Party props? Don’t you mean party favors? Well, no.

Traditionally, party props or favors are the little trinkets given out at children’s birthday parties in goody bags adorned with Disney princesses or race cars provided by the host as you're leaving. When was the last party you went to that involved goody bags? Last time I checked, it was my obnoxious neighbor Sarah’s 8th birthday party. You may be annoying, Sarah, but your mom sure knew how to impress with those party favors.

I’m talking about party props. In college, party props take on a whole new meaning. A prop can be defined as anything used by a performer to portray a scene on stage. At parties, you’re the performer and the party is your stage. So naturally, you'll need a couple of props.

In college, social gatherings of any kind can be intimidating, so you can’t just show up empty-handed. Party props have a variety of uses, but they mostly serve as conversation starters or a way to stand out in a crowd of hundreds of other people.

So what are some examples of these party props, you ask? A party prop can range anywhere from a plate of freshly-baked cookies to spray paint to a puppy, depending on the occasion. It’s a proven theory: You’ll have more fun and make more friends with a party prop in hand. That's just science. Party science.

Scenario: You show up at a friend of a friend’s house for a party you were kind of invited to. There are a lot of people there, but you know only a handful of acquaintances. Without a party prop, you show up, talk to the people you know and maybe get introduced to one or two more people. Do they care who you are? Sure (not really).

Now imagine you show up to this party with a disposable camera with built in graphics of cats in party hats that show up when you develop them. You carry it around, and you’re bound to get asked about its purpose. It’s an interesting story to share and word will likely spread around the party. Before long, natural conversations stem from your explanation of the camera. “Wait, so are you a photographer? What’s your major?”

Soon everyone will want to be in one of your party cat pictures, and everyone will want to get your number so that you can give them a copy of the pictures when you develop them. BAM! Fifteen instant new friends! Plus everyone from the party will be sure to remember who you are.

Any event that takes place at night calls for the opportunity for glow in the dark party props. The options range here. Glow in the dark bubbles, glow in the dark paint, and even simple glow sticks are all great choices. Another favorite (if the conditions are safe and appropriate) is sparklers. There’s nothing that screams summer nights like sparklers.

If you’re running low on time or money, party props can also come in the form of a go-to story or a fun game. It doesn't have to be a physical object.

The ultimate party prop is yourself. You can interpret this metaphorically as you’d prefer. When you’re around a large crowd of loud girls with impressive stories from last weekend it’s easy to forget that, hey, you’re interesting, too! Remember that really interesting thing that happened to you the other day? Dress yourself up, remember your stories, put on your smile, and wear something that defines you. Then get out there! A world full of wonderful people you haven’t met awaits, and there’s no such thing as too many friends.