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10 Alternatives to Birthday Party Goody Bags That Aren’t Junk

By Kira Lewis 38 Comments

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10 Alternatives to Birthday Party Goody Bags. Party Favors that aren't junk

Inside:10 alternatives to birthday party goody bags that aren’t junk

It’s the dirty little secret all moms keep and now it’s time for it to come out of the closet….

WE HATE GOODY BAGS!!!

We hate giving them, we hate having our kids receive them and we hate throwing it all away days later.

We all know it’s a waste of money for more candy our kids don’t need and for cheap toys that will break or that we’ll smuggle into the trash after our kids are sleeping.

While it would be nice if we could all just admit it and do away with this Birthday tradition, that probably isn’t going to happen. So, instead, we’ve come up with 10 Alternatives to Birthday Party Goody Bags that are least better than candy and other …well, you know.

So, if you’re wanting to give party favors that aren’t junk, we’ve got some clever, creative and fun goody bag ideas that are sure to be a hit with kids and parents alike.

This post may contain affiliate links.

Do you feel like a goody bag is MUST for kids Birthday Parties, but hating spending the money on all that cheap junk and candy? Instead of sugar and throw away trinkets, why not give something that might actually be kept and used. In this post, you'll find 10 inexpensive and creative ideas to give to your guests. 10 Alternatives to Birthday Party Goody Bags

10 Alternatives to Birthday Party Goody Bags

Go with a theme

1. A Storybook Surprise

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 P, 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.

2. Charitable Children

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. 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, print out stickers on your computer that say “I had fun and made a difference today!”

You can also check out these other charitable organizations that tie into kids Birthday parties:

The Confetti Foundation 

The Birthday Project 

The Pajama Program

3. Customized Cookies

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 or purchase from your local bakery.

4. Activity to Go

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 for $14.99 or you can pick up individual cookie cutters at most craft stores for just a couple of dollars.

5. Music

10 alternatives to goody bags

Create a mix CD of the birthday child’s favorite songs or give kids an iTunes gift card good for a free download.

6. Earth Friendly and Fun

10 Alternatives to Goody Bags

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. Tree in a box 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 Pillowcase

10 Alternatives to Goody Bags. SunshineandHurricanes.com

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 if you want to go all out, you can order them their own personalized pillow case.

8. Personalized towels

10 Alternatives to Goody Bags

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 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 Activity/Craft

Playdough Cupcakes

(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 can also make our cute playdough cupcakes as a party craft and then let the kids take them home.

10. Balloons

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 for just $29.99.

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10 Alternatives to Birthday Party Goody Bags. Party Favors that aren't junk

Do you have any other original ideas for alternatives to Birthday Party Goody Bags?

Filed Under: Young Kids Tagged With: Kids Parties

About Kira Lewis

Kira Lewis is a mom to a strong and sassy 8 year old girl and a funny, soccer playing teen boy.  Her career has included everything from corporate ladder climbing to teaching yoga. She's settled for now on free-lance writing and blogging where she covers topics like motherhood, parenting, technology, Florida travel and raising tweens and teens.Keep up with her parental musings by subscribing to sunshine and hurricane's weekly newsletter HERE.

You can also find her on social media:

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Comments

  1. Stacey says

    January 24, 2022 at 3:33 am

    So many great ideas. I don’t know where to start lol

    Reply
  2. Lily Rose says

    November 21, 2021 at 8:26 am

    What a nice article, i like these information, keep it up. thanks

    Reply
  3. kelley says

    July 7, 2019 at 3:31 pm

    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!

    Reply
  4. Amy says

    March 28, 2019 at 10:38 am

    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.

    Reply
  5. Laura says

    September 10, 2018 at 9:27 pm

    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.

    Reply
  6. JAY says

    August 30, 2018 at 7:46 pm

    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

    Reply
  7. Melissa says

    January 13, 2017 at 2:46 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Kira Lewis says

      January 13, 2017 at 6:54 pm

      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.

      Reply
  8. Jodi | kitchen table classroom says

    August 28, 2016 at 11:33 pm

    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!

    Reply
  9. Lisa says

    May 5, 2016 at 2:21 am

    sidewalk chalk and bubbles= inexpensive, no permanent additions to clutter, no food allergies or dietary restrictions to worry about

    Reply
  10. margaret says

    March 21, 2016 at 10:06 pm

    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.

    Reply
  11. Diane says

    March 10, 2016 at 8:35 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Jenn says

      July 5, 2018 at 8:12 pm

      So awesome!

      Reply
  12. Rebecca Stapler @Stapler Confessions says

    March 3, 2016 at 11:32 am

    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)

    Reply
    • Diane says

      March 10, 2016 at 8:28 pm

      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!

      Reply
  13. Amy says

    March 1, 2016 at 1:05 pm

    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.

    Reply
  14. Emma says

    February 12, 2016 at 6:42 am

    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!)

    Reply
  15. Jennie V says

    February 5, 2016 at 1:20 pm

    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 🙂

    Reply
  16. Mary Ann says

    January 28, 2016 at 2:51 pm

    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.

    Reply
  17. Stephanie says

    January 20, 2016 at 10:02 am

    Or you could just let kids be kids and enjoy birthday parties with a goodie bag and stop worrying about such petty things!

    Reply
  18. Debbie says

    January 5, 2016 at 5:43 pm

    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. 🙂

    Reply
  19. Mom of 2 says

    November 10, 2015 at 8:59 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Michelle Myers says

      November 10, 2015 at 2:49 pm

      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!

      Reply
  20. Tove Maren says

    June 18, 2015 at 11:10 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Colleen pyne says

      February 17, 2016 at 9:49 pm

      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.

      Reply

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    […] kids consume.  I also despise all the plastic, mass produced junkaroo that enters our home via the birthday party treat bags, Sunday School, or the fabled dollar store.  For the last few years, I have tried to be more […]

    Reply
  9. Donut Birthday Party - Sunshine and Hurricanes says:
    February 9, 2016 at 10:52 am

    […] you’re looking for more great Kid’s Birthday Party Ideas, don’t miss our Alternatives to Goody Bags or our Kid’s Birthday Party Hacks, you’ll love these ideas that save you time and […]

    Reply
  10. Kids Birthday Party Planning on a Budget - Sunshine and Hurricanes says:
    October 5, 2015 at 7:49 pm

    […] also put together a great post with Affordable Alternatives to Goody Bags for more […]

    Reply
  11. 25 Picture Perfect Tea Party Ideas for a Girly-Fun Birthday - Nerdy Mamma says:
    September 11, 2015 at 6:15 am

    […] going to do some awesome favors that aren’t traditional. We’re doing balloons (that are, conveniently, part of the decor) and photos (which the […]

    Reply
  12. News Roundup - CorporetteMoms says:
    July 24, 2015 at 2:49 pm

    […] Sunshine and Hurricanes gives you 10 nice alternatives to the typical favor bags at kids’ birthday parties. […]

    Reply
  13. The Ultimate Kids Birthday Party Round-Up - Sunshine and Hurricanes says:
    July 15, 2015 at 1:03 pm

    […] 10 Alternatives to Goody Bags […]

    Reply

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Hi There! We’re Michelle and Kira, two Florida moms who know that parenting is full of sunshine and hurricanes. So glad you are here. >>>LEARN MORE





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We all had a playroom growing up...it was called o We all had a playroom growing up...it was called outside
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Ever wonder what to say when your child is feeling Ever wonder what to say when your child is feeling left out?  A few years ago, I watched from my park bench as a young mother tried to console her sobbing daughter. “I’m sorry, honey. I don’t blame you for being upset.”  “I don’t know why they won’t let me be in their group for the talent show. They just said they already had enough people and their routine was done and there wasn’t anything they could do about it. I told them I would make a new one up, but they wouldn’t do it.”  I tried to focus on my kindle while occasionally looking for my kids to exit the school door. But as much as I tried not to eavesdrop, I had to admit I was interested to hear how the mom would handle this all-too-common situation of a child feeling left out.  “Well, they’re probably just jealous of you honey, because you are such a good gymnast and they aren’t. They probably don’t want you in their group because you’ll show them up,” the mom stated matter-of-factly. “You should do a solo routine. Or maybe one with Chloe.”  “You think?” the girl replied, her tears slowing down. “You think they’re just jealous of my tumbling?”  “Totally.”  Several minutes passed before my girls came out, but the interaction between the mother and daughter stuck with me for a lot longer.  Maybe the girls were jealous, or maybe they honestly had their routine finished.  To continue reading check the link in bio.
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