Birthday party favors don't have to be a huge expense.
After spending money on invitations, presents, decorations, food, cake and the party itself, parents often find that planning a kid's birthday party takes its toll on the wallet. Although some believe party favors can be overlooked, others just can't seem to skip this party tradition. Just remember that you don't need to spend a fortune on goody bags; most kids are pretty easy to please and are just happy to be there.
Snacks
Buy snacks and candy that are sold in individual packs. Put a few of these together, wrap them in tissue paper and tie a ribbon or a balloon around it. You can also place them in a plastic take-home cup. Examples include gum, chocolate candies, fruit snacks, granola bars and more.
Baked Goods
Bake cookies, brownies or cupcakes with the birthday child for guests to enjoy at home. Children are thrilled to help in the kitchen, and it will teach the value of giving thanks to others. Wrap the baked goods in plastic wrap or cellophane with a ribbon.
Crafts
Encourage creativity by giving an arts and crafts project to do at home. These can be as simple as ready-to-paint wood or plaster items, or as involved as making an animal mask. Cheap projects can be found at craft stores. You can also find an art project online, print out the directions and a picture, buy the materials and put together a packet for each child in a plastic storage bag.
Dollar Gifts
Take a trip to the nearest dollar store or peruse the $1 bin at department stores. There are plenty of things that can be packaged together for favors. Items can include glow-in-the-dark sticks, small games, coloring books, stickers and more. Bring the birthday child along to help pick some fun items.
Useful Items
Give favors that will most likely be used. Think of it as buying little things for a Christmas stocking that the person would find useful. Examples include cups, pencils, pens, markers, crayons, notepads, sidewalk chalk, sunglasses, flash cards and hair accessories.
Piñata Candy
If you are having a piñata at the party, have the fallen items be the party favors. You can include little tops, figurines, pencils and other items in with the candy. Give each child a plastic storage bag for their items and a balloon.
Seeds
Buy small flower pots at the craft store. These are quite inexpensive. Include a flower seed packet in each pot. This teaches children to be nurturing as they anxiously await the arrival of the flower.
Gift Certificates
Go to a fast food restaurant, movie theater or ice cream shop and ask for a booklet of coupons or for several gift cards of only $2 each. Give a gift card or one coupon for a free ice cream, burger, fry or popcorn to each attendee with a thank you card or some candy. A free snack while on an outing will be a special treat.
Card
Encourage appreciation and creativity by having the birthday child make small thank you cards to hand out with candy or other favors.
Tags: birthday child, party favors, child plastic, child plastic storage, each child