Goodie bags
are traditional parting gifts to thank your guests for attending an event. Finding party favors to fit your theme and budget, however, takes planning and time. Applying creative solutions (like buying in bulk, making your own bags and mementos or replacing pre-packaged bags with interactive items) saves time and money. In addition, goodie bags that have more hand-crafted aspects supply a personal touch that portrays an appreciation of your guests. Does this Spark an idea?
Themes and Budgets
Goodie bags should reflect or complement the theme of your party. Following a theme makes the selection and assembly processes easier. When using a party theme as a guideline, however, consider the age-appropriateness of your party favors. For example, a beach theme could include sand pails and shovels for younger party-goers, or decorative margarita glasses for an adult crowd.
Setting a budget for your goodie bags determines what and how many items you can include in each set. You may choose to combine several smaller items or give each guest a higher-quality item. Along with the main item(s) in the bag, you can include "filler" items such as candy, stickers, bookmarks or pens and pencils. If you have a small number of guests, or a larger budget, you can order party packages from online sellers. Buying goodie bags online saves you time and trips to the store. If you prefer to assemble or hand-pick your goodie bags, you are left with the choice of pre-made bags or interactive party favors.
Pre-Made or Interactive
When planning and purchasing goodie bags, choose whether your party favors will be handed out to guests as ready-made parting gifts or will be included in the festivities. Pre-made goodie bags require assembly time before a party. Calculate how much time you can devote to your goodie bags, then choose from: decorated gift bags and boxes, or plain bags to be embellished by you or the guests. Holiday and party templates are available online if you wish to print and assemble your own bags. If your party is following a popular theme (like cartoon characters, Disney movies, television shows, heroes or princesses) general supply stores such as Target, CVS, Walgreens and Wal-Mart stock bags fitting those themes. Purchasing items in bulk usually provides the widest variety or most amount of items for the lowest prices; bid on party lots on eBay or buy multi-packs of items that can be split amongst several bags.
Interactive party favors are the best choice for activity-driven events. If you are viewing a movie during your party, opt for plastic popcorn tubs filled with treats and small items instead of separate goodie bags. For an outdoor or garden party, have your guests decorate flower pots or vases; garden supply or dollar stores sell low-cost containers and seeds that you can distribute to guests. A general party favor and activity that fits all themes of birthdays or honorary events is a picture frame. Have your guests decorate plain frames or assemble ones out of popsicle sticks, foam board or light-weight modeling clay. Using a digital camera and printer, or an instant camera, take a picture of each guest with the honored celebrant; everyone takes home a personalized and memorable party favor.
Tags: party favors, your party, goodie bags, your guests, goodie bags