When you're very young, one of the best parts about going to a birthday party is to walk out with a bag full of cool new toys and candy. Goody bags are a great final touch to any birthday party, and there's no reason that party favors should end when childhood does. It's courteous and great fun for adults to leave their guests with a little something at the end of the night. Does this Spark an idea?
Ideas for Children
Parents love throwing theme parties for their children: If it's a fiesta, give guests a bandanna full of pinata candy or traditional Mexican toys. If your theme is summery, try a beach pail with a pair of sunglasses, a shovel and a miniature Frisbee. Take your theme and run with it.
If your party had no theme, you can always stick with traditional party favors: green Army men, yo-yos, spider rings, other tiny toys and some Tootsie Rolls have been hits for decades.
Alternative Ideas For Children
Some parents are simply sick of their drawers being filled with small toys their children received from gift bags. Other inexpensive alternatives include crayons, a flower pot with packets of seeds, Polaroid photos of the party, or substituting a treasure hunt for giving out goody bags in the first place (you may wish to rig it a bit so each child receives a reasonably equal prize.)
Also, if you're throwing a craft party, there's no need for a goody bag: The craft the children make is gift enough in itself.
Gift Bags for Grownups
Why should children be the only ones who leave their parties with a little something? Grownups have parties too, and party favors can be fun. Borrow some ideas from weddings, like a disposable camera for each group of guests, and a picture frame to go along with it.
Theme parties are great for burning CDs: For a beach party, a disc full of Beach Boys anthems is a sure hit. Is it a disco party? That's an easy call. And if you're going totally '80s, pack that CD with New Wave and glam rock.
Tags: party favors, birthday party, Ideas Children, leave their, little something