Party Supplies - How to Host a Party

Executive Summary: Buy these name tags, or these. These cups. Sharpie markers. Harmonica. This candle for your bathroom, if you need one.

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

*Avery Hello My Name is Flexible Name Tags, 1″ x 3.75″ Rectangle Labels, Assorted Colors*

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

HELLO my name is name tags by Cualfec — *Cualfec 210 Pcs Hello My Name is Stickers Colorful Name Badge Stickers 3.5 x 2.25 inches – 6 Color per Sheet*

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 —

*C-Line Pressure Sensitive Peel and Stick Badges, Hello My Name Is, Green, 3.5 x 2.25 Inches*

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.

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.

Thanks to Alex Zub for the candle link and beta-testing other links.