100+ Fun Alternatives To Goody Bags For A Kids Birthday

As a mom of three, I’ve been through my fair share of kids’ birthday parties, and let’s be honest, goody bags can be a bit of a headache.

Not only do they often end up as clutter, but finding the right items that are fun yet budget-friendly can feel like a quest for the Holy Grail.

So, let’s explore over 100 creative alternatives to the traditional goody bag that can delight your little guests without breaking the bank or contributing to the clutter monster.

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Alternatives To Goody Bags For Kids

1. Custom Water Bottles: Great for a pool party or summer event. Kids can use them during the party and take them home.
2. Coloring Books: Choose themes that match the party. They’re creative and provide quiet time activity.
3. Craft Kits: Available at craft stores, they allow kids to make something unique to take home.
4. Personalized Gift Cards: Small denomination cards for a local ice cream shop or bookstore.
5. Friendship Bracelet Kits: Older kids especially enjoy making these at the party.
6. Mini Card Games: Fun for all ages and encourage social interaction.
7. Sidewalk Chalk: Great for outdoor parties and encourages creative play.
8. Cookie Cutter Sets: Match the theme of the party, like animals for a zoo party.
9. Seed Packets: Encourage gardening; great for spring or nature-themed parties.
10. Superhero Masks: Can be made during the party and are perfect for a superhero-themed event.
11. Puff Paint T-Shirts: Kids can decorate their own shirt as a party activity.
12. Craft Store Vouchers: A great way to encourage creativity after the party.
13. Bouncy Balls: Always popular, they can be themed (like glow-in-the-dark for a space party).
14. Themed Story Books: Like “Little Golden Books” for younger kids.
15. School Supplies: Fun pencils, erasers, and notebooks, especially good for back-to-school parties.
16. Lego Mini Sets: Small, affordable, and loved by many age groups.
17. Personalized Jigsaw Puzzles: Use a picture of the birthday child or the party theme.
18. Reusable Straw Sets: Eco-friendly and useful, can be part of a “save the planet” theme.
19. Mini Plush Toys: Match the party theme, like animals for a zoo party.
20. Bubble Wands: Fun for outdoor play and universally loved.
21. Handmade Soaps: In fun shapes and colors, suitable for a spa-themed party.
22. DIY Slime Kits: A hit with kids, they can make their own slime at the party.
23. Bead Kits: For making necklaces or bracelets, suitable for crafty parties.
24. Gardening Tools: Mini sets for kids, great for a nature-themed party.
25. Customized Baseball Caps: Kids can decorate them during the party.
26. Music CDs: With kid-friendly music or songs from the party.
27. Personalized Pencils: With each child’s name, a practical and memorable gift.
28. Dollar Store Toy Sets: Small toys that fit the party theme.
29. Themed Socks: Fun and practical, with designs to fit the party theme.
30. Origami Kits: Encourages learning a new skill.
31. Temporary Tattoos: Themed to the party and a hit with all ages.
32. Glow Sticks: Especially great for evening or disco-themed parties.
33. Keychain Kits: Kids can make their own keychains.
34. Miniature Board Games: Small travel-sized versions of popular games.
35. Custom Cookies: Shaped and decorated to match the party theme.
36. Personalized Storybook: Featuring the birthday child and guests in a unique story.
37. Fruit Basket: A healthy alternative, with a selection of fresh fruits.
38. Planting Kits: Includes a pot, soil, and seeds for kids to grow their own plant.
39. Puzzle Books: Crosswords, Sudoku, or word finds for older kids.
40. Mini Flashlights: Fun for camping or slumber parties.
41. Themed Rubik’s Cubes: Challenging and engaging for the mind.
42. Birdhouse Building Kits: Great for a nature-themed party.
43. Magnetic Dress-Up Sets: For little kids to play and create outfits.
44. Science Experiment Kits: Encourages learning and exploration.
45. Sports Equipment: Like a frisbee or mini soccer ball, encouraging outdoor play.
46. Custom Bookmarks: Themed to the party and useful for young readers.
47. Finger Puppets: For imaginative play, matching the party theme.
48. Apron and Chef’s Hat: For a cooking-themed party.
49. Knitting or Crocheting Kits: For older kids interested in crafts.
50. Personalized Journals: Encourage writing and drawing.
51. Magic Trick Sets: For a magic-themed party, teaching simple tricks.
52. DIY Bird Feeder Kits: Encourages interest in nature and bird watching.
53. Comic Books: Match the party’s theme, like superheroes or animals.
54. Beach Towels: Great for a pool party or summer event.
55. Miniature Terrarium Kits: Everything needed to create a small terrarium.
56. Jump Ropes: Encourages physical activity.
57. Fishing Tackle Boxes: For a fishing or outdoor-themed party.
58. Kite Kits: Kids can build and then fly their kites.
59. Personalized Photo Frames: Kids can decorate frames and take them home.
60. Emoji Pillows: Fun and trendy, suitable for a wide age range.
61. Cupcake Decorating Kit: Includes toppings and decorations for cupcakes.
62. Dinosaur Dig Kits: For an adventure or dinosaur-themed party.
63. Miniature Tea Sets: Great for a tea party theme.
64. Customized Hats: Kids can decorate baseball caps or sun hats.
65. Sunflower Growing Kits: Easy and rewarding for kids to grow.
66. Model Car Kits: For older kids to build and paint.
67. Fabric Painting Sets: Includes plain t-shirts and fabric paints.
68. Baking Mix Jars: Layered with ingredients for cookies or brownies.
69. Personalized Lunch Boxes: Functional and can be themed to match the party.
70. Hand Puppets: Encourage storytelling and can be made during the party.
71. Miniature Tool Kits: For kids interested in building and fixing things.
72. Clay Modeling Sets: Encourages creativity and fine motor skills.
73. Nature Exploration Kits: Including a magnifying glass, bug container, etc.
74. Kaleidoscope Kits: Kids can assemble and then enjoy the visual patterns.
75. Mini Aquariums: Small fishbowls with decorations (add fish later).
76. Space Explorer Kits: Including a star map, toy rocket, and astronaut snacks.
77. Mini Cooking Sets: For aspiring young chefs, including simple recipes.
78. Comic Book Making Kits: Blank books, pens, and stickers to create their own comics.
79. Customized Tote Bags: Kids can decorate their own bag to take home.
80. Geocaching Starter Kit: For an outdoor adventure party.
81. Personalized Sports Jerseys: For a sports-themed party.
82. Fairy Garden Kits: Everything needed to create a miniature magical garden.
83. Robot Building Kits: Small, simple kits for beginners.
84. Pinata Making Kit: Kids can make and then break it at the party.
85. Sewing Kits for Kids: Simple, fun patterns for beginners.
86. Personalized Music Playlists: CDs or digital playlists of favorite party songs.
87. Rock Painting Kits: Everything needed to paint and decorate rocks.
88. Ice Cream Making Kit: Includes recipes and basic ingredients.
89. Knit Your Own Scarf Kits: Simple knitting kits for older kids.
90. Personalized Photo Albums: Where kids can store memories from the party.
91. Miniature Greenhouse Kits: Teach kids about growing plants indoors.
92. Stargazing Kits: Includes a simple telescope or star map.
93. Travel Journal Kits: For the adventurous, including maps and travel tips.
94. Candle Making Kits: Simple, safe kits for creating their own candles.
95. Herb Garden Kits: Everything needed to start a small herb garden.
96. Marble Run Sets: Build and play with a miniature marble course.
97. Crystal Growing Kits: Science-focused, allowing kids to grow their own crystals.
98. Personalized Snow Globes: Kids can create and customize their own.
99. Bird Watching Kits: Includes binoculars and a bird identification book.
100. DIY Music Instruments: Simple kits to make small instruments like drums or shakers.
101. Personalized Puzzles: Puzzles made from a photo of the birthday boy or girl. A great keepsake and fun activity.
102. DIY Superhero Capes: Provide plain capes and fabric markers. Kids can create their own superhero cape, a perfect idea for a superhero-themed party.
103. Mini Herb Pots: Small pots with a seedling or seeds for herbs. A great way for kids to learn about gardening and care for a plant at home.
104. Themed Bath Bombs: Fun-shaped bath bombs, like stars or animals, that align with the party theme. A sweet treat without the sugar.
105. Customized Night Lights: Small, battery-operated night lights that kids can decorate with stickers or paint to match the party theme.
106. Handcrafted Wooden Toys: Small, durable wooden toys from a local craftsman or dollar tree, avoiding plastic junk and supporting local artisans.
107. Miniature Recipe Books: Customized recipe books with simple, kid-friendly recipes. Great for a cooking-themed party or to encourage culinary exploration at home.
108. Mini Sticker Book: A fun little sticker book, with themes for every age group, like animals, princesses, and superheroes.
109. Playdough: Small tubs of playdough, which can be store-bought or homemade, packaged in cute airtight tubs with personalized labels.
110. Pamper Items: For a pamper party, include mini hand creams, bath bombs, lip gloss, and nail art in the goodie bags.
111. Mini Figurines or Toys: Small plush toys or action figures from popular movies, shows, or video games, especially good for themed parties.
112. Slime: Homemade or store-bought slime in various colors, a popular choice among kids.
113. Stationery Sets: Comprising a notebook and a set of pencils, these can be personalized for an extra special touch.
114. Science Kit: Amateur scientist kits for fun and educational experimenting.
115. Scavenger Hunt List: A creative idea where kids are given a scavenger hunt challenge to complete at home.
116. DIY Canvas: Let kids paint their own canvas art, suitable for an art-themed party or any party where you can incorporate painting.
117. Superhero Mask: Masks that kids can decorate at the party and take home. Other options include funny hats or headbands.
118. Dress Up Accessories: Items like a tutu, tiara, fairy wand, or cape, perfect for fairy, princess, or superhero-themed parties.
119. Mixed CD: A CD of the birthday child’s favorite songs for guests to enjoy at home.
120. Cooking Gift: Cooking utensils and a favorite recipe, sometimes with essential ingredients, for guests to try at home.
121. Photo Memento: A photograph of the guest with the birthday child, ideally taken at the party and provided in a small frame.
122. Ice Block Moulds: With yummy ice block recipes on recipe cards for homemade treats.
123. Planter & Plant: A small pot with a plant (like a succulent), possibly decorated by the kids at the party.
124. Disposable Camera: For older children, encouraging them to explore photography.
125. Stationery Bundle: A pencil case filled with various stationery items.
126. Favourite Book: A picture or chapter book that the birthday child loves and wants to share.
127. Plaster Painting Kits: Kits for painting at home, adding a personal creative touch.
128. Mermaid Party Bags: Personalized eco-friendly bags, lip balms, name letter chalk, and other unique mermaid-themed items.
129. Personalised Paint Sets: Creative kits that come with paints and a brush for decorating at home or during the party.
130. Personalised Banner: A banner with the guest’s name, usable as a bedroom decoration, which can be made before the party or as a party activity.

Stores To Get Party Favors

You don’t have to spend a fortune on party favors. Places like Target, Walmart, and your local party stores have a wide variety. But, my secret weapon? Dollar stores.

Yes, you heard right. You can find some hidden gems that are perfect for party favors without spending a ton.

Dollar Store Party Favors

The dollar store is an unexpected goldmine for assembling party bags that delight party guests, especially for kids’ parties. Whether you’re planning for a child’s special day or looking for great party favor alternatives, consider items like coloring books, bubbles, fun socks, or small puzzles. These are not just fun ideas; they’re also good quality options that promise more durability and longevity, ensuring they last beyond just the car ride home.

Do Party Favors Need To Match The Party Theme?

Contrary to the Pinterest-perfect party norm, party favors don’t necessarily need to adhere to your party’s theme. This can be a great deal of relief for any party host.

The reality, especially for kids of all ages, is that the attention to thematic details is often overlooked.

The priority should be on ensuring the party favors are fun, age-appropriate, and something that won’t quickly end up as waste.

Think unique party favors like friendship bracelets or cookie cutters – these can be great alternatives that add a special touch to your goody bags without strictly adhering to the party theme.

What Items Should you Avoid Putting in a Goody Bag?

Avoiding certain items in goody bags can be as crucial as selecting the right ones. It’s a good idea to steer clear of small, easily breakable plastic toys, or overly noisy items – they’re not just a potential safety hazard but can also be a nuisance to other parents.

Candy is another item to be cautious about, particularly due to potential food allergies among the preschool set. Instead, focus on fun party favors that promote creativity (like a box of crayons or photo paper for crafts), encourage outdoor play, or are practical and usable (like fun games or a bouncy ball).

These can be great party bag fillers that offer much fun without the risk of being seen as just plastic crap or a waste of money.

Reference

1. Emotional Benefits of Generous Spending: Purchasing gifts for others, as an alternative to traditional goody bags, can improve both the giver’s and the receiver’s mood. This suggests that involving children in giving to others at parties could enhance the emotional experience for everyone (Aknin et al., 2014).
2. Maternal Involvement in Party Planning: Mothers often demonstrate their care for their child by personalizing birthday parties, potentially replacing material excess like goody bags with more meaningful, homemade elements (Jennings & Brace-Govan, 2014).
3. Educational Activities: Incorporating educational activities into birthday parties, as seen in the study by Ford & Kuhs (1991), can provide an alternative focus to traditional party favors like goody bags (Ford & Kuhs, 1991).
4. Charitable Activities: Hosting a party that involves charitable activities, such as donating to food pantries, can replace the need for goody bags and instill a sense of giving in children (Morah & Uzochukwu, 2020).
5. Creative and Educational Alternatives: The trend of science-themed birthday parties, as described by Davenport (2017), demonstrates an alternative to traditional party activities and favors, focusing on engaging children in educational and fun experiments (Davenport, 2017).