Party Favors 101: What is a “Lembrancinha de Aniversário” in English?
If you are planning a birthday party, baby shower, or wedding in an English-speaking environment—or simply writing about celebrations for an international audience—you might find yourself wondering how to translate the beloved Brazilian concept of the lembrancinha de aniversário.
While a direct literal translation of lembrancinha is “little reminder” or “little souvenir,” English doesn’t use those terms for party takeaways. Instead, the exact and most natural equivalent is party favor (in American English) or party favour (in British English).
The Terminology: Party Favors vs. Goodie Bags
When you go to buy or assemble your lembrancinhas, you will encounter a few different terms depending on what you are handing out and who the guests are:
- Party Favors: The overarching term for any small gift given to guests as a token of appreciation for attending the celebration. This can range from elegant personalized candles at an adult dinner party to custom keychains at a milestone birthday.
- Goodie Bags / Loot Bags: These are specifically bags or containers filled with small treats, toys, stickers, and candies. They are the absolute staple of children’s birthday parties.
- Party Swag: A more modern, casual term often used for teenage or adult parties, drawing inspiration from corporate events (“swag bags”).
Popular “Lembrancinhas” Across Cultures: English Equivalents
To give your party an authentic touch, it helps to know what modern hosts are handing out in English-speaking countries. Here is how popular Brazilian party favors translate into English concepts:
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