Love them or hate them, party favors have become a part of kids birthday parties. They are a fun way to thank your party guests for coming and add a personal touch to celebrations. But most of the time, they consist of tiny plastic junk that ends up in the garbage. So I started to rethink the perfect gift bag by giving out toys kids will actually use. I want to share some affordable and creative ideas for goody bags that aren’t total garbage for your next birthday party. 

 

Affordable Birthday Party Favors for Kids Goody Bags

 

The practice of giving out birthday party favors has evolved over time. I have a few requirements. The first is that I’ll use a small bag but skip the tissue paper and any sort of wrapping paper or gift box. They need to be easy  –I don’t love a time-consuming project and DIY isn’t my thing. Pinterest and social media has put so much pressure on us as parents, but there’s an easier way. 

One of my favorite ways to make party favor bags fun is to add a personal touch. I like to choose one great item at around $5-8 or something fun and cute for $2-3 and then add in a few dollar spot items from Target, like bubbles or jar. It’s easiest to do this but incorporating your child’s favorite things or through their party theme. You can do this with stickers, tattoos, and more. Personalization extends to the presentation as well, with gift tags or stickers with your child’s name on them. Those are easier to make than you’d think – I’ve made them myself on Canva (so easy!) and have ordered them on etsy, too. 

It’s not uncommon to find yourself needing to put together goodie bags at the last minute, so if you want to order custom stickers, do that a few weeks out. But I’ve put together some great favors last minute, and I’m going to share those ideas with you as well. I love incorporating colorful candies, small toys, and stickers that can be purchased at an online store (Amazon and Target always have what I’m looking for) and arranged in gift bags.

 

 

Favor Ideas for Goody Bags

When it comes to sourcing items for goody bags, online party stores are a treasure trove. These stores offer a vast array of themed party supplies, making it easy to find items that align with the party theme. From princess crowns and pirate eye patches to dinosaur figurines and space-themed trinkets, the options are virtually limitless. Shopping at an online party store also provides the convenience of browsing and purchasing from home, which is especially helpful for parents planning a party amidst a busy schedule.

The contents of goody bags can vary widely depending on the age group of the guests and the nature of the birthday party. For young children, items like crayons, bubbles, and miniature puzzles are sure to be a hit. Older kids might appreciate items such as keychains, gel pens, and small notebooks. It’s important to consider the interests and preferences of the guests to ensure that the party favors are both enjoyable and appropriate.

 

The Perfect No-Waste Party Favor 

This is such a great idea for parents who don’t want to give out too much stuff, but would depend on the party size since it could end up getting expensive. Get each kid a gift card to a local ice cream shop. Little kids love ice cream, and they don’t need more plastic junk. It’s my favorite party favor I’ve ever received and I love that it can help support small businesses, too. 

 

Choosing a Gift Bag

Kraft paper is a popular choice for creating gift bags due to its rustic charm and versatility. Kraft paper bags can be easily decorated with stickers, stamps, or drawings, allowing for a personalized touch that complements the party’s aesthetic. These bags are not only eco-friendly but also sturdy enough to hold a variety of party favors, making them both practical and appealing.

 

 

Gift tags are a small detail that can make a big difference in the presentation of goody bags. A neatly written or printed gift tag adds a touch of elegance and shows that thought and care have gone into the preparation. These tags can also be themed to match the party’s decor, enhancing the overall cohesive look of the event.

Goody bags for birthday party favors offer a blend of creativity, personalization, and practicality. By incorporating a personal touch, utilizing resources like online party stores, and paying attention to details such as gift tags and party themes, hosts can create memorable and delightful goody bags that leave a lasting impression on their guests. Whether using kraft paper for a rustic feel or tailoring the contents to suit the guests’ preferences, the thought and effort put into these small gifts make birthday parties even more special.