Guilt Free Goodie Bags For The Birthday Guests

I’ve been “that” mom, a convenience junkie who puts a handful of throwaway toys and candy in a colorful plastic sack and calls it a goodie bag. But here’s a dirty little secret: I feel guilty sending friends’ kids home with a bag of sugar and cheap little toys. We all know what happens when these playful, smiling kids enter mom’s car. In minutes, the toys fall apart and so do the smiles, along with mom’s good mood.

I’ve considered ditching the goodie bags altogether; but creating a small thank-you for guests, especially if you and your kids plan it together, teaches everyone appreciation, sharing and gratitude. With a little effort, you can have better party favors, including eco-friendly goodies that last after the birthday bash is over.

Let the craft be the gift

Consider crafting as the first party activity and make it something guests can use more than once. It’s a great ice breaker that keeps little hands busy as guests arrive. Plus, glue will have a chance to dry before the party’s over. When the artwork is complete, a great photo op awaits.

Try one of these budget-friendly crafts with recycled materials

Paper bag tiaras

Blogger Jackie at Happy Hooligans created this pretty craft that’s perfect for a garden, fairy or princess party. Make the base out of paper grocery bags beforehand. Then let guests decorate at their whim. Need a twist? Happy Hooligans details other easy alien, bug and mermaid headbands. Check out Jackie’s blog for full directions.

Old-fashioned granny handbags

These take a bit of pre-party prep work, but the results are beautiful. Little ones will love adding creative touches with beads, papers, and baubles. Don’t be intimidated by the design. Lorraine has perfect step-by-step directions including a template on her blog ikatbag. Kids can make these in 20 minutes. Who knew cardboard could be so magical?

Robot Vests

On her blog Fun-a-Day, Mary Catherine uses just five everyday items to craft these perfectly simple robot vests. Awesome for high-energy little ones who want to craft quickly, then get on with the party fun! After the glue dries, guests can pretend to be little robots.

Other ways to get crafty

• Superhero masks and capes are easy to make. Go traditional or personalize capes with each guest’s initial.
• Kids can create a hat to fit any theme. At my daughter’s party, kids decorated yellow visors. Later, they transformed into a slew of Minions playing party games. Hilarious!
• Crowns, wands, or beaded necklaces- oh my! What princess doesn’t love a little sparkle?
• Homemade slime takes just a few ingredients and a few minutes. Perfect for a magic potion or gross themed party.
• Have guests paint a flower pot using tempera. Fill with seed packets.
• Paint a pre-made wooden or ceramic picture frame or make one from popsicle sticks. Photos become extra special (and goofy!) by creating a homemade photo booth.
• Tie dye t-shirts or socks. Kids dig making and wearing tie dyes. Caution: Only attempt this if you’re familiar with the multiple steps it takes to tie dye!

Send home something they’ll use

Don’t feel like manning a table full of glitter and glue at your next fiesta? Buy a creative parting gift for guests without creating a mound of trash. Consider:

• Art sets with watercolors, colored pencils, crayons or gel pens are useful and easy to shop for.
• Little hands love Playdoh and a cookie cutter. Make it homemade if you wish.
• Crayon wallets roll up into small bundles and are perfect for kids on the go. Find them at etsy.com. Many sellers offer discounts for customers buying in multiples.

Outdoor fun

Having a luau, sports themed or beach party? Scoop up some outdoor toys like a great bouncy ball, beach ball, sidewalk chalk, hula hoop, beach toys, or jump rope.

Brain Games

• A deck of cards is perfect for a magic party. Simple card games like Old Maid teach little kids patience. • Brain teaser or math card games provide a challenge for bigger kids.
• Still puzzled? How about a puzzle? Jigsaw puzzles are a good fit for little ones. Older kids enjoy Rubix Cubes.
• Choose themed books of riddles, or activity books with stickers, origami, or mazes. Scholastic Books is an economical resource.

One sweet treat

Instead of sending home candy, try one of these suggestions:

• A decorated cookie. For my son’s second birthday, we sent Thomas-obsessed children home with a single train cookie decorated in primary colors.
• A gift card to a favorite place. Make shopping ultra-easy and buy online (with free or minimal shipping.)

Accessories for all

Colorful accessories like sunglasses, shoelaces or hair clips are practical and easy to shop for. Kids who love to dress up enjoy magic wands, silly glasses or a pair of wings.

Party Animals

For an animal-themed party, send them home with mini Beanie Boos that clip to backpacks, finger puppets, or animal stickers.