Putting together party bags is often one of the most stressful parts of organising a children's party, with the average cost per bag ranging from £3 to £10. Many parents are also becoming more aware of plastic pollution and waste, making the idea of gifting a bag full of plastic toys less appealing. Some are even ditching the party bag altogether!
While some choose to give nothing more than a slice of cake for guests to take home (which is often the most enjoyed part!), there are plenty of thoughtful alternatives that can be better for your budget, kinder to the planet, and still appreciated by both children and their parents.
If you’re looking for ways to avoid the traditional party bag, here are some creative and sustainable alternatives. Many of these ideas are cost-effective and easy to put together, and they’ll certainly bring a smile to your guests.
Why Choose Sustainable Alternatives?
Traditional party bags often contain cheap plastic toys that are quickly forgotten or thrown away. By opting for eco-friendly alternatives, you can reduce waste and teach kids about sustainability. Here are a few factors to consider when looking for greener options:
Materials: Are the items made of plastic? If so, are they durable enough to be reused, or can they be recycled?
Usefulness: Will the item provide more than a few minutes of enjoyment? Can it be reused or passed on to another child?
End of Life: What will happen to the item after it’s used? Can it be recycled, repurposed, or donated?
Ethics: Consider where the items are made and how the workers are treated. If an item is very cheap, it’s worth thinking about the true cost behind it.
Eco-Friendly Children's Party Bag Alternatives
Here are some sustainable, budget-friendly alternatives that your guests will love:
1. Books
Instead of a bag of small toys, give each child a book. This could be a storybook, colouring book, or puzzle book. It could be selected to match your party theme. Books can be found for as little as £1 each from discount stores or online retailers like The Works or Books2Door. For an even more eco-friendly option, consider giving preloved books from charity shops or local swap groups or there are often bundles on eBay and other reselling websites. You could even save time wrapping and let children choose their own book from a selection at the party!
2. Sweet Cones
Sweet cones are a popular alternative to party bags. To make them more eco-friendly, use paper cones or reusable containers like glass jars instead of plastic. Fill them with bulk-bought sweets to reduce packaging. Remember to check for dietary requirements and avoid hard sweets or choking hazards for younger children.
3. Secondhand Toys
Preloved toys like dolls, cars, or cuddly animals can make great party favours. Sites like eBay, Vinted, and local charity shops are good sources for gently used toys. Simply wash them, and they’re ready to be loved again. This can also fit with party themes—such as animal or vehicle themes!
4. Plantable Gifts
Gift a small plant or a seedling as a party favour. Kids can plant and watch them grow over time, which adds an educational element. You can also consider gifting plantable books that grow herbs like parsley after the pages are planted.
5. Homemade Treats
Give each child a cupcake, cookie, or slice of birthday cake to take home. To reduce waste, wrap the treats in reusable containers or paperboard boxes instead of cling film. You can also send home a "baking kit" with ingredients for cookies or cupcakes, complete with a recipe. Try this DIY cookie jar idea.
6. Craft Kits
Offer DIY craft kits that tie into the party theme, such as bracelet-making kits or paint-your-own ceramics. These kits keep kids entertained after the party and double as a take-home activity. You can make your own kits (your local Scrap Store will likely be a great place to source materials at a low cost) or purchase a readymade craft kits.
7. Reusable Items
Gift something that children can use over and over again, like a pencil case or reusable snack bag, which you could fill with treats. These items are practical and long-lasting, which makes them a more eco-conscious option.
8. Grow-Your-Own Kits
Provide kits with seeds, pots, and soil so kids can grow their own plants at home. You can either buy these kits or make them yourself with supplies from a garden store. Sunflowers, basil, and cress are easy and fun for children to grow.
9. Lucky Dip
Set up a lucky dip filled with small items for kids to choose from on their way out. Fill a box with shredded paper and hide inside surprises like crayons, wooden toys, or small preloved games, such as card games.
10. Book or Toy Swap
Here’s a fun, sustainable alternative that also encourages sharing: ask each child to bring a gently used book or toy to the party. At the end of the event, the children can take turns choosing a new book or toy to take home. This not only eliminates the need for a party bag but also teaches children about reusing and recycling. If you'd like to throw a No-Gift Party, this option can be a great alternative to bringing a traditional present and is a lovely way to demonstrate the joys of sharing.
Activity-Based Party Favours
You can also combine the party favour with an activity at the party itself. Have kids make something they can take home, which keeps them entertained and gives them a meaningful memento. Here are a few ideas:
Reusable party crowns: Let the kids decorate their own party crowns to take home.
Craft wands or dreamcatchers: Perfect for a magical-themed party activity where kids create and take home their own crafted wand or dreamcatcher.
Lego building station: Provide small bundles of preloved Lego bricks and have the kids build something to take home.
Bubble wands: Make bubble wands at the party and let the children take home a small container of eco-friendly bubble solution or the recipe for making your own.
Conclusion
Choosing eco-friendly alternatives to traditional party bags doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. By thinking creatively and prioritising sustainability, you can throw a party that’s both memorable and mindful of the environment. Whether you opt for preloved books, craft kits, or even a toy swap, these thoughtful ideas will leave a lasting impression on both the children and their parents—without the plastic waste!
