The Good Fortunes Jar: A Unique New Year’s Eve Party Activity

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New Year’s Eve is all about celebrating the past year and looking forward to the next, and what better way to do that than with a “Good Fortunes” jar? This simple DIY project doubles as a party game and a fun keepsake that guests will love. Whether you’re hosting a big bash or a cozy gathering, a New Year’s fortunes jar is a charming way to spread positivity and laughter as you ring in the new year. Here’s how to create one and make your party extra memorable.

Materials You’ll Need

A medium or large jar (a clear glass jar works best)
Decorative ribbon or twine to dress up the jar
Small pieces of paper or pre-cut slips (enough for all your guests)
Pens or markers for writing fortunes
Printable or handwritten label for the jar (e.g., “Good Fortunes for the New Year”)
Optional: Stickers, glitter, or washi tape for extra flair

Step-by-Step Instructions

1 | Decorate the Fortune Jar

Start with a plain jar and dress it up for the occasion. Wrap it with ribbon or twine and add a label that says something like “Good Fortunes for the New Year” or “Pick Your Fortune.” You can use stickers or glitter to add some sparkle. If you’re hosting a themed party, coordinate the jar decorations with your theme.

2 | Prepare the Fortunes

Write or print out a collection of fortunes on small slips of paper. These can range from heartfelt wishes to funny predictions. Here are a few ideas:

“You’ll learn a skill this year that will surprise even you.”
“An unexpected opportunity will bring you joy.”
“You’ll find $5 in your coat pocket. Congrats!”
“You’ll finally keep a houseplant alive for more than three weeks.”
“A bird will target you this year, but hey, they say it’s good luck… eventually.”
“Your karaoke skills will be legendary this year.”

More predictions or “fortune” ideas at the bottom of this post!

Aim for a mix of sincere, humorous, and lighthearted fortunes to keep things fun. Fold the slips in half to keep the fortunes a surprise.

3 | Set up the jar at your party

Place the decorated jar in a prominent spot at your party, such as the entryway, food table, or a cozy corner with other activities. Add a small sign with instructions, like “Pick a Fortune for the New Year!”

4 | Invite guests to participate

Encourage guests to take turns pulling fortunes from the jar throughout the evening. This can be a standalone activity or incorporated into a countdown tradition. For an interactive twist, ask guests to read their fortunes aloud and share what they think it means for their upcoming year.

Add a twist (optional).
For a more personalized experience, you can ask guests to write their own fortunes or advice for others at the party and add them to the jar. These can be shared on the spot or saved for a surprise opening later.

Tips for Success

Keep it lighthearted: Make sure the fortunes are upbeat and fun—this isn’t the time for gloom and doom predictions!
Theme it up: Match the fortunes to your party’s theme, whether it’s glittery glam, 1920s-inspired, or a cozy pajama party.
Make it reusable: If you want to use the jar again, laminate or print fortunes on sturdier paper to keep them intact for next year.

Why the New Year’s Fortunes Jar Is a Hit

This game is as versatile as it is fun. It’s simple enough for small gatherings but can easily entertain a larger crowd. Plus, it doubles as a thoughtful keepsake—whether you save the fortunes as a memory of the night or repurpose the jar for another celebration. The best part? Watching everyone react to their fortunes, whether they’re laughing, nodding knowingly, or vowing to conquer their karaoke fears.

Ring in the new year with a jar full of positivity and plenty of laughs. It’s a delightful way to celebrate, and who knows—one of those fortunes might just come true!

BONUS: More “Fortune” Ideas to Add to Your Jar

“You’ll lose your keys less this year. Maybe.”
“You’ll accidentally call your boss ‘Mom’ or “Honey” in a meeting. It’ll be awkward, but they’ll never forget you.”
“This is your year to finally win an argument with a toddler (or at least feel like you did).”
“You’ll master a recipe that becomes your signature dish.”
“An unexpected adventure is just around the corner—don’t forget your camera!”
“This is the year you’ll discover your go-to dance move… and use it inappropriately at a wedding.”
“Your dream vacation destination will make it onto your calendar this year.”
“Your phone autocorrect will betray you in a group chat. Brace yourself for the screenshots.”
“You’ll finally meet someone who loves your favorite obscure TV show as much as you do.”
“A random act of kindness will come back to you in the best way possible.”
“You’ll make a friend in the least expected place—maybe even at the gas station.”
“A wardrobe upgrade is in your near future. Hello, style icon!”
“You’ll laugh so hard this year that tears will stream down your face. And it’ll be amazing.”
“You’ll find the perfect parking spot on a day you really need it.”
“Someone will pay you a compliment so unexpected that you’ll remember it all year.”
“You’ll discover a hobby that makes you happier than you ever expected.”
“A lucky penny is waiting for you—don’t forget to look down!”
“You’ll become the go-to trivia champ in your friend group. Prepare for quiz night domination.”
“Your local coffee shop barista will (finally) get your order right.”
“You’ll reconnect with an old friend who brings fresh joy into your life.”
“This is the year you finally perfect your karaoke version of Bohemian Rhapsody.”
“You’ll trip in public, but someone will help you up and become an important figure in your life”
“You’ll accidentally like a crush’s Instagram post from three years ago. Oops!”
“You’ll confidently tell a joke, only to realize you’re the only one laughing. Silence is golden, right?”
“You’ll spend an entire day with a sticker on your back, placed there by someone who loves you (probably).”
“You’ll forget someone’s name at the worst possible moment.”
“You’ll enthusiastically wave back at someone who wasn’t waving at you. Play it cool—it happens to the best of us.”
“You’ll wake up one day to find that something you’ve been hoping for has quietly fallen into place.”