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It's not a secret that everybody loves a good party. You get to chat with your friends, meet new people and enjoy all these never-ending wonders of social gatherings. Staying at home, cosied up in bed with a phone in your hand is also very exciting – however, it's never a bad idea to connect with a person or two.
Socializing is significantly important for our physical and mental health, especially after facing such a horrific pandemic that turned our lives completely upside down. Most of us have already forgotten what it's like to party or how to organize one, so maybe this article will throw you a couple of ideas.
"What's an underrated thing to bring to a party?" – an online user decided to ask fellow Redditors about the things that most folks don't ever consider bringing to social gatherings, but that, in theory, turned out to be pretty handy.
More info: Reddit
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
At my daughter's 15th bday party, some kid showed up with a heavy looking backpack. I immediately assumed it was full of beer and was watching him carefully. Nope, freeze packs and ice cream sandwiches for an outdoor party in July. That kid is going places.
Benita Valdez 2 years ago
Now that is a well raised child. What an awesome surprise for an outdoor part; nothing nicer on a hot day than some yummy ice cream
RELATED:
#2
If someone brought a friendly dog to a party I would be thrilled. Then I'd have someone to hang out in the corner with.
#3
Always bring a big tub of sliced watermelon.
Everyone else is bringing booze and chips and burgers, but when that fresh, juicy watermelon hits the table everyone is instantly desperate for a slice.
Kookamunga 2 years ago
I used to bring a watermelon, with a hole drilled in it, filled with a whole bottle of Grey Goose. Good times.
#5
The best party guest we ever had brought bread, spicy cheese, and a griddle, and made 2 AM jalapeño grilled cheese sandwiches for everyone.
She was a LEGEND.
#6
A breathalyzer. Before covid there was some guy who would always bring one. He had some drinking game associated with it and would double as a way to know who needs a couch, an Uber, a buddy for the sidewalk, a buddy for the bus or just fine by themselves to walk home.
Benita Valdez 2 years ago
CVS pharmacy chain used to carry them and I think it's smart especially when you have stubborn friends who need proof they drank too much and can't drive
#7
Giant 6-ft submarine sandwich. I once brought one to a party and arrived right as the attendees finished a round of bong hits. They treated me like I was Jesus Christ himself.
#8
Went to a Super Bowl party with my brother once. He asked the hostess what we should bring. She said to surprise her. We went to the grocery store and got those little brownie bites, Oreos, and some Chips Ahoy . Then I headed toward the milk section. He goes, "What are you doing?" I go, "Who eats these without wanting milk? You gonna be the a**hole to drink all their milk? No. You gonna settle for tap water? No. So we're bringing milk with these." He was impressed. We show up and I'm carrying the milk. Hostesses boyfriend chuckles, "Why'd you bring milk?" I gave him basically the same spiel I had given my brother and everyone at the party had that, "Oh s**t" moment of how clutch that was.
Just tore my rotator cuff patting myself on the back for that one.
Benita Valdez 2 years ago
Yes. If you bring dessert bringing a little extra milk is an awesome idea so there's plenty for people to put in tea or coffee and to just drink solo
#9
Fruit. People get tired of junk food fast and then want something to freshen up. Fruits are tasty, sweet and guilt-free.
Benita Valdez 2 years ago
I'm super happy with fresh fruit being brought. Parties aren't usually known for healthy food so having fresh fruit and veggies to snack on is alway a welcome treat. Plus you can put a piece of fruit in your cocktail for a nice boozy treat 😋
#10
Healing potions. Generally the Cleric can keep everyone alive, but it’s a great backup option.
Oh wait, wrong kind of party. Soft drinks. It’s good for people who don’t drink, and it’s good for a mixer.
#11
My office used to do "goodie days" and would pass around a sign up sheet for what you were going to bring so that we wouldn't have too much of one type of thing. One of those days, I put on the sheet that I was bringing "bread and butter". The night before, I got my bread machine going and baked two loaves of different, crusty herb breads. At the office, I sliced them up, put them on a warming tray and had butter on the side. It was gone in a short time, and people were commenting, "I thought you were joking, but that turned out good."
#12
jdith123 said:
Tamales
schmales replied:
Chicago? My favorite time during drunken nights was the tamale guy who would come in around 1 am to bars to sell his wife's tamales. $5 for 10+ tamales would make everyone's night... I loved that guy, he is a tri-state treasure ❤️
#13
A pinata.
My partner brought one to a friends party, and I was super embarrassed about it. Until it was the biggest hit! pun intended All the 30 year olds and kids alike had the best time punching the pinata with boxing gloves. Highly recommend.
#14
I was at a party and someone brought a whole bowl of home grown sugar snap peas and that s**t was fire.
Benita Valdez 2 years ago
Fresh veggies is always a welcome delight especially when they're home grown
#15
pizza. the answer to any question is always pizza.
Geeki Nikki 2 years ago
There you are! I knew pizza would be here somewhere on the list! Should be much higher cause as we all know pizza = life.
#16
Good food. Parties are mostly chips, junk food, and alcohol. I once brought a huge tray of homemade mac n cheese to a party and that s**t was gone in under ten minutes.
Edit: For everyone saying “but mac n cheese isn’t healthy” I just meant bringing good, homemade, hot food to a party will make you a superstar compared to potato chips, chocolate and candy that’s usually at a party. Yes mac n cheese isn’t healthy lol, but it’s super easy to make and who doesn’t like mac n cheese, especially super drunk people?
Geeki Nikki 2 years ago
F*ck mac and cheese ain't healthy! There's fiber and calcium in there!
#17
Basic-Distribution14 said:
Ice!
doomer_irl replied:
I’ve never met anybody under 40 other than myself who brings ice to anything. People seriously undervalue it when you show up with it, too, then everyone realizes how useful it is over the night.
Carrie Smith 2 years ago
I'm the ice bringer to the party. I never know what to bring so I always bring two bags of ice. I don't like warm drinks personally. And you can't go wrong with ice at a party.
#18
My roommates and I had a party in college. Some random friend of a friend quit his job at KFC that night and came over late. He brought like 6 buckets of chicken, huge trays full of sides and biscuits, and even a bunch of their chocolate cakes for dessert.
That dude was a legend and the hero of the party.
#19
Depending on the time and who is high but I brought popsicles once and everyone destroyed a 200 pack of it. There was 0 children and like 15 adults
#20
My husband likes to bring a plate of bacon to parties and get togethers. I used to be annoyed but everyone always loves it and we've never brought any home.
#21
Waffle iron and uncooked pillsbury cinnamon rolls. I did this once and the whole place loved me. Especially the drunkzillas. Good times.
#22
Tums. If you're over 30, you'll understand.
Benita Valdez 2 years ago
Indeed. And bringing extra to share will gain you new friends and allies.
#23
Life-size cardboard cut out of Nicolas Cage.
Joran Quinten 2 years ago
I used cardboard and like 64 A4 sheets to print out a 3 meter tall Chewbacca the Wookie. Placed it in my friend front yard, added some smoke bombs for effect and hid behind it making distinctive Wookie sounds. I was younger then. Different times 😂
Luther von Wolfen 2 years ago
A friend of mine has a life-size Shaquille O'Neal in his livingroom because "my wife got high and ordered it".
Monochromatic Static 2 years ago
I had a teacher who had a cardboard cutout of Nic Cage in her classroom lol
#24
Sharpie marker.
Writing your name on cups saves so many cups from being thrown out.
#25
I'm a Dad with high school aged kids. We have settle in with these things to bring to a party or cookout. They seem to go over really well and don't make my kids look bad.
1.A giant bag of M&Ms.
2.A Bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken
#26
I brought a crock pot of pulled pork once with some buns and people lost their minds
GoddessOdd 2 years ago (edited)
Good idea! Vegetarian here, but I am thinking a tray of cheese enchiladas or bean and cheese burritos might be a big hit too.
#27
One of my friends always used to bring different giant stuffed animals for people to take pictures with. By the end of the night he’d have a collage made that he’d give to the host. He got pretty creative with the animals and even started making backdrops too. Our themed parties were a ton of fun and everybody loved the pictures.
Luther von Wolfen 2 years ago
There was a time in this country when this list would have included a banjo. A good banjo player will take any party to the next level.
#29
I knew a guy who always brought a good card game. Always had something new, but easy for a big group to learn quickly and everyone always had a good time.
MarmotArchivist 2 years ago
In my friend group, we always carry a deck of cards or two. I can remember a few times when big summer thunderstorms hit an outdoor event and everybody finds shelter and is bored. Not us though, we whip out the cards and the party continues. Some people think games are not for adults and give us condescending looks, but most people are jelly.
#30
I used to work at Wendy's and would bag allllllllll the food we were throwing away at the end of the night and head over to my friends place. I still get people telling me stories about how a whole bag of chicken nuggets showed up out of the blue and "saved" someone's life lol. A taco bell 12 pack taco is usually what does the trick now. Snacks man always. Especially if you're going to show up late.
#31
If I know kids are going to be dragged along I like to bring coloring or something fun for them to do. Most of the time the kids are under 12 so they enjoy it and it also gives the parents a break
#34
A pineapple.
kathryn stretton 2 years ago
Yes. A big bowl of pineapple. Juicy. Along with the above mentioned melon.
#35
Eggs.
One time my roommates and I threw a party at our house that got way out of control. We were turning people away at the door. Then this dude shows up with like 300 eggs.
What do you think ?
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
If it's a backyard party or picnic, you know at least one person will have forgotten a seat, so an extra camp chair or picnic rug is a good idea.
Benita Valdez 2 years ago
Great ideas. I think straws is a good one too. Some drinks are just tastier with a straw plus if there are kids they will be happy too 😊 Also, if you know kids will be there and it's an outdoor party, bubbles! Even if indoor they're still fun
Susan Trevaskis-Owen 2 years ago
We once brought a Polaroid camera & lots of film to a Halloween party, and gave everyone an instant pic of themselves in costume. It was a big hit!
Kyndal T 2 years ago
I went to a little get together at the park with friends. All of us teenagers. One friend was late and we started to get worried. Then he pulled up in a (new to him) old beat up impala with a giant purple dildo hanging out the window blaring rap. No one said a word. He never explained either. Just kept poking people with it all night. Weird kid. He's a parent now.
Tiny Dancer 2 years ago
My Aussie Mum's go-to was Scotch Eggs (basically hard-boiled eggs covered in sausage meat, either deep fried or baked in the oven), a British friend always made the best Trifles (massive desert in a punch bowl made with sponge cake or ladyfingers soaked in booze, fruit, and cream) and another used to do the classic '70s pumpernickel bread with spinach dip (make a bowl by hollowing out the middle of a circular loaf, pull the bread into bite-size pieces, fill the bowl with spinach dip).
kathryn stretton 2 years ago
Good ideas here for me to pinch. I have taken homemade coleslaw (better than supermarket stuff) ans a tray of eggs mayonnaise (eggs halved, covered in mayo and sprinkled with paprika). But I'm sure to swap one of these for melon or pineapple now.
2x4b523p 2 years ago
When I was 20 my friends bought me 6 meters of elastic band as a gift. We were the last pre-pc generation and grew up playing outside this game where two people hold the rope by their legs and third person jumps over the band in specific order. Google says it’s called French skipping or Elastics. Anyway, we were having the birthday party near the dorms entrance and everybody passing by wanted to join our little tournament. A few hours later people sourced some more elastic band and we had about 50 fellow students jumping outside like little kids. Still my best and funniest b-day party even 20 years later.
Eagle Girl 2 years ago
Just Bookmarked this post for next get together! Awesome! Btw~ worth sharing again is, Please don't bring something that has to be heated in an over or stove. Your host is then focused on you & your dish instead of all their guests & having a good time. And if they say "Oh it's fine." you def made more work for them lol Oreos & Milk, Brilliant!
Octavia Hansen 2 years ago
When I was a Pizza Hut waitress, there were ALWAYS unclaimed pizzas at the end of any night. I would call up my friends to come by at closing for a free pie. I was VERY popular!
OhForSmegSake 2 years ago
FAIRY BREAD!!! Whether you're 2 or 102, that s**t will be a hit at any Aussie party
Death 234234 2 years ago
A dog is not a funny toy, not every dog would be happy to be brought to a party and if a party is big and you don't know everyone the dog could be abused or stressed by some drunken douchebags. So it depends. I'm not even surprised that no one brought it up, here on bored panda we celebrate people who do nasty dog dress ups and photo shoots like their dogs are actual toys.
Bernadette Circle 2 years ago
I agree that a dog should not be brought to a party with strangers, but do you have to be so rude? If you don’t like BP, you don’t have to be here. And this site is not all about dressing up dogs and stuff like that. There’s lots of interesting lists that are educational.
Load More Replies...
Carol Emory 2 years ago
I have a friend who's birthday was in February. She'd always throw a big party and have every snack or drink you could think of..but her house wasn't big enough for all the guests. Cue two of her male friends that brought portable fire pits and built two fires in the front yard complete with lawn chairs, blankets and small tables. That way they weren't all freezing and she didn't have to worry about anyone smoking in the house.
Lsai Aeon 2 years ago (edited)
BBQ chicken bacon ranch dip with corn chips and some sort of homemade gluten-free desserts like cookies or brownies. That way I know there's something there I can eat. https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/barbecue-chicken-bacon-ranch-cheese-dip/ee58c710-01c0-4268-8807-b4f498a3d0c9 Link to the dip recipe
Ben Muise 2 years ago
I brought a typewriter and some paper. People loved it. They just had so much fun hitting the keys, it really became a centerpiece for the party.
Cody 2 years ago
Now I'm just picturing that party becoming like that trash-the-camp scene from the animated Tarzan movie.
Load More Replies...
Lord Mysticlaw 2 years ago
There's this mustard dip sauce that we always make for Xmas because it goes excellently with a roast. Well, once I decided in a whim to make it for a bbq with friends. Everyone loved it. After that, every time we had any kind of party, there was always a request that I bring my mustard dip, so that became my go-to.
nicehar 2 years ago
The last party I went to I got really drunk and high. I was more wasted than a Liberal Arts degree.
Mia Gnagey 2 years ago
I was thinking, what lame parties are these people attending anyway? Where’s the real party stuff?? If I attended a party and the highlight was crayons and coloring books I would have to s**t in my pants this way at least people would have something to talk about.
Load More Replies... Valerie Smith 2 years ago
I get paid over 190$ per hour working from home with 2 kids at home. I never thought I'd be able to do it but my best friend earns over 10k a month doing this and she convinced me to try. The potential with this is endless. Heres what I've been doing.. :) AND GOOD LUCK.:) HERE====)> https://www.hmjobz.com
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
If it's a backyard party or picnic, you know at least one person will have forgotten a seat, so an extra camp chair or picnic rug is a good idea.
Benita Valdez 2 years ago
Great ideas. I think straws is a good one too. Some drinks are just tastier with a straw plus if there are kids they will be happy too 😊 Also, if you know kids will be there and it's an outdoor party, bubbles! Even if indoor they're still fun
Susan Trevaskis-Owen 2 years ago
We once brought a Polaroid camera & lots of film to a Halloween party, and gave everyone an instant pic of themselves in costume. It was a big hit!
Kyndal T 2 years ago
I went to a little get together at the park with friends. All of us teenagers. One friend was late and we started to get worried. Then he pulled up in a (new to him) old beat up impala with a giant purple dildo hanging out the window blaring rap. No one said a word. He never explained either. Just kept poking people with it all night. Weird kid. He's a parent now.
Tiny Dancer 2 years ago
My Aussie Mum's go-to was Scotch Eggs (basically hard-boiled eggs covered in sausage meat, either deep fried or baked in the oven), a British friend always made the best Trifles (massive desert in a punch bowl made with sponge cake or ladyfingers soaked in booze, fruit, and cream) and another used to do the classic '70s pumpernickel bread with spinach dip (make a bowl by hollowing out the middle of a circular loaf, pull the bread into bite-size pieces, fill the bowl with spinach dip).
kathryn stretton 2 years ago
Good ideas here for me to pinch. I have taken homemade coleslaw (better than supermarket stuff) ans a tray of eggs mayonnaise (eggs halved, covered in mayo and sprinkled with paprika). But I'm sure to swap one of these for melon or pineapple now.
2x4b523p 2 years ago
When I was 20 my friends bought me 6 meters of elastic band as a gift. We were the last pre-pc generation and grew up playing outside this game where two people hold the rope by their legs and third person jumps over the band in specific order. Google says it’s called French skipping or Elastics. Anyway, we were having the birthday party near the dorms entrance and everybody passing by wanted to join our little tournament. A few hours later people sourced some more elastic band and we had about 50 fellow students jumping outside like little kids. Still my best and funniest b-day party even 20 years later.
Eagle Girl 2 years ago
Just Bookmarked this post for next get together! Awesome! Btw~ worth sharing again is, Please don't bring something that has to be heated in an over or stove. Your host is then focused on you & your dish instead of all their guests & having a good time. And if they say "Oh it's fine." you def made more work for them lol Oreos & Milk, Brilliant!
Octavia Hansen 2 years ago
When I was a Pizza Hut waitress, there were ALWAYS unclaimed pizzas at the end of any night. I would call up my friends to come by at closing for a free pie. I was VERY popular!
OhForSmegSake 2 years ago
FAIRY BREAD!!! Whether you're 2 or 102, that s**t will be a hit at any Aussie party
Death 234234 2 years ago
A dog is not a funny toy, not every dog would be happy to be brought to a party and if a party is big and you don't know everyone the dog could be abused or stressed by some drunken douchebags. So it depends. I'm not even surprised that no one brought it up, here on bored panda we celebrate people who do nasty dog dress ups and photo shoots like their dogs are actual toys.
Bernadette Circle 2 years ago
I agree that a dog should not be brought to a party with strangers, but do you have to be so rude? If you don’t like BP, you don’t have to be here. And this site is not all about dressing up dogs and stuff like that. There’s lots of interesting lists that are educational.
Load More Replies... Carol Emory 2 years ago
I have a friend who's birthday was in February. She'd always throw a big party and have every snack or drink you could think of..but her house wasn't big enough for all the guests. Cue two of her male friends that brought portable fire pits and built two fires in the front yard complete with lawn chairs, blankets and small tables. That way they weren't all freezing and she didn't have to worry about anyone smoking in the house.
Lsai Aeon 2 years ago (edited)
BBQ chicken bacon ranch dip with corn chips and some sort of homemade gluten-free desserts like cookies or brownies. That way I know there's something there I can eat. https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/barbecue-chicken-bacon-ranch-cheese-dip/ee58c710-01c0-4268-8807-b4f498a3d0c9 Link to the dip recipe
Ben Muise 2 years ago
I brought a typewriter and some paper. People loved it. They just had so much fun hitting the keys, it really became a centerpiece for the party.
Cody 2 years ago
Now I'm just picturing that party becoming like that trash-the-camp scene from the animated Tarzan movie.
Load More Replies... Lord Mysticlaw 2 years ago
There's this mustard dip sauce that we always make for Xmas because it goes excellently with a roast. Well, once I decided in a whim to make it for a bbq with friends. Everyone loved it. After that, every time we had any kind of party, there was always a request that I bring my mustard dip, so that became my go-to.
nicehar 2 years ago
The last party I went to I got really drunk and high. I was more wasted than a Liberal Arts degree.
Mia Gnagey 2 years ago
I was thinking, what lame parties are these people attending anyway? Where’s the real party stuff?? If I attended a party and the highlight was crayons and coloring books I would have to s**t in my pants this way at least people would have something to talk about.
Load More Replies... Valerie Smith 2 years ago
I get paid over 190$ per hour working from home with 2 kids at home. I never thought I'd be able to do it but my best friend earns over 10k a month doing this and she convinced me to try. The potential with this is endless. Heres what I've been doing.. :) AND GOOD LUCK.:) HERE====)> https://www.hmjobz.com
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