Recommended prizes that will be appreciated at after-parties and banquets
You often see bingo or games at wedding after-parties and company banquets, right?
Everyone’s happy to get prizes, and they really liven things up.
But if you’re the organizer, you have to think about the prizes too.
You’ll probably find yourself wondering, “What were the prizes when I participated…?”
When that happens, take a look at this list and use it to prepare for your banquet or event.
From luxury items to everyday necessities—things you might not buy for yourself but would be happy to receive—we’ve gathered a selection of great prize ideas!
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Recommended prizes that will be popular at after-parties and banquets (11–20)
parody goods
At an after-party or a casual get-together with friends, it’s usually okay to cut loose a little, right? If it’s a gathering of people you’re comfortable with, how about preparing parody novelty items as prizes.
Things like a bundle of “1,000,000 yen” that looks real—this one’s actually a memo pad—or a gold bar—usually chocolate or candy inside.
Clever, tongue-in-cheek prizes like these are sure to liven up the mood! Lately you see lots of quirky, funny T-shirts too, so gag-packed tees or slightly risqué ones will probably get some laughs as well.
Parody goods can really heat up the lively banter among friends—but be careful not to get too carried away!
rice
Are you a rice-for-breakfast person or a bread-for-breakfast person? With changes and diversification in food culture—and lately the boom in low-carb diets—it’s said that rice consumption has been declining year by year.
Even so, there probably aren’t many people who don’t eat rice at all, so how about lining up a variety of rice as prizes? From classics like Koshihikari and Sasanishiki to Hokkaido’s Nanatsuboshi, Niigata’s Milky Queen, Kumamoto’s Hinohikari, and more—you could lay out plenty and let bingo winners choose.
It might also be exciting to feature “phantom” rice varieties like Hokushinshu Miyuki Koshihikari or Niigata’s Mizuho no Kagayaki! Perfect for second-party gatherings where many homemakers get together.
Outdoor goods
Lately, the outdoor boom has really been heating up.
Camping gear can be expensive to collect, and there’s so much you have to prepare, so the barrier to entry can feel pretty high.
That said, things like day camping—where you enjoy nature and a meal without staying overnight—chairing, where you just bring an outdoor chair to a riverbank and sip coffee, and even “veranping,” relaxing on your own balcony at home, are all trending.
Even if someone doesn’t go full-on camping, they’ll still be happy to receive a small outdoor item as a gift.
Coffee, black tea, and green tea
Coffee, black tea, and green tea make great prizes because they’re light and not bulky.
Lately, more people are getting into brewing coffee seriously at home or getting hooked on flavored teas and Japanese tea as companions for their at-home time.
Some people might not drink coffee or tea, but having a nice coffee on hand for guests is convenient.
These days, there are more and more adorable packages, so choosing something with a cute look is likely to be appreciated.
smart speaker
These days, plenty of people find that smart speakers have blended seamlessly into their daily lives.
Beyond listening to music, depending on the appliances you own, they’re great for turning lights on and off, changing TV channels, and setting the air conditioner temperature—just with your voice.
And once you have one, you’ll start wanting another for the bedroom, another for the kitchen… you get the idea.
For anyone who hasn’t tried one yet, it would make a prize they’d be thrilled to receive.
You’ll end up talking to it unnecessarily, too (haha).
gift certificate
When you’re the organizer and brainstorming prizes, your thoughts start spinning: “There’s no point in giving people something they won’t use,” or “The age range is all over the place, so I have no idea what would suit everyone…” and the worries just loop endlessly, right? (lol) At times like that, the classic standby—gift certificates—are really strong! No matter the age group, people are happy to receive them.
They might not be the most exciting choice, but they’re a surefire crowd-pleaser, don’t you think?
travel voucher
When you think of the grand prize at a raffle you often see in TV dramas and anime… that’s right, a travel voucher! Travel vouchers also show up frequently as luxurious prizes on TV shows.
Even people who don’t usually travel would be happy—no, absolutely thrilled—if they won one! And if it’s a pair travel voucher, the excitement of choosing who to go with and when to go just won’t stop.
Especially for company parties, preparing it with the hope that people will refresh themselves will make it a very well-received prize!
Household goods and daily necessities
Kitchen items are a classic choice for prizes, aren’t they? When you browse stylish variety stores, there are so many cute, mood-boosting things—but when it comes to actually buying them for yourself, you hesitate, right? (Haha.) Plus, some kitchen goods are consumables, and you end up debating replacements, so people are often happy to receive things they already use at home.
Even beyond the kitchen, why not pick everyday items and small goods that people use frequently—things that really scratch where it itches?
beauty device
Do you all use any beauty devices? There are affordable options like simple rollers you just roll over your face, and more serious beauty appliances like steamers for skincare—there’s a wide variety.
You might hesitate to buy one for yourself, but wouldn’t you be thrilled to receive one as a prize? Recently, major electronics makers have been releasing men’s beauty devices in sleek color schemes.
Face rollers and the classic Korean “gua sha” are inexpensive, and if you have the budget, going for the latest beauty appliance is a great idea too.
clock
A watch is a classic choice for a giveaway prize, isn’t it? Many people feel a wristwatch is essential at work or when going out.
Not just wristwatches—stylish desk clocks and wall clocks would also be well-received as prizes.
These days, many people use their smartphones as clocks and think they don’t need a watch, but having a clock in your room and on your wrist still provides peace of mind and convenience.
Since it’s an everyday item, choose something simple that suits anyone and looks good anywhere you place it.