Have you heard of this kind of theme party before? I never knew it existed until last year when one of my neighbors invited me to hers. Recently, my friend Eva and I hosted our own party, and it was so much fun! In this blog article, I’ll share everything you need to know if you’re curious about this or maybe want to throw your own party.

What is a Swap Party?

In Switzerland, we call it a Fummeltausch-Party, but it’s essentially a Swap Party where friends, family, and neighbors bring clothes, shoes, accessories, or home décor they no longer need. All the items are sorted and displayed so guests can browse, try things on, and take home what they like.

All prepared before they guests arrived!

What to Prepare

Here are some things you’ll need to ensure the party runs smoothly:

Finger food: Light snacks to keep everyone energized.
Drinks: Wine, beer, and, of course, non-alcoholic options.
A mirror: So guests can try on clothes and see how they look.
Hangers: To neatly display clothes.
Clothing racks: To keep things organized and easy to access.
Boxes: For sorting smaller items like sportswear, bathing suits, bags, jewelry, or other accessories.
Signs: Label different sections, such as «Jeans,» «Accessories,» or «Tops,» so people can find what they’re looking for quickly.
A ‘safe zone’: Provide each guest with a bag and designate a room where they can store the items they’ve claimed to keep for themselves.

Things to Consider

Space: Make sure there’s enough room for people to move around comfortably and browse the items.
Leftovers: There will likely be many leftover clothes and items. Make sure you have enough bags or boxes to collect everything once the party is over.
Post-party plan: Think ahead about what to do with leftover items. It’s a good idea to contact a local charity or organization in advance that can collect the items after the party.

More Than Just a Party

A Swap Party (or Fummeltausch) has so many benefits, making it more than just a fun get-together. First and foremost, it’s a great way to be eco-friendly by giving unwanted clothes, accessories, and home items a second life. It’s also a budget-friendly way to refresh your wardrobe or home décor without spending a cent!

Another advantage is decluttering – it’s the perfect opportunity to clear out items you no longer need, while also discovering new treasures from others.

Once the party is over, leftover items can be donated to local charities, making a positive impact on the community.

Most of our guests had never been to a party like this before, but many of them asked to be invited next time too!

It was such a fun experience and definitely something we’ll do again. Would you consider hosting your own Fummeltausch-Party? I’d love to hear your thoughts or any tips you might have in the comments below.

Love,

Malin