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Crafting the perfect surprise: What to put in goodie bags
Assemble the ultimate goodie bags with these expert tips and inspiration.
When do you give goodie bags?
Goodie bags are a beloved custom at birthday parties—a little token of appreciation, especially for the young guests. In other words, parents put on a party, make/buy a cake, set up decorations, and then give the party guests a THANK YOU gift for coming?! Well, yes, kind of.
Given out at the end of a party, a well-thought-out goodie bag can be a hit and leave a lasting impression on the children attending. Not all goodie bags are created equal though. In this blog, we’ll explore some creative ideas for what to put in a goodie bag for a child’s birthday party, and some possible reasons why you may want to skip the tradition altogether.
What to put in goodie bags for birthday parties
A memorable goodie bag will tie into the party in some way and either reflect the theme of the gathering or the child being celebrated. A FANTASTIC goodie bag will not immediately be thrown away and will actually be used/eaten/played with by the party goer. If you are wondering what to put in your goodie bags, here are some ideas to make your goodie bag memorable and loved.
8 ideas for goodie bag heaven
The classic themed goodie bag
To make the goodie bags exciting, consider aligning the contents with the party’s theme. For example, if your child’s party has a pirate theme, include gold chocolate coins, gummy worms (as “sea creatures”), and pirate-themed stickers or temporary tattoos. Our daughter had a dog themed party last year so we included dog keychains, little dog stuffed animals that clipped onto pencils and a dog-themed MadLibs book.
Small toys and figurines
Small toys are always a hit with kids. Depending on your budget, you can include items like bouncy balls, mini puzzles, or figurines related to the party theme. The key is to choose items that are age-appropriate, safe, and can actually be played with.
Books
Books are a timeless and much appreciated addition to goodie bags. Parents also tend to love them because anything that encourages reading is a welcomed present. Select age-appropriate books that match the interests of the children attending the party. Personalize it even further by adding a bookmark with the child’s name and a thank-you message.
Stationary
Stationery items like fun notepads, pencils with erasers in fun shapes, or colorful stickers can be both fun and practical for kids to use at school. Dollar stores are a fantastic place to find items of this type and for a great price.
Craft supplies
For creative kiddos, consider including craft supplies like colored pencils, markers, or small DIY craft kits. Kids love to express their artistic side, and this can be a fun and educational addition to the goodie bag. A friend of ours gave us a “draw your own comic book” with blank comic strips. They were a total hit! Years later, our kids still scribble in them and make their own comics.
Outdoor fun
If the party is outdoors or during the warmer months, consider giving the goodie bag during the party and including items like bubbles, water balloons, or a small beach ball. These can provide hours of fun and entertainment for the kids. Being able to take these goodies home means party goers will continue to have a blast even after the festivities are over.
Snacks
While treats are a hit, it’s also a great idea to include some healthier options. Mini packs of pretzels, fruit snacks, or a small box of raisins can balance out the sugary goodies and provide parents with healthier choices for their children. Just make sure there are no dietary restrictions or allergies.
Personalized items
Adding personalized items like custom stickers, keychains, or name tags can make the goodie bag extra special. You could even include a thank-you note from the birthday child. This option is likely to be a little pricier, but will certainly leave a lasting impression.
What should I NOT put in a goodie bag?
This probably goes without saying, but giving unsafe or dangerous toys is not recommended. This can include anything with sharp edges, a flame, or a spark. If the party goers are under three years old, be sure to avoid anything that could be a choke hazard.
We also think most parents prefer actual goodie bags that include items that can be used, eaten or played with. This is in contrast to a goodie bag containing a bunch of cheap plastic toys that typically break quickly or are too simple to really be played with.
In our house, items like this either get shoved into a drawer by our kids in their rooms, or get tossed in the garbage. Many parents would probably agree that no goodie bag is better than a goodie bag that will just clutter up a space or get thrown out.
Is it OK not to give out goodie bags or party favors?
We’ve talked up how fun a well-designed goodie bag can be, but there are some reasons to skip them entirely. In short, it is absolutely OK to not give out goodie bags or party favors. Here are six arguments in favor of ditching the party favor expectation:
More, more, more!
One of the primary arguments against goodie bags is that they contribute to consumerism and excess. Providing kids with bags filled with toys and treats may encourage materialism and the idea that a birthday party is about receiving gifts and goodies rather than celebrating the actual birthday child.
Budget concerns
Even a birthday party spent at home can get pricey if decorations, activities and a cake are purchased. Creating goodie bags can add to the overall cost of hosting a birthday party. Parents may feel pressured to spend a certain amount of money on these bags, especially if they have a large number of guests. This can be a financial burden, and some parents may prefer to spend their party budget differently.
Environmental impact
Goodie bags often contain small plastic toys, disposable items, and individually wrapped candies, which means more plastic waste and trash. Some parents may feel conscious of the impact of single-use plastics and excessive packaging on the environment and may choose not to distribute goodie bags.
Mixed groups
Every kid is different, and sometimes a party is full of a lot of different kids—whether that be kids of varying ages or interests. This can be challenging when trying to identify a group of items to include in a goodie bag as it becomes impossible to suit everyone. Some parents may find this adds another level of complexity they don’t want to deal with.
Parental preferences
Some parents may have personal beliefs or parenting philosophies that discourage the practice of giving out goodie bags. They may prefer to focus on the celebration, activities, and quality time spent with guests rather than on material gifts.
Dietary restrictions and allergies
Goodie bags often contain snacks and candies, which may not accommodate children with dietary restrictions or allergies. Ensuring that all children can enjoy the contents of the bag can be challenging. No parent wants to have a kid feel left out at a party so may opt to skip this tradition as a result.
The wrap up: Goodie bags and what to put in them
A well-put-together goodie bag can enhance the excitement and fun of a child’s birthday party. By incorporating a mix of treats, toys, and age-appropriate items, you can create goodie bags that will be cherished by the young guests and appreciated by their parents (read: not immediately tossed in the garbage!).
Remember to keep the party’s theme in mind and be considerate of any dietary restrictions to ensure that every child feels included and has a wonderful time celebrating together. For some parents, skipping the goodie bag tradition will feel right and will not detract from a fantastic day celebrating their child.
