12 Alternatives to Birthday Party Goodie Bags That Kids Will Love
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Do I Have to Do Party Bags?"
It is a question that probably goes through most mums' minds as they plan their child's birthday party.
In my experience, it takes a brave parent not to give young party guests anything.
But if the idea of filling goodie bags doesn't fill you with joy, giving a single party favour to each guest is a great alternative.
Over the last few years of hosting and taking my daughter to birthday parties, I've noted that 'thank you for coming to my party' gifts go down incredibly well with kids and parents alike.
Plus, it's so much less of a time soak giving out gifts instead of sourcing and filling party bags. Plus, if you're clever, it can also be very cost-effective.
12 Party Favours That Make Great Alternatives to Party Bags
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If you've been looking for things to give out instead of goody bags, you will love some of the clever and cute alternatives I've put together.
1. Story Book Box Sets
My favourite budget-friendly party favour hack is to buy a set of books and divide the books up as individual party favours. If you've got the time and the inclination, you could gift wrap each book for an extra flourish.
Here are three box sets that are super popular with Mums Make Lists readers for use as party favours:
- Horrid Henry Complete Collection - 30 books
- Mr Men Complete Collection Box Set - 48 books
- Diary of A Wimpy Kid Box Set - 12 books
2. A Journal to Write In
Journaling is a great way to encourage kids to write when they spend so much of their time on screens. Giving journals instead of party bags is a great way to please both kids and their parents.
My ten-year-old daughter received a gorgeous All About Me journal as a party favour and started writing in it immediately. This journal is now a favourite party favour idea with Mums Make Lists readers.
The You Are Awesome journal is another good one. It's full of fun stuff to help each kid to be awesome!
3. Notebooks
Girls in particular seem to love a notebook to doodle and write their thoughts in or to use for homework.
There are some really cute looking notebooks around, and they usually don't cost very much, so they make a great cost-effective party favour.
- Rainbow Notepad (can be personalised) - 50 pages
4. Sticker Books
Three and four-year-olds LOVE stickers, and sticker books are a great way to keep the stickers off of furniture, so fellow parents love them too! Here are a couple of the loveliest sticker books around for little kids:
- First Sticker Book Jungle - 100+ stickers and an array of jungle scenes
- Little People Big Dreams Sticker Activity Book - 100+ stickers that are inspirational as well as fun to stick
5. Sweet Treats
I know that sweets/candy can be a little controversial, but it's hard to deny that it always goes down well with kids! Pre-filled sweet bags and cones are also TIME-SAVING, so what's not to love?!
6. Grow Your Own Kits
Grow-your-own kits are delightful alternatives to party bags. They are perfect for kids ages five years and older. Sunflowers go down particularly well, like this set of 12 Sunflower Kits is particularly great value.
7. Craft Kits
Craft and baking kits are great to give out instead of party bags. You can even use them as an activity at the party, and the party guests get to take their creations home.
- Make Your Own Model Aeroplane Kit - a lovely party favour for boys and girls who love planes and crafting
- Craft Bead Necklace Kit - 120 pretty wooden beads and five cords
8. Write Your Own Story Book
This Write Your Own Storybook by Usborne is another party gift that my daughter was given at a birthday party. It's a delightful book that helps kids flex their imaginations and write stories.
9. Fun Mini Games
Portable games like these are great for kids to take home, or they can be played during the party. Here are two popular options:
- Pass The Pigs - the aim is to be the first to 100 points by throwing the pigs and seeing how they land
- Dobble - a speedy observation game where players race to match identical symbols between cards
10. Mini Activity Kits
Parents will always appreciate their kids receiving something to keep them gainfully occupied.
There are some brilliant art, craft, and science kits that kids will be excited to receive as they leave a party. This is my favourite...
- 4M Lemon Clock - a great STEM project making a lemon-powered clock
11. A Piece of Birthday Cake and a Balloon
Now, this is super old school, but also a great way to double up on party decorations and favours.
Use the balloons to decorate the party space and then hand one out to each child with a slice of cake in a napkin as they leave the party. The key is to go for fancy balloons if you really want the wow factor!
12. Water Bottles & Insulated Cups
The water bottle and insulated cup trend is still going strong, so you can't go far wrong gifting one as a party favour.
These personalised water bottles on Etsy are great value and look super cute.
I hope you've found something that will work for your child's party that will help you bring it in on budget and as easy for you to prep as possible!
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