Party bag ideas?

[lisalu100]

DD is one next week, and although I know no-one expects party bags, I kinda want to do them. I was thinking one toy, some bubbles, and a small pack of crackers/homemade muffin or something. We are having the party in a grassy area in the woods, I thought maybe Shleich animal figures might be good, or maybe bouncy balls? Maybe a book each? Age range of 11 mo to 7 years, they can be different toys. I want the bags under $5 each. Any ideas? Thanks

[VisionaryMom]

No bubbles!!! I hate getting bubbles in party bags. We have a large gallon jug of bubble liquid, but those little bubble bottles are nothing but a pain, ime. My preference as a parent is that I appreciate when parents don't give me things that will break easily. Someone gave DS a cheap ball paddle once, and his friend broke it while using it about an hour later. His friend was using it as intended, but of course DS got upset.

So then I had to negotiate DS being upset with the friend, and all I could think was "thanks for buying me a problem to fix."

I always like books and art supplies. I think bouncy balls are fine, too. In general, I think if you're going to do party bags, they should be things that are useful rather than "cheap plastic crap" just to have a goody bag.

[busymama77]

Why not throw in some reusable snack bags? You can find some cute ones on etsy and there might be some that coordinate with the party theme!

Good luck!

[cedoreilly]

My twin's birthday party is this weekend. We are doing baseball cards and candy for the boys. We have a little craft kit, candy and a taira which my DD made for each girl. For the record the candy is 10 Starbusts each so not a huge amount. I put in stickers in place of the craft kit and baseball cards for my littlest niece and my youngest. My experience has not be good with bubbles. I have ended up with ones which did not work more than once with those small jars. If you have the money, books are great. I am hoping next year to have my act together sooner and order some $1 book from Scholastic for goodie bags.

[jeanine123]

I love putting boxes of crayons and a pad of plain white paper into the gift bags. Especially this time of year when the back to school stuff is starting and crayons are really cheap.

[childsplay]

For my twins 6'th B-day this year I gave out sand pails and shovels. They were $1 each at the dollar store. Inside I put a gel pen (bright color) a pad of Post It's, a foam airplane (the kind you put together) a lollypop, a glowstick, and a ball. The kids filled the rest of the space with the pinata candy.

I've also done kites and a box of Smarties.

Flashlights (with batteries) , and candy.

For babies/toddlers , I usually just give a big bouncy ball.

Whoopie cushions are always fun too. (or a farty as my kids call it)

[leighi123]

Last year I made snack bags for everyone as the goodie bag (all different fabrics and let the kids each pick one), natural handmade playdoh with attached recipie, organic lollypop, and a little 'color your own' puzzle.
Our pinata had small inflatable beach balls in it (it was a beach party), and those were a big hit.

Things ds loves to get - stickers, those little 'pill' looking things that turn into sponge animals, finger puppets

I'm still working on this years goodie bags, the party is saturday!

[Owen'nZoe]

I know others have said no bubbles, but we like getting them in treat bags. I was able tot get 3 full-sized bottles of bubbles for $1 at the Dollar Store for my son's last party, and they went over well. In the past, we've done Playmobile figures, books, and coloring books, stickers and crayons. The little wooden kits that they sell at the craft store for a few dollars are also great.

[jumpmama]

For DS 2nd bday we gave away a stuffed TY beanie to each kid with a cute ribbon on it (you could also tie a lollipop to it). They run about $5 each around here these days. The kids were thrilled! And the parents were happy that I didnt send them home with a bunch of candy lol

[nextcommercial]

One year, I gave each girl a plastic unicorn, and each boy a sword and shield for a castle theme party. (Instead of a gift bag)

Another year I gave them all a superball making kit.

For my daughter's first birthday, each child got a really cool tippy cup with Winnie the Pooh characters in it. But, that was fun only because the Disney Store was brand new, and no other store had those water shaker cups yet. Now, they are everywhere. (18 years ago)

All kids LOVE those rubber sparkly bracelets.

A real hotwheel car. (I still love those)

scotch tape... who doesn't like scotch tape???

Fun Bandaids.