Executive Summary: Buy these name tags, or these. These cups. Sharpie markers. Harmonica. This candle for your bathroom, if you need one.
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Name Tags
Last updated: December 2, 2021
I’ve purchased and tested 17 different types of name tags on Amazon. Here are my current recommendations:
#1 — Avery 5154 Name Badge Labels, $8.16 for 100
Nick’s review: Small but functional. Great stick, compact packaging, five per page. I keep a few sheets of these in my backpack at all times. Works equally well for friend parties and work functions. I like the Avery 5153 colors better (they’re brighter and more fun), but I think they’re discontinued.
#2 — Cualtec “HELLO my name is” Name Badge Stickers, $7.99 for 210
Nick’s review: More traditional name tags. They stick well, they’re regularly in stock, and there’s a large, full-width space to write the name. Don’t try to be cute and assign different colors for different types of people, or let people pick which color they want. Just write their name! These pair well with a clipboard to help keep you organized. Any letter-sized clipboard with decent reviews under $10 is fine; this or this or this.
Name Tags: What NOT to Get
I tried all of these and I didn’t like them:
Very important: RESIST THE URGE to get these nice-looking and affordable single-sheet name tags that are individually cut and sold in a package like this —
Why? Because each one creates a little piece of trash after you peel it off. And when you’ve got an event with 15-20 people, suddenly you have 20 pieces of floating garbage all around your party from each person’s name tag.
Stick to name tags on a sheet like the recommended ones above.
Markers
Alongside name tags, I recommend purchasing a thick, black marker to write your guests’ names with. This will make the names easy to read.
#1 — Amazon Basics Retractable Permanent Markers, Black, 12 Count
As of August 2022, these are my new favorite black markers. Sharpie was first to introduce their retractable permanent marker, but they seem to have gone out of stock. I bought these on Amazon as a replacement and I think I like them better. I can’t find them in a smaller quantity. You’ll only need 2 or 3, so you can give the rest away to friends!
#2 — Sharpie Permanent Markers, Fine Point, Black, 12 Count
I use Sharpie markers and am consistently satisfied with them.
Cups
Last updated: January 4, 2022
Plastic cups go in and out of stock on Amazon. I’ll list a few. You want a sturdy, clear plastic that holds 9-12 ounces. I’ve paid around $20 for 100.
- 100 Gold Plastic Cups 9 Oz
- 100 Rose Gold Plastic Cups 9 Oz
- Party Essentials Supplies Party Cups, Old Fashioned Tumblers (out of stock)
Thanks to Alex Zub for the candle link and beta-testing other links.
