Gift bags are pretty much an essential part of kids' birthday parties---but finding the right types of items, the kinds of things that both the kids and parents will love, can be a bit of a challenge. Does this Spark an idea?
Capitalize On Your Theme.
Whether your child loves Star Wars or SpongeBob, you'll find plenty of small toys, stickers and other goodies to fill the goodie bag.
Offer a Treat.
While candy will always be a huge hit with the kids, you can try healthier snacks---popcorn, granola bars, oatmeal cookies or fruit snacks. Or consider creating a memorable "candy bar" stocked with M&Ms, jelly beans, lollipops and other favorites, where your guests can fill up their bags with their favorite treats at the end of the party.
Be Creative.
Choose gifts that allow kids to be creative---art supplies like crayons, paints, play dough or stencils will always be in demand with kids (and appreciated by their parents). For a cooking party, the gifts can be "kits" that kids can use to make more goodies at home, with a mix for creating cookies and a few cookie cutters, or the dry ingredients for cupcakes, and a recipe.
Restock Their Supplies.
Consider fun, small items that kids like and plow through pretty quickly---bottles of bubbles, fun soaps or bubble bath, and pretty lip glosses.
Make the Container Part of the Gift.
Lunch boxes, little totes or purses, beach pails or storage boxes that can be reused make fabulous containers for favors.
Get One Big Gift.
Books, a more substantial toy, or a CD of your child's favorite music will be a huge hit with the guests. Gift certificates to kid-friendly places, like McDonalds or a local ice cream shop allows them to have another treat down the line.
Let Guests Make Them Themselves.
Turn the favor into a party activity. Guests can string beads for necklaces, use fabric paint to paint baseball caps or T-shirts, or deck out picture frames or name signs for their bedrooms with glitter, stickers and feathers. Or take photos of the guests with the birthday girl or buy, have a helper upload and print them as the party progresses, and then give them out as a special memento of the big event.
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