How many kids parties have you been to where your kid gets a themed plastic bag filled with a bunch of cheap plastic toys that break or get lost almost immediately?
Countless. Countless times we’ve gotten those party favor bags.
I get so annoyed with them, because my daughter claims the things in them are priceless to her and we can never get rid of them. And then when I do convince her to get rid of them (or when I throw them out when she’s not around) I feel so bad just throwing out a bunch of plastic.
I also feel like I’m just throwing out hard earned money that another family had to spend to buy those party favor bag fillers.
My annoyance with them got so bad that I finally just stopped doing party favors at my kid’s parties. I mean, I don’t think anyone expected anything at my son’s first birthday party other than to watch him get messy eating cake, right? Although, I did send extra cookies and cupcakes home with our party guests.
At my daughter’s fourth birthday, the kids made a craft they got to take home with them. This was the perfect balance I thought because the craft was an activity at the party and then they got to take it home too. Win-win for all involved.
But I know it’s almost customary to give out some sort of party favor especially for a kids birthday party. So I wanted to help give you some very practical party favor ideas.
I’ve broken them up into categories based on the time of year, party themes, and some very unconventional ideas as well. I hope they give you inspiration to try something a little different at your child’s next birthday.
10 Practical Kids Party Favors
Summer Theme
If you’re having a birthday party in the summer or a tropical themed party all of these party favor ideas would work great with your theme. Plus all of them would definitely get used by the kids who get to take them home.
One// Bubbles– Bubbles are always a hit in my house. And they are great for those times when the kids need to get outside with an easy low supervision activity. These are practical because I know we will absolutely use them.
Two// Sand Toys– There is nothing better for a kid then giving them a bucket and a shovel. They can use it to dig up sand, rocks, leaves, dirt, you name it. And trust me, they will definitely use this for all kinds of adventures and explorations.
Three// Reusable Water Bottles– Not only good to have in the summer when you need to hydrate more, but great for the environment too. I know my kids go through phases where they have a favorite water bottle and only want to use that one. It’s usually whichever water bottle they’ve most recently gotten. These ones have fun colorful designs any kid will love.
Winter Theme
When it comes to winter parties, a party favor that can keep the kids warm is super practical. Both of these options are perfect for bundling up in the winter or for playing in the snow.
Four// Socks– Does anyone else’s child love socks? My daughter is obsessed. She always wants to have them on and they are usually wild colors that don’t match her outfit at all. These look really warm and have fun winter patterns.
Five// Gloves– Your kids can never have too many gloves, because inevitably they will lose just one all the time. Having a back up pair from a party favor can save you when you’re in a bind.
Food Theme
Food party favors are probably the best and easiest way to give a little something to your guests that you know they are going to use. It’s definitely my top recommendation for wedding favors and the same applies to birthdays too.
But both of these options take the “food” theme a little farther and give your guest something to store their food or snacks in .
Six// Reusable Snack Bags– I’ve recently found these adorable snack bags and we are using them everyday for school snacks. I love them because they are easy to wash out and use again. Plus, the owner and creator of them is an amazing female business owner.
Fill them with snacks to send home with your party guest’s. Kids and parents will appreciate an already packaged snack that they’ll then be able to use again.
Seven// Reusable Lunch Bag– I am loving this lunch bag. It’s canvas so you could have the kids at your party decorate them with puff paint or fabric paint then take them home as a party favor. Go a step above and fill the bags with pre-packaged snacks.
Unconventional Party Favors
If you want to think outside the box a little bit, be more environmentally conscious then these ideas might be perfect to give to your party guests.
Eight// Planting Seeds– How much more can you do for the Earth then plant something? These marigold seeds are supposed to grow within a couple weeks, perfect for impatient kid that want to see the fruit of their labor.
This party favor creates an activity for your guest to do after leaving your party and it’s good for the environment too. Tie the seeds to a garden shovel or a send it home with a small pot for a complete party favor activity.
These seeds would work great for a flower party, a spring party, or an orange themed party.
Nine// Donation in their name– Want to do something really cool for your party guests? Donate to a charity in their name. Find a charity that the birthday boy or girl supports and donate an amount equal to the age they are turning in the name of all of your party guests.
You can provide a little information about the charity at the birthday party so the guests learn about the donation and the good work that the charity does.
This is a great idea if you literally don’t want to send any material thing home with your guests. And in today’s world, one less thing to bring into your home is a welcome sight.
Ten// Band-aids– Maybe unusual, but kids love a band-aid. Especially a fun band-aid with a character on it. Find some with the character theme of your party and they will be a hit with the kids. And probably the parents when someone thinks they are dying from a small scratch.
Which are your favorites?
Do you think you’ll give any of these practical party favor ideas a try during your next birthday party? Or how about just not giving a party favor at all?
I know as a parent I would appreciate any of these party favors more than a bag of small plastic toys.
Happy Birthday!
