Inside: Alternatives to birthday party goody bag fillers that kids will enjoy and that aren’t junk
It’s the dirty little secret all moms keep, and I’m about to say it out loud…
We hate goody bags.
We hate giving them. We hate our kids bringing them home. And we especially hate tossing the candy wrappers and broken plastic toys into the trash a few days later.
In 2025, more parents are rethinking how we spend money on kids’ birthday parties—and one of the first things to go should be the “junk bag.” Not only do traditional party favors create unnecessary waste, but most of it is sugar our kids don’t need or toys that get lost before the week is over.
But since this tradition isn’t disappearing anytime soon, we’ve come up with 10 creative and clutter-free alternatives to birthday party goody bags. These ideas are fun, affordable, and actually useful—so kids will enjoy them and parents will thank you.
Related:The Best Kids Birthday Party Hacks
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10 Creative Alternatives to Birthday Party Goody Bags (Clutter-Free & Parent-Approved)
1. Storybook Surprise – Party Favors That Encourage Reading
Why Books Make the Best Party Favors for Kids
Scholastic offers a large selection of books for all ages at reasonable prices, some as low as 99 cents. Whether it’s Dr. Seuss, Clifford the Big Red Dog or Get the Giggles First Joke Book, you can probably find a book to match any party theme. Buy Scholastic Early Readers
via Amazon or check your local book stores or even Target and Wal-Mart.
Choose the book at use that as the theme for your child’s Birthday party. A great way to incorporate their favorite characters and send kids home with a fun party favor that is educational and something that they’ll enjoy long after the party ends.
2. Charitable Children – Make a Difference Instead of Giving Junk
Turning Party Favors into a Gift for Others
The Birthday Party Project is a great organization to consider. Their mission is Bringing JOY to children experiencing homelessness through the MAGIC of a birthday celebration.
You could also let your child choose a charity that appeals to them or that even goes with the party theme. For example, if you’re having a jungle party, it could be the local zoo. If you have a dog themed party, you could donate a bag or dogfood for each child that attends to the local humane society. Have a card for guests to sign and then send off the card with a donation for what you would have spent on goodie bags. If you must send them home with something, give each child a sticker like “I had fun and made a difference today!” and/or certificate showing the impact.
You can also check out these other charitable organizations that tie into kids Birthday parties:
3. Customized Cookies – Sweet Treats Without the Candy Overload
Unique Dessert Favors Kids Will Love
Sweet treats tend to be a staple in Birthday party goodie bags, but sometimes it’s just too much sugar. Rather than sending kids home with loads of candy, replace the usual processed junk with a custom decorated cookie or cupcake in a specially decorated bag or box. You can make your own with our super simple sugar cookie recipe or purchase from your local bakery.
4. Activity to Go – Fun Kids Can Take Home
Party Favor Ideas That Encourage Play or Creativity
Many of the items found in goodie bags break quickly or get lost. Consider instead pairing a cute cookie cutter that coordinates with the party theme and a jar of play-doh or even simply a small print-out of a favorite sugar cookie recipe. Amazon carries a set of Cookie Cutters or you can pick up individual cookie cutters at most craft stores for just a couple of dollars.
5.Music – A Personalized Soundtrack for the Party
Memorable Party Favors Kids Will Actually Use
Order these musical themed temporary tattoos and let kids rock out during the party to a specially created playlist. You can go old school and Create a mix CD of the birthday child’s favorite songs or you can print out a list of the song played and give kids an iTunes gift card good for a free download.
6. Earth-Friendly and Fun – Eco-Friendly Party Favors
Party Gifts That Help the Planet
Give guests a goodie that will be a beautiful reminder of your child’s special day and that will certainly be better for the earth than a bunch of cheap plastic toys. These adorable seed packet favors give kids a chance to grow their own wildflowers leaving a lasting memory of the special event. You can also try Tree in a box which offers multiple tree types in a kit with seeds, a starter pot, a fertilizer pellet and small instruction booklet. $2.50 -$6.00 depending on the number purchased at Treeinabox.com
7. Personalized Pillowcases – A Slumber Party Favorite
How to Personalize Pillowcases for a Fun Party Activity
Let all the slumber party guests leave with an item they didn’t use at the party…..their pillowcase! You can either purchase basic white pillow cases at stores like Target or Wal-Mart and let kids personalize their own using Fabric Markers
or you can get pillow decorating kits on Amazon. if you want to go all out, you can order them their own personalized pillow case.
8. Personalized Towels – Perfect for Pool Parties and Beach Birthdays
Creative Ways to Customize Towels for Party Guests
If you’re planning a pool party or a beach or water themed party send guests home with their very own personalized towel. You can order them on ETSY or Amazon or purchase them yourself and find a local store or friend that will do the embroidery for you.
Another option is to skip the personalization and just get an assortment of cute beach towels from Target and Wal-Mart.
9. Party Craft – Guests Make Their Own Party Favors
Hands-On Favors That Double as Party Entertainment
(personal favorite)- have the guests create their favors! Paint a wooden frame (avail. at any craft store: ) and then send them home with it and a pic of the party. You could also have the kids do a wordcloud collage like the pic above. Fun and super personalized.
You can also make our cute playdough cupcakes as a party craft and then let the kids take them home.
10. Balloons – The Classic Party Favor Kids Always Love
How to Turn Balloons Into a Party Favor Idea
Every kid loves a helium filled surprise! Use them as part of the décor and then send them home with partygoers. Popular places to get balloons in an assortment of colors and children’s themes include Party City, Local Grocery Stores, Target, Wal-Mart and …You can even do it at home yourself with the Balloon Time Helium Tank
from Amazon that also comes with balloons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Birthday Party Goody Bag Alternatives
Q: What can I give instead of goody bags at a kids’ birthday party?
Instead of traditional goody bags, try giving one meaningful item like a book, craft kit, personalized towel, or decorated cookie. These options are more memorable, less wasteful, and often cost the same or less than filling a bag with small toys and candy.
Q: What are eco-friendly alternatives to party favors?
Eco-friendly party favors include seed kits, potted plants, reusable water bottles, or wooden toys. These options reduce plastic waste and give kids something they can use long after the party is over.
Q: How do I make goody bags without junk toys or candy?
Focus on quality over quantity—choose one or two useful items that fit your party theme. Examples include themed socks, puzzle books, art supplies, or a personalized item. You can also turn the party activity into the favor, such as decorating picture frames or baking cookies to take home.
Q: Are goody bags necessary for a birthday party?
Not at all. Goody bags are a tradition, not a requirement. Many parents are moving away from them in favor of one thoughtful gift or activity. Kids often appreciate the experience of the party itself just as much as any take-home item.
Q: How can I make birthday party favors more budget-friendly?
Buy items in bulk, DIY crafts, or look for sales at discount stores and online retailers. Pairing a small, inexpensive gift with a heartfelt thank-you note can be just as special as a larger favor.
Still want EVEN MORE Kids Birthday Party Ideas?
Follow Sunshine and Hurricanes ‘s board Kids Party Ideas on Pinterest.
Stacey says
So many great ideas. I don’t know where to start lol
Lily Rose says
What a nice article, i like these information, keep it up. thanks
kelley says
Thank you for a great post! I also do not like party favors that I will throw away right after receiving them. my comment is this:
1). I sometimes find great stuff at goodwill. we had a Star Wars themed party and I found many items (still new) as prize giveaways.
2) i find balloons to be too harmful for the environment, and helium is a finite resource that is better used for medical purposes (like cooling down MRI/Scanning machines).
Thanks again, enjoyed the post!
Amy says
Some favorites: bath bombs after a pool party, LEGO mini figures, a small coloring book and crayons, a Chinese coin (Ninja party, purchased on eBay), leis for a Hawaiian party. This last party was Oz-themed. I found a lady on Etsy who made beautiful beaded bracelets for just $2 each! They had little ruby slipper charms and everything. I’d rather give one useful thing than a bunch of flotsam and sugar.
Laura says
For my son’s fifth birthday, I did a goodie bag with some of his favorite things: chocolate chip oatmeal packet, maybe a candy bar that he liked etc.
JAY says
HOW bout Pass the parcel? Wrap a book or diy craft kit, layer with different colored paper insert a surprise in each layer: friendship bracelet, stickers, balloons, keychains, glow sticks ( our dollar store has great glow sticks: swords and wands beach ball)
Friendship bracelet kits: little portion snack baggie with pony beads And 2 pipe earners.
DREss the doll: scrap fabric ribbons old fashioned wooden clothespins or sticks
Melissa says
Any ideas for a January birthday Good Bag that is an indoor pool party? Kids are 8! No sugar and no plastic junky toys. I am blanking.
Kira Lewis says
Not sure about your price range or # of kids as well as genders, but here are a few ideas:
Nancy Drew Pool Party Puzzler Book: (http://amzn.to/2jGeq6J)
Splash Balls: http://amzn.to/2jGcOKc
You could also get a funny float like this donut (http://amzn.to/2jG7xCv) take pics of each kid in it and then send a copy in the thank you notes.
Parents may not love you for these, but the kids will. These are favorites of my two. Water Shooters: http://amzn.to/2jG2QZo
Pails and Shovels: http://amzn.to/2ipxqp8
You could even personalize them, there are some great sellers on Etsy for this.
Last Idea: Have a local bakery make a large iced cookie for each child in the shape of one of those multi-colored beach balls and bag them up in cellphone with a pretty ribbon tie.
Jodi | kitchen table classroom says
These are such cute ideas. My oldest is thirteen and when he was young I worked really hard to always have something unique for the kids to take home. Four kids later we just stopped. We ask that the kids coming to their parties do not bring gifts and there are no goodie bags to take home. Time with friends is exciting & only a few kids have even noticed!
Lisa says
sidewalk chalk and bubbles= inexpensive, no permanent additions to clutter, no food allergies or dietary restrictions to worry about
margaret says
the last party I had for my year old son we gave all the boys matching Star Wars t-shirts and a star wars pez dispenser and it was a hit.
Diane says
Our daughter is having a scientist/nerd party this year!
We are planning on making favor bags that are basically a take home science kit! There will be several quick & easy science experiments (I’m going to choose the least messy ones, to include), and our daughter wants to make SURE everyone gets a pair of “nerd” glasses! LOL
Jenn says
So awesome!
Rebecca Stapler @Stapler Confessions says
Great suggestions! I’ve given balloons in years past, but I feel like there’s always a popping incident that ends in tears 🙁
This year, guests are getting a little Lego build — there are some good ones on Amazon for $4-5. Last year, kids got those surprise minifigures (you don’t know what minifigure you’ll get until you open the bag). Those were a big hit! (until one popped a balloon. Then tears. Then everyone recovered and was happy again. LOL)
Diane says
They sometimes have small Lego knockoffs (still fit with official Legos) at the dollar stores too! We buy them as treats for our daughter…they’re usually $1-3 each!
Amy says
I really dislike all the plastic junk my kids get at parties. I can’t understand why anyone would waste money on that crap! It breaks so quickly sometimes before you even get home. I always give consumable favors, sometimes with a balloon, which, as suggested above was part of the party decor. For my son’s party in September, I made a caramel apple station and each kid made their own and added different toppings. Then I put them in the fridge to firm up and by the time the party was over they were ready to take home. Consumable, delicious, seasonal and no junk coming into anyone’s house.
Emma says
Absolutely love the activity to go idea! That’s one that would certainly be loved by both kids and their parents (I know I hate when my daughter brings home those junky gift bags – even though she loves them, lol!)
Jennie V says
I love this list. I, too, hate getting and giving goody bags. I usually have cups I purchased from the party store that go along with the party theme and send those home with the children. The last party we did was for my daughter turning 10 and she wanted to do a cake decorating party. So guess what their favors were? The cake they decorated! And the parents actually loved the idea. The said, “Oh perfect this can be our dessert after dinner tonight.” Win win 🙂
Mary Ann says
I try and go with something seasonal
My youngest daughter has a birthday at the end of November. Being in Alberta it is cold and snowy by then. I usually give eah child a pair of one size fits all type mitts/gloves. A kid can never have too many. A toque/beanie would also be great or a scarf even. Maybe crazy carpets or something they can use outside.
My older daughters birthday is in May. It is usually still snowy or wet here, but I still tend to go with somethibg spring or summery. Buckets and shovels for the beach. skipping ropes, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, kites, water bottles, flower pots and birdhouses the kods painted have all been things we have given.
I do sometimes put a treat in the bag, but one item usually. Like a box of smarties or a sucker.
Last year was an exception with a pinata, but we also put in these tiny water paint sets, mini decks of playing cards, crayons, mini colouring books, finger skateboards, jacks sets and some candy. I got everything at party city. They also painted wood bird houses we got at dollarama.
For my older daughters upcoming birthday she wants a spring theme with insects. I am sure we will come up with something 9 year olds will love and parents won’t want to toss. I am debating on having them plant something to take home or having them make bird feeders to take home.
Stephanie says
Or you could just let kids be kids and enjoy birthday parties with a goodie bag and stop worrying about such petty things!
Debbie says
Fun ideas! I especially like the book idea. For my son’s monkey themed party, I had bananas for the party favor. 🙂
And in response to ‘Mom of 2’, it’s just a fun way to say “thank you for coming to celebrate with us”, and there’s definitely nothing that says you have to give one. I even feel that sometimes the goodie bags seem to get carried away with how expensive they are, which just seems silly to me. Just something cute and inexpensive still goes a long way in showing guests you appreciated their effort in coming. 🙂
Mom of 2 says
Could someone please explain why we are giving a gift to children for coming? Are we “paying ” these other kids because they don’t like our children enough to celebrate with them?
Michelle Myers says
Hi! I think the party favor is a tradition that has extended to many social gatherings these days: weddings, dinner parties, showers, etc. I’ve never seen it as “paying” someone to celebrate with us or anyone ask in advance what the party favors would be before deciding to attend. I think it’s all in perspective; many chose to not throw bday parties for their kids period. It doesn’t mean they love or value their kids less, it’s a personal decision about how their family will celebrate. Thanks for stopping by!
Tove Maren says
These are awesome tips! I love the parties where they incorporate a craft idea with the “goodie bag” – like you suggested: paint a frame or something like that.
Colleen pyne says
For the past couple parties we have bought plain shirts from Michael’s ($3.50 ea when on sale) and we decorate them according to the theme during the party. Sometimes we appliqué felt with iron-on hemming tape, sometimes fabric paint or markers. It is something fun to create and a nice reminder of the birthday afterwards.