Let's be honest—most party favors end up in the trash within days. But the right favors can be exciting, useful, and even treasured. Here's how to choose goodie bag contents kids actually want.
Universal Party Favor Winners
Always Popular
- Bubbles: Kids of all ages love them. Buy in bulk!
- Play-Doh: Single containers are perfect favor size
- Stickers: The good quality ones, not flimsy sheets
- Temporary tattoos: Character or themed
- Sidewalk chalk: Especially for spring/summer
- Glow sticks: Always exciting!
- Slime: Kids are obsessed (parents might disagree)
- Candy: Small candy bags or lollipops
Activity-Based Favors
- Coloring books + crayons: Mini versions work great
- Small puzzles: Age-appropriate
- Mad Libs: For reading-age kids
- Seed packets: Grow their own plants
- Craft kits: Mini versions available
Useful Items Kids Like
- Water bottles: Reusable, themed
- Sunglasses: Fun shapes and colors
- Flashlights: Mini LED versions
- Hair accessories: For princess parties
- Notebooks: Themed or character
Themed Party Favors
Princess Party Favors
- Mini tiaras
- Plastic jewels and rings
- Princess stickers
- Lip gloss
- Hair gems/clips
- Wands
Superhero Party Favors
- Superhero masks
- Capes (can DIY cheaply)
- Temporary tattoos
- Action figure stickers
- Slap bracelets
- Mini flashlights
Mascot Character Favors
- Character stickers
- Small figurines
- Themed candy
- Coloring pages
- Character stampers
The "One Nice Thing" Approach
Instead of bags full of small junk, consider giving ONE quality item per child. A good book, a real toy, or an experience. Kids appreciate one special thing more than ten forgettable trinkets.
Budget-Friendly Favor Ideas
Dollar Store Wins
- Bubbles (often multi-packs)
- Stickers
- Candy
- Small notebooks
- Temporary tattoos
- Glow sticks
Bulk Buy Savings
- Amazon variety packs
- Oriental Trading Company
- Party City bulk options
- Costco seasonal items
DIY Options
- Homemade playdough in containers
- Decorated cookies in bags
- Trail mix in cute bags
- Crafts kids make at the party
Skip the Bag Entirely
Let kids take home what they made at the party:
- Decorated cookies they frosted
- Crafts they created
- Tie-dye shirts they made
- Decorated tiaras or masks from dress-up stations
What to Skip
Favors That End Up in Trash
- Cheap plastic toys: Break immediately
- Whistles/noisemakers: Parents will hate you
- Tiny puzzle pieces: Too hard for little hands
- Flimsy sticker sheets: Don't peel properly
- Random trinkets: No one knows what to do with them
Parent Pet Peeves
- Excessive candy (a little is fine!)
- Noisy toys
- Items with small parts for young kids
- Glitter (it goes everywhere)
- Messy crafts without warning
Make the Party the Favor!
Meeting their favorite character IS the take-home memory. No goodie bag needed!
Get QuoteAge-Appropriate Favors
Ages 1-2
- Board books
- Bubbles
- Stacking cups
- Crayons (chunky)
Ages 3-5
- Play-Doh
- Stickers
- Bubbles
- Crayons + coloring books
- Character items
Ages 6-8
- Craft supplies
- Slime
- Temporary tattoos
- Small toys
- Activity books
Ages 9+
- Gift cards (small amounts)
- Fun socks
- Nail polish
- Good quality items over quantity
Final Thoughts
The best party favors are the ones kids actually use—bubbles they blow, stickers they stick, Play-Doh they squish. Skip the junk drawer fillers and choose fewer, better items. Or let the party experience BE the favor—meeting Elsa or Spider-Man is a memory no goodie bag can beat!
Want to make the party unforgettable? Book a character—that's the ultimate takeaway!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I spend on party favors?
Plan $3-5 per child for goodie bags. You can do less with smart shopping, or spend more on one quality item. Don't feel pressured to overspend—the party is the gift!
Are party favors required?
Not at all! Many families skip them entirely, especially for young toddlers. If you'd rather invest in the party experience (like character entertainment), that's perfectly acceptable.
