Arguably, goodie bags are the best part of the party. Don’t believe me? Just ask your kids!
With that, the items in the goodie bag are usually flimsy, breakable, and just kind of eh. I wanted to share my best goodie bag ideas that won’t get thrown away!
Keep reading if you don’t want to waste your money on boring goodie bags!
What is a goodie bag?
A goodie bag is a party favor often given at Christmas or birthday gatherings. There are lots of different versions, but goodie bags usually consist of dollar tree toys and candy.
There are also versions of adult goodie bags that have cheap liquor and candy, usually.
What makes an item a good choice for a goodie bag?
This is a bit of a loaded question, because everyone’s perception of this is different.
I like to choose quality items to put in my goodie bags, even if that means less.
I like to choose items that are well loved by children, and parents. If I am choosing candy, I err on the side of caution and choose organic candies or goodies.
I like to choose items that are unique and durable. I also like to match the theme to the party with my goodie bags.
How do you balance good quality goodie bag ideas with budget-friendly options?
This can be challenging, as we all know inflation has affected everything INCLUDING goodie bag items! Here are a few tips:
- Choose better quality items, just less
- Include homemade items
- Include baked goods
- Choose smaller bags so there isn’t a ton of empty space
- Use the “bag” as the favor, i.e.: like a cup or basket
Do I have to provide goodie bags for birthday parties?
You certainly don’t have to provide goodie bags for birthday parties. Goodie bags are seen as a gesture to say thank you for coming.
If you are on a strict budget, then definitely don’t worry about goodie bags!
Must haves to create the perfect goodie bag
There are definitely some key things not to include and that you should include when it comes to a goodie bag!
Keep in mind, these are merely suggestions. If there is something you love to include, then by all means add it in!
No Plastic Junky Toys
Plastic junky toys are the first to get thrown away at my house. They typically break into little pieces which make them dangerous for littles.
Removing the plastic junky toys can make your goodie bag seem more thoughtful, put together and even safer for little ones.
Consider removing these if you are wanting to have goodie bags that won’t get thrown away!
Something Useful
I love giving things that serve a purpose, whether it’s super practical or a comfort item, maybe even something that will keep kids occupied on a road trip.
Putting something useful in the goodie bag will make parents thank you!
Durable
Try to add something more durable in the goodie bags. By more durable I mean more than just the car ride home.
More durable items will be a lot more useful and loved by all!
Inexpensive
Goodie bags shouldn’t break the bank! You can definitely find items that are inexpensive and awesome!
I will share some of my best ideas for inexpensive goodie bag items!
Unexpected Goodie Bag Ideas
This creative drawing board backpack clip set of 12 comes in multi-colors, individually packaged and fun for children of all ages 3+ and up. These mini drawing boards double as keychains to clip onto your backpack or keychain that lasts for endless hours of fun making it a great goodie bag item.
I love this adorable pastel rainbow set comes with 8 colors, including mauve, baby blue, sky blue, mint green, yellow, orange, light pink and pink. Perfect party favors for kids, especially girls.
Light up bracelets are novelty glow in the dark party favors for kids parties and festivals. They are great birthday party favors, gift bag stuffers, goodie bag stuffers, stocking stuffers, etc.
t 3 in a row and win with this game that’s fun for everyone! This foam version of the all-time favorite game Tic-Tac-Toe is great for kids!
Kids (and adults) have been enjoying the kaleidoscope since 1816, which for many is full of childhood memories. All you have to do is point this kaleidoscope at different objects and different colorful symmetrical patterns refracted by different objects.
Funny Goodie Bag Ideas
Having one or more funny items can make your goodie bags memorable and loads of fun!
Kids will love tossing & flinging them on the ceiling, walls, windows, tables and almost any surface. Bringing more fun during birthday parties!
The Deformable spinner is a fun and practical gift to your goodie bags. This will keep kiddos busy and occupied!
Help your kiddos feel like a real spy! Once the secret message is written with this invisible ink pen, you just need to wait for a few seconds and use the light on pen cap to make the words appear.
These light up UFO spinners are bound to be a hit in your goodie bags!
Stretchy Ninja Warrior set comes with 12 ninja slingshot toys in 2 different colors – red and black! Let your kids play with them for hours, throwing them all around the room or on specific objects and targets!
Quality Sweet Treats for Goodie Bags
Many parents don’t allow food dye or a lot of sugar for dietary reasons. Here are some ideas that won’t get immediately thrown away.
With these YumEarth Organic Tropical Fruit Snacks, kids will enjoy a taste of the tropics, no beach required. Perfect for party favors!
Choose from your favorite flavors- Playful Pineapple, Razzmatazz Berry, Mango Tango, or have them all together. What makes these treats so scrumptiously friendly? Simple, organic ingredients free from the top 8 allergens.
I don’t think you can go wrong with this snack.. It only has 2 ingredients!
These snacks are delicious and make a yummy party favor treat!
GoodPop’s Organic Freezer Pops are blends of 100% fruit juices with no added sugar or sweeteners and come in 3 mouthwatering flavors that will satisfy kids and parents alike.
It’s a childhood favorite you can feel GOOD about! Just shake, freeze and enjoy!
Enjoy a variety of 24 delicious, Manuka Honey lollipops. All lollipops are USDA certified organic with no artificial flavors or colors.
A delicious, better-for-you, family-friendly treat made with simple ingredients including Organic Manuka Honey!
YumEarth has been making organic candy with a whole lotta love and simple ingredients you can pronounce. We are proud to make safer allergy friendly and tasty treats that you can feel good about giving your family and sharing with friends.
Activity Ideas That Can Double as Party Favor
Get the most bang for your buck as having an activity that doubles as a party favor! These are great options.
These break open geodes are so unique and so fun for a party favor! If your little one loves geology, this would be an amazing party favor!
Painting can be such a fun activity for a party! There are lots of videos on YouTube that kids can watch and then recreate!
This tye dye kit makes it easy to do with kids! This kit gives step by step instructions.
Your little and their friends will love to make unique pieces!
This figure painting kit is full of various vehicle elements such as the cars, bikes, motorbikes, ships, airplanes etc., Kiddos will have hours of fun exploring color mixing by painting their own ceramic pieces!
Candy Bag
Lay out different types of candies and have kids make their own candy bags! This is a fun and unique way to give a party favor.
Simple Items that work as Goodie Bags
Sometimes one slightly more expensive favor is better than 10 small plastic toys. One or 2 items that are more expensive are better than 10 getting trashed.
Fidget snakes are a fun for kiddos of all ages! These are the cutest little party favors for any type of party!
These fun scratch note are ideal kids toy choice for fidget party favors for kids, kids party favors goodie bags stuffers for birthday party favors for kids. Great for birthday party goodie bags and the kids will look forward to receiving it! It can bring endless joy to children.
If your kiddo is a gamer, these key chain video games are the party favor for you! I love that these will keep kids busy and they will love them!
Your little one and their friends will look so cool in these shades! I love these as party favors!
These mini squishmallow’s will be a huge hit at a girls birthday party! They are adorable and so fun!
DIY Goodie Bag Ideas
If you are on a tight budget or want to avoid traditional goodie bags, check out these ideas!
- Homemade Cookies
- Cupcake Decorated at the Party
- Coupon for a Playdate
- Artwork from your kiddo
- Homemade Candy
- Homemade Friendship Bracelets
No Prep, Last Minute Goodie Bag Ideas
Sometimes you need something last minute to put together. If you don’t have a ton of time, or just don’t want the prep check out these ideas!
There are 34 kinds of assorted party favor toys. These party favors toys include a wide range of toys, such as, bouncing balls, paddle drums, pull back cars, and much more fun items
Check out these cool new fidget toys for any ages from toddlers to adults! Occupy little hands and boost task completions with sensory fidget toys.
These sea themed party favors are great for goodie bags! There are lots of different things to include and make it easy to put together.
These party favors are the complete package! Stickers, squishies, bags, and more! This will make your party planning a breeze.
The Unicorn Goody Bag set gives not only satisfaction but also happiness to kids! A fun way to celebrate different occasions through sharing these fun goodie bags!
Edible Goodie Bag Ideas
Edible items are great fillers for goodie bags. I love to add a few pieces of candy or drinks to help beef up the goodie bag.
Ring Pops are a crowd favorite and I love buying these party packs to throw in goodie bags when I am needing just another item or two.
I loved heart candy bracelets as a kid and I still love them now! They are always such a hit at parties!
My kids go coo-coo for Honest Juice! It is yummy and made from 100% juice.
I love having this out at parties, but giving it as a favor is a great idea too!
I love having variety snacks to put in a goodie bags! This offers a fun variety and I always have extras in case someone wants to trade out.
Goodie Bag Presentation Idea
Goodie bag presentation is almost as important as what’s in the goodie bag itself!
Beautify the goodie bag for the little guests at the birthday party! Effortlessly fill these bags with candy, sweets and small gifts!
These colorful tote bags are suitable for daily life and holiday use as storage bags or gift bags for birthday parties! I love that they are made of high quality fabric that is strong enough to be sturdy and durable.
These holographic bags are so neat and add a fun flare for any type of party!
The idea of having the container for the goodies also be part of the favor is genius! These sipper cups are adorable and can easily go with any theme!
I love these mesh bags for smaller items! These bags are elegant and also are great for when you want to give a smaller amount of items.
Don’t let goodie bags be the bane of your existence! They are meant to be fun to put together!
What is the best goodie bag you’ve ever put together or received? What did it include?
I’d love if you shared in the comments below!
