Birthday Party Goodie Bag Ideas

I did the following goodies

you can buy prepackaged goldfish, bubbles, even little boxes of raisins. All kids love those, stickers, crayons. I try to stay away from little plastic toys and junk. They will ususally get trashed once they get home with them or have no interest in them. waste of money. The dollar store is good too. Also one thing i found was a tube of playdoh. The tube comes with 8 or 9 little containers of playdoh you can give one container per bag. I got them at Target. I also went to michaels and bought the paper bags that stand up with the handles. I think their like 75 cents. the small ones. That way all the googies stay in the bag and the kids can carry them around easier and parents aren't going around picking up their goodies. Michaels has some fun stuff too.

Have fun

Good luck

I just had my daughters 5th princess bday party and for the goodie bag I gave them each a $3.00 princess book from Wal-Mart. They have Diego, Cars, etc and it was well recvd. I felt good giving them something to keep and not garbage or sugar junk. Have fun!

Hi K.,

Books are always a great idea and a friend printed out labels thanking the kid for coming to her little guy's party and signed it with his name and then she put the labels on the back of each book. My favorite places to find great affordable books are JoAnn's near the registers in the $1 section and the dollar section at Target. JoAnn's has been the best recently though. Good luck!

Hi K.,

One of the most popular things that we've done is to have a bunch of blow-up bouncy balls to play with during the party, and when the kids leave they each get to choose one to take home with them. It's entertainment during the party that also doubles as take-away gifts, and you don't have to deal with them afterward!

The first craft we do at our parties is to Have the kids make their own goodie bag out of a brown grocery sack (free at rayleys!). We print coloring pages off the internet to match our theme and let the kids color them , and then glue them onto a larger colored piece of construction paper and then glue that to the bag and label them.(sometimes we did glitter pens but they take forever to dry)Better to put peices of ribbon for the kids to tie on handles and things like that.)

The next craft at the parties are something to go in the goodie bag, like decorating a cookie (we put it on a small cake plate and slip it in a twist tie clear baggie when its done)or making a paper hat of some kind, or a macaroni neclace (color macaroni with food coloring drops and some rubbing alcohol together in a zippy bag and mush them around, then air dry overnite.)

If it was a cooking party,.. for example we did Ratatouli, we picked paper chef hats, simple aprons and small spatulas (dollar store) to use during the party and then the goodie bag was used as a tote to take these items home. along with the craft: making a Eiffel Tower out of dried spaggeti and mini marshmallows. Include a cookbook or activity book in t he tote (a few staples together pages off the internet with another coloring sheet of the theme on the front of it)

Sometimes we've let the game become the prize when the child wins. For example we made a crocodile out of a green sock for the "hot potatoe" game at our Peter Pan Party. The child that won the game got to take him home.

Gail

Hi K.,

I like to give craft things as goodies for my daughter's parties. If you go to Michaels, they have a lot of great items in the dollar section. For her birthday last year I bought each kid a wood craft kit (bird house for girls, car for boys) that came with the wood, glue, paint, paint brush, everything you needed to construct the thing and it only cost $1. They also have sticker packs that come with a little book to put the stickers in or clay packs, etc. And Target sometimes has neat things in their dollar section, like those fuzzy coloring pages that come with the markers or books, jewelry, etc.

And one year I got a couple packages of foam kits from WalMart. I'm sure they have them at Michaels or elsewhere too. There were foam picture frames and foam puppets to design and decorate. I divided those up into little goodie bags for each kid to bring home. They were really cheap too, like $4 for 20 or something.

Good luck!! I hope that helps.

One of the best favors my daughters received and all the kids loved, boys and girls, was a pad of post its, a marker or two, and some stickers. Probably because most parents rarely let our kids use post-its. You can buy a big pack at costco or any office supply store. The best part about it, is it's not a bunch of junky plastic toys that go in the garbage or clutter your house and the kids thought it was the best thing ever.

K.

hi there
When we did goodie bags, we added bubbles, a hotwheel (nowadays, you can buy a pack of about 5 or 9 at Target and they aren't expensive like they once were) we opened the package and added one to each bag (the kids loved them) small individual packs of some organic treat (one that you might buy at wholefoods.. (you know, good quality with no junkie fillers)for any kids that were 8 and above, we did give them one of those disposable cameras. you can buy a package of them at costco and these days, they aren't much. Kids like to take pics and their parents can have them developed.
We also did silly string... can be MESSY... :) but the kids LOVED it.. LOVED LOVED LOVED it. I did spend some time cleaning up our backyard... :) but was worth it. More than anything else, the kids liked that the best. The goodie bags came in second compared to the fun they had running around and spraying the silly string. Silly string can get expensive .IF you do that, I wouldnt spend much on other treats for the goodie bags...

Hi K.,
I agree with the other moms -- I end up throwing away most of the items that come in goodie bags! One of the best ideas I've seen was to bake a few (2 or 3) different types of cookies and place one or two of each kind in a bag for the kids, and throw some curling ribbon around the bag. It looks really cute, they love the cookies and it's not too expensive to do.

Yet another mom who hates goodie bags, and wonders who started this idea. I can see how two your old might need help dealing with the fact that only the honoree gets a gift, but beyond that...

We try to always have a craft as part of the party activity (maybe the only party activity, besides a bounce house and food), and they can take what they crafted home.

I've been to parties where instead of goodie bags the parents organized a book exchange. Each child brings a book to the party - gently used - and then swaps with another. Your son may be a bit young for this, but its worked well with 5 and 6 year olds. Everyone goes home with a "new" book and you don't have all that small plastic stuff to buy and throw out after 2 days.

Hi there. What I've done before, (because I do not like giving out "junk") is bought some snacks @ Costco i.e. granola bars, gold fish, etc, but in individual bags and put them in the goodie back with some stickers...all kids like stickers. Plus, some of the snacks from Costco take up most of the bag anyway, giving it a fuller look. You can also have them do some sort of craft and they take it home. Michael's has some inexpensive things that can use some decorating - something simple like coloring.

The best thing we ever used for my son's birthday parties was a no-spill Bubble Tumbler.

http://www.littlekidsinc.com/products/150.asp

I bought the "mini" ones at Target for $1.99 each. Each kid got one and that's all we gave out -- I put them on a table and the kids chose their own and used a black Sharpie to immediately write their name on it so no confusion later. We had a party at the park so they got to blow bubbles at the party, but you could give them out at the end for them to take home. Good for toddlers, preschoolers, even younger ones and a few teenagers I know liked them too!

I feel that I have to have party bags b/c it's the thing to do, so for the last couple of parties I make mini cupcakes and put them in mini "take out" containers (found them at a party store). Depending on age, you can have the kids decoreate their own with stickers and markers, then put the cupcakes in there. I decorated mine because my son was turning 1. That was the favor and if need be, can also be party of the dessert.

I agree with the Baskin Robbins gift certificate. They come in $2.00 increments. Add in a lollipop and the kids leaves happy!

how many kids are you expecting? is there a theme for the party? and most importantly, how creative are you? :P

you could do a fun cookie and wrap it up? something on the larger side, maybe even with a stick, they sell all the supplies at Michaels. Here is a cute example: http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1037/1175567867_6ca52c870c...

you could easily adapt to whatever theme! Just have fun!

Hi K.,

Considering that the "typical junk" is also not going to be safe for your 13 month old (because your son will want his own bag too,) or any younger siblings of the partygoers, something bigger might be better. If there are not that many kids you could get a ball or an animal model or another inexpensive yet "nice" toy from Target or something. Otherwise I would suggest a healthy "treat" bag instead with some oatmeal cookies, or pumpkin muffins, or some other kind of little snack for the kids to take home. They will feel like they got something and it will be gone later when they eat it. Have fun!

K.,

What about a little snack bag with a few toys? You could get the small pretzel bags, a juice box, sheet of stickers and a small toy for a small price. Also, they sell small containers of play dough at the Dollar Tree. Party America has lots of little toys for 60 cents to a dollar.

Good luck with the party!

Molly

Hi K., I am not sure when your party is, but there is a website called orientaltradingcompany.com...they have so many things to choose from and they are inexpensive. The other place to go is affordable treasures in Los Gatos. They also have so many things to choose from. When my kids were young, I used to put bubbles, pencils, crayons, miniture coloring books even basking robins gift certificates. Good Luck

Hi K.,
Just thought I'd add my 2 cents. As a mom of three, we go to a birthday party about twice a month. I hate goodie bags. What do you do with all that stuff?

The best favors we've recieved have been mixed cd's with kids music. Every time we listen to that particular cd, it reminds us of the child whose birthday party we attended... and provides for hours of fun in the car, at home, etc.

We've also received some great toys from the dollar store (books, puzzles, etc). The "Bigger" the better. That way you only need to give one favor to each child and it looks (to them) like they gotten a really great gift.
Hope you have fun!

Many people have suggested the dollar store. You can also look at Target. They have a dollar section, too. Quite often, there is a theme to their items. I've gotten Elmo and Seseame Street items for my 1 year old's birthday and Little Mermaid items for my 4 year old. I've also seen, Dora, Spiderman, Hulk, etc. I usally plan a theme around what I find!

I like to use paper lunch sacks and either have my kids decorate them or let the kids at the party decorate them. That helps save money, is more environmentally friendly than plastic goodie bags and gives my kids something to do while I'm getting ready for the party. My kids love to get stickers, pencils, pads of paper - so I usually give out the same. I have found things like slinkies in the $ section at Target as well as good items at the dollar store and party store. We have also had a craft be part of the goodie bag. I like the gift certificate idea and may do that in the future.
Best of luck,
C.

Hi my friend!

I was going to email you privately but this works too! Glad to see you get some use from this forum too! We are putting together goodies from Dollar Tree. We went there and they had a huge selection of stuff that isn't all junk. There are little cans of play dough 8 to a pack for a buck, stickers in rolls that you could divide, markers and crayons. There were also packs of cars and plastic animals and dinosaurs that could be divided. We ended up spending more than we wanted but the bags are nice. You could also check Big Lots. They usually have something neat for really cheap. See you guuys at swimming!

R.

One party we went to didn't pass out bags... what they did was have each child draw a face on a Styrofoam cup and decorate it with sparkles and foam stickers. Then each child got to add potting soil and grass seeds and water their monster at home until it sprouted. We had fun for weeks giving our guy "hair" cuts! The kids all enjoyed the craft project, and our kitchen window sill had a silly monster that we all got to enjoy. Ours finally died from watering issues - too much, not enough?

*stickers are usually a hit.

*seeds (you can buy a big bag and then divide them into little envelopes)

*plants (I am going to buy some pony packs of strawberries and divide them up and put them in some solo cups. so the kids can grow their own for my son)

*party stores have packates of sunglasses & note books.

*artsy stuff

I feel just like you. We have tried books or workbooks purchased from the dollar store. Also, something personal like a photo of each child from the party in a frame they decorated. I don't know how you feel about this, but gift certificates from kid friendly eating places are a hit. We've also done a simple project or craft and the children take it home. They are thrilled and don't miss a traditional goodie bag.

First of all, I hate goodie bags. I don't know who started this idea years ago. I like the idea of giving hands on stuff instead of little pieces of junk. Most of the time my kids tossed the little stuff into a toy box and never saw it again. The Dollar Store has packs of Playdough--give them 1 or 2 and some pieces of candy. The kids don't really care it seems, as long as there is a little something. Go to the website

http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/extras/Gak.htm

and check out the recipes for Gak, Flubber, etc. You can make these at home and put some in a zip-lock baggie for each kid. My boys loved any of this stuff. If you buy the gallon containers of Elmers Glue (I think I got it at Michael's--check for discount coupons in the Sunday paper or online for coupons you can take with you), you'd have plenty for the party as lots left over to make some for your son.

How about a watercolors paint set? They can be used for kids 18 months and up. Also, Trader Joe's and Whole Foods have organic lollipops/suckers. A box of teething biscuits from Whole Foods for teething babies. A package of Gerber Puffs for the little ones. Wind up toys....Good luck!

K.

You could get gift certificates to Mc Donalds , Baskin Robins or something like that even a $2.00 one is enough for them to get an ice cream at either place.

For my son's last birthday party we burned CDs of a variety of kids songs, everyone LOVED them. It was so much better than the bag full of candy and trinkets that get broken, stepped on, and thrown away. We've also done cheap sand pales and wrote the kids' names on them with paint pens and gave them that with a bottle of bubbles.

I loathe goodie bags!! I know lots of moms who aren't doing them anymore. If you really want to do the bags, I say one sidewalk chalk, bubbles (but the cheap kind doesn't work. If you're gonna do it you have to get the good stuff) and don't get the little kit with different shaped wands - just one regular bottle, and the parachute guy (again, cheapies don't work so they're a waste). Unless its candy, which I don't like, mostly everything else gets thrown out. The kids like getting stuff just for the sake of getting something, but after the first 2 minutes, they don't care whats in there and it just gets thrown out. We and most everyone I know, throw out 99% of what we've recieved in goody bags. Including some of the suggestions you've received! Sorry Mammas! What a waste for your wallet and the environment!

so i think these ideas are really nice, but do you remember getting goody bags at parties when you were a kid? i don't, but i do remember playing games and eating cake - and having a good time. are goody bags really necessary? i think the idea of doing a craft that the kids can take home is a good one.

Have them do a craft and let that be the take home party bag gift.

Books- get a variety of topics and levels and let the kids pick, as they leave.

Who says you have to give guests a gift bag?
Stephanie

I think the idea that one mom had about buying the lunch sacks and letting them decorate is a good idea, but depending on where you're having the party, they might not be interested in doing that if they are having too much fun playing! A few years ago I went to the dollar store, I think, and just bought a pack of bags with cute decorations on them. Then, try the Wishing Well for the stuff to fill it. They have all of those bins with different items for $0.10 up to $1.00. And that would work for all the variety of ages. I love wishing well and I go there every year for my kids parties goodie bags! Hope this helps, and good luck :)

I'm pretty tired of all the plastic goody bag toys. I try to be practical but fun. I've given Baskin Robbins gift certs. They do have some really cute items in the $1 section of Target and Michael's...small dry erase boards, stickers, tatoos, pencils, small books, etc. I've also given foam craft kits, small picture frames and even cute pairs of socks.

Just give out one of the those sticker/activity books...wrap them up and give them out as they leave. They have so many different kinds, but I have seen, cars, spiderman, barbie,etc...I think they are called the Ultimate Sticker Book.

Good Luck!

Give each kid a small Gift. A Coloring Book & Box of Crayons. A toy Truck. Something you can find for under $3. Keep it the same though - no choices.

I always go to the Dollar Store and pick out one bigger item instead of a bunch of little things. I've given out Kites, Puzzels, Dolls, Dream Catchers, etc. At Halloween, I always buy extra small snack packs of Teddy Grahams, Mini Oreo's and Animal Crackers and tie one to the front of each item too. It's simple and the Mom's always appreciate that they don't have another bag of tiny junk to keep track of.

Hi K.,
I've always preferred giving more useful items that can still be fun for the kids. When my daughter was that age I liked to give cheater chopsticks. They are typically brightly colored plastic, attached at the top, with an animal on top. At four, many kids have good enough manual dexterity to want to give it a try, and do pretty well with them. It makes them feel so grown-up :-)
Good luck! L.

I like to hand out coloring or activity books and crayons. I usually go to the 99 Cent or dollar store. You can usually get 4 packs of 8 count crayons for a dollar! GOOD LUCK!!!

Don't give noisemakers! I am still in trouble for that one!
Stickers are a big hit & the party favors you blow into and they roll out a long tube of paper - looks like a lizard tongue - you know what I mean - like on New Years Eve....anyway get the ones that don't make noise they are cheap and festive and the kids blow them until they fall apart.
Bendy crazy straws are good too - unisex and cheap. Just tell the moms not to let them drink milk with them it doesn't wash out well.
Nobody is going to remember the goodie bags anyway so don't stress out over them. I think they're a scam invented by party stores to suck our wallets dry, but when in Rome....
Enjoy the party!

Where are you having the party?

I did not read all the other 45 responses so sorry if I repeat anything. One thing I do with my two kids every now and then is a goody bag of their Top Ten List--"(Name)'s Top Ten List of 2008" and include 10 small items that refelct favorite snacks, characters, interests in the last year.

K.,
Apparently I am late on the response train...You have so many great responses!! I wanted to add some ideas my friends and I have used. I have filled the favor bags with "100 calorie pack snack bags" from Costco, and added a "Fruit by the foot". My best friend is anti-favors. She bakes chocolate cookies and rice krispie treats and puts them in the favor bags.
I have, in the past, collected all the favors my two children have recieved as favors through-out the year, and reused (recycled) them for my kid's party.

Whatever you decide most moms will agree!

My son went to a birthday party and received a small Playmobile toy. There were 2 Playmobile figures in a package, and it was only $3 per package. If you buy a whole bag full of goodies or trinkets, most of the stuff gets thrown away anyway and will end up costing more than $3. What ever you decide, have fun!

Hi there,
I love doing kids party bags and have done great ones for cheap. Go to the Dollar Store!!! This past October, we did my sons 3rd birthday and in the goody bags we put; bubbles, playdough, decorative pencils, a book, race car toy and a bag of m&ms.....all from the dollar store! They were such a hit. If you have younger children receiving bags, just pay attention to the size of the toys and candy. One of my peeves is when my son goes to a party and brings home small, plastic, junk type toys in his goody bags. I worry about my 1yr old putting them in his mouth and also end up throwing that stuff away because its....junk. Good luck and have fun!!!!