favors: Kids vs. Adults

Just like in Brazil, English-speaking party culture treats favors very differently depending on who is blowing out the candles.

1. Children’s Birthday Parties

In the US, UK, and Canada, kids’ parties almost always feature a goodie bag.

• The Old School: Plastic bags filled with colorful plastic toys, temporary tattoos, stickers, bubbles, and a sugary-sweet treat.
• The Modern Trend: Parents are increasingly moving away from cheap plastic clutter that ends up in the trash. Eco-friendly, consumable, or practical favors are huge right now. Think custom cookies, mini play-dough tubs, seed packets (“watch love grow”), or watercolor paint sets.

2. Adult Birthday Parties

Adult celebrations—such as milestone birthdays (30th, 50th) or themed dinner parties—often feature more sophisticated favors. Instead of plastic toys, adults love:

• Edible treats: Mini bottles of local wine, artisanal chocolates, or homemade jams.
• Keen scents: Scented soy candles or custom-labeled soaps.
• Personalized items: Bottle openers, custom playing cards, or engraved keychains matching the party’s aesthetic.

Essential English Phrases for Planning Your Party

If you are communicating with event planners, browsing Pinterest for ideas, or ordering supplies online in English, keep these keywords handy: