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.
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:
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
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
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
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
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
(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.
Kicko Glow in The Dark Slime – 12 Pack Assorted Neon Colors – Green, Blue, Orange and Yellow for Kids, Goody Bag Filler, Birthday Gifts Non-Toxic
Play-Doh Party Bag Dough (15 Count)Crazy Aaron’s Putty .47 oz Mini Tin Assortment – 12 PackWomens Girls Novelty 3D Ice Cream Anklet Socks Funny Fast Food Low Cut Sock15 Pieces Striped Sweatbands Set, Includes 5 Pieces Sports Headband and 10 Pieces Wristbands Sweatbands Colorful Cotton Striped Sweatband Set for Men and Women（Red White and Blue Set 5, 15 PiecesByonebye 12 Pack Plush Animal Headbands for Party Favor, Jungle Animal Ear Horn Hair Hoop, Idea on Kid and Adult Birthday, Halloween Decoration, Dress-Up Safari Themed Parties SuppliesBeinou Sequin Headband Mermaid Sequins Reversible Hairband Filp Gitter Headbands for Girls Elastic Sparkly Bling Sport Head Band Non Slip Velvet Hair Bands for Women Girls (3 Pack)Pick-a-Palooza DIY Guitar Pick Punch Mega Gift Pack – the Premium Pick Maker – Leather Key Chain Pick Holder, 15 Pick Strips and a Guitar File – BlueMilton Sports Water Bottle Kids Reusable Leakproof 4-Pack Plastic Wide Mouth Large Big Drink Bottle BPA Leak Free with Handle Strap Carrier for Cycling Camping Hiking Gym Yoga (Pastel, 32 oz)Reduce WaterWeek Classic Reusable Water Bottles, 16oz – Includes 5 Refillable Water Bottles Plus Bonus Fridge Tray For Your Water Bottle Set – Leak Proof Twist Off Cap – Reduce Plastic UsePete the Cat Phonics Box: Includes 12 Mini-Books Featuring Short and Long Vowel Sounds (My First I Can Read)Disney Princess Reading Adventures Disney Princess Level 1 Boxed SetPiggy Paint – 100% Non-toxic Girls Nail Polish, Safe, Chemical Free, Low Odor for Kids – 4 Polish Gift Set (Scented)Expressions Girl / 7-piece Flavored Lip Gloss Set 0.7 oz eachIFUNSON Professional Nail File and Buffers for Women Girls, Natural Emery Boards, 150/150 Grit Colorful, 10 PCSMr. Sketch Scented Markers, Chisel Tip, Assorted Colors, 12 PackDecorate Your Own Figurines, Paint Your Own Kids Set – Includes Six Figurines, Paint Brush, Six Pots of PaintBiubee 8 Pack Cute Animal Eye Mask- Unicorn Alpaca Rabbit Bear Sleeping Mask Soft Plush Blindfold Cute Unicorn Horn Sleep Mask Eye Covers Eyeshade for Girls Women Kids Travel Nap Sleep Overnight PartyAyygift New Woman Leopard Eye-shade Sleeping Cover Relaxing Eye Mask (Assorted Color) (6PCS)Goofy Mad Libs36 Color Fundamental Watercolor Pan Set with Paint Brush by Artists LoftTulip one-step tie-dye One Step Tie-Dye 15-Color Party Kit, Standard, RainbowLEGO Minifigures Disney Series 2 71024 Building Kit (1 Minifigure)LEGO Minifigures 71025 Series 19 Building Kit, New 2019 (1 Minifigure)The Fun Jigsaw Puzzles For Kids Girls & Boys Creative Leisure Tourism Mini Jigsaw Puzzle Set with Tube Bottle Blueprint (3pack150Pcs)Sunshane 24 Pack 24 Blocks Magic Snake Cube, Mini Snake Speed Cubes, Twist Puzzle Toys for Kids Party Bag Fillers, Party Favours, Random ColorToysmith Ink-a-Do Tattoo PensToysOpoly Playground Balls 8.5 inch Dodgeball (Set of 6) Kickball for Kids and Adults – Official Size for Dodge Ball, Handball, Camps, Picnic, Church & School + Free Pump & Mesh BagPaddle Ball GameHome-X Jacks Game, Metal Jacks and Rubber Ball GameMelissa & Doug Wooden Pick-Up Sticks Tabletop Game (41 Pieces in Wooden Storage Box, Great Gift for Girls and Boys – Best for 4, 5, 6 Year Olds and Up)Joyin Toy 12 Pack 14” Big Bubble Wand Assortment (1 Dozen) – Super Value Pack of Summer Toy Party FavorGreen Toys Jump Rope – BPA Free, Phthalates Free, Green Handle Skipping Rope for Better Health, Increased Concentration. Fitness EquipmentCrayola Washable Sidewalk Chalk, Outdoor Toy, Gift for Kids, 16 Count
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Still want EVEN MORE Kids Birthday Party Ideas?
Follow Sunshine and Hurricanes ‘s board Kids Party Ideas on Pinterest.
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.