What is a Hygge Swap Party | 30 Days of Hygge Challenge

It was day 25 of my 30 days of Hygge challenge and I was tasked to host a Hygge swap party. What is a Hygge swap party? How do I pull this off with no planning and a very small circle of friends in this new city?

I’m being completely transparent with you on this challenge. Did I host a Hygge swap party last night? No, I didn’t but I want to do one very soon because I LOVE the concept. There are just a few do’s and don’ts that I want to consider before hosting one. I’ll talk about that further down after answering the obvious question, what is a Hygge swap party?

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What is a Hygge Swap Party?

The Hygge lifestyle encourages us to get together with friends and family regularly. It is how the Danes have mastered balancing professional and personal life. A Hygge swap party is when you get together with friends and family to swap a Hygge item.

Everyone will bring a Hygge item that they don’t use or love as much anymore so that it can be loved and cherished in another home. This is perfectly Hygge! The items are Hygge, sharing is Hygge, spending time with friends is Hygge and you might just go home with a new favorite Hygge item.

When hosting the Hygge swap party you can either make the food yourself or make it simple by doing a potluck. Have everyone bring their favorite dish or dessert (with the recipe so you can share the love in more ways than one). Remember that healthy food can be Hygge too.

Want to spend the evening visiting and catching up with friends? That’s very Hygge.

Want to make it a game night? That is also very Hygge.

What about watching a movie outdoors for an ultimate movie Hygge night or having a TV Show Finale party to change up the typical family Hygge night? Both are very Hygge too.

Stuck on what items to bring? Here are a few Hygge items that come to mind:

candles are used for Hygge life (have a collection from those candle parties years ago that is taking up space in storage?)
bubble bath, bath salts, or oils are Hygge (don’t care for a scent that was gifted to you?)
books are powerfully Hygge (don’t want to read that book anymore?)
picnic and bonfire items are Hygge (old outdoor blanket, basket, umbrella, folding chairs)
meditation and yoga is Hygge (old CD or DVDs not being used anymore)
serving platters, or old dishes, teacups, coffee mugs
hobbies are Hygge (you thought you’d like it but it isn’t you and is in storage now)
home decor items that add texture or bring nature indoors (pictures, vase, plant, wooden side table)
the extra journal not being used is the perfect way to help someone with gratitude
a stationary set not being used just might help someone spread some happiness
game night is Hygge (board games, card games, video games)
items for an ultimate Hygge movie night (movie, snack bowl, drink cozies, cozy blankets)
something for a Hyggekrogg (cozy blanket, pillow, candle holder)
dressing for comfort and confidence is Hygge (an old sweater or jewelry that you don’t wear anymore)

There are so many possibilities when deciding what to bring to the Hygge swap party. I have a few do’s and don’ts that I struggled with when trying to figure out how to do a Hygge swap party myself.

Do’s and Don’ts for a Hygge Swap Party:

DO make it simple. Simple food. Simple plans. No stress. Fun, friends, and Hygge.
DON’T feel obligated to take an item if it won’t be Hygge for you (and let your guests know this applies to them as well).
DO take your item home if it wasn’t a Hygge item for someone else. If you truly don’t need it anymore, put it in your garage sale, sell it online, or donate it.
DON’T take offense if someone didn’t want your Hygge item. It may not be something they need right now and that is okay. Everyone’s journey is unique to them.
DON’T take something that you truly don’t want to give up.
DO feel happy for someone that is loving their new Hygge item.

I love the concept of a Hygge swap party and plan to do one very soon. Although, I may need to educate my guests on what is Hygge life first. After learning what is a Hygge swap party, I can’t seem to get it out of my head. Items can feel like clutter when you don’t love them anymore and that isn’t very hyggelig.

Why not see if someone else will need to change up their Hygge life with something you don’t love anymore?

Why not host your own Hygge Swap Party?