Birthday Party favor bags | Return Gifts | Goody bag Ideas

“Whats in the birthday goody-bag?” - says every kid at the end of the party!

…You as their parent or party planner want to ensure it brings a smile to anyone’s face who opens this bag, dont you!?

Its the first year of my son’s elementary school since he turned age 5 on Halloween, a big milestone, and has classmates that he can now name on his fingertips along with a few other things. I/we (read parents) wanted to make all kids goodie bags special or more on the lines of thoughtful & mindful at this age.

However, given the myriad of options in the market, it’s quite likely to get confused and pick up those pre-packed birthdays return gift bag options around. But for those who love the idea of customizing or DIY’s and seek inspirations in everything, here are a few things that you can keep in mind as we all want to – 1. Reduce the waste, 2. Instill good habits in our little kids and 3. Set good examples; in short,

Be responsible
Be respectful
Be resourceful

Keeping those three “R” in mind here is my summation for the “little guide to prepare great party favors for the guests”–

Include something familiar yet fascinating to them and that they use more often. Like a pencil, rubber, sharpener, crayons, a small notebook or anything that almost anyone from a preschooler to grown up will use. I mean I use pencil and rubber even today. So we brought this set of vehicle themed erasers or rubbers which instantly raised Ayaan, my son’s excitement for goody bags. Other options could be tiny books that you can read to them or they can try to read on their own. It can be great road trip companion too!

2. Something creative because its said “necessity is the mother of invention and creativity is the father” though I think it could be the other way as well

A creative toy or a kit gives a great sensory experience to open up their minds to new opportunities or explore the already existing ones and let them understand their creative side because each of us has some. The more they spend time exploring their creative side, the more they will stay focussed to their other goals. Now to combine creativity with learning a skill or a habit that they will cherish throughout their lives we bought these tiny grow kits in earthen pots that can be repurposed later. It will let them understand the process of growing a plant/tree depending upon how much it’s taken care of. I believe that it will make them learn emotions like care & support and also the deeper meaning of the lifecycle of any living being.

3. Something analytical because that part of the brain should be exercised too for a gushing smile as they are able to solve a puzzle. It may or may-not be age appropriate as their parents or care-givers can have a great bonding time over this toy. We picked a funny Rubik’s cube since I still dont get it easily.

4. Lets not forget that these are little kids and a goodie bag without a candy wont satisfy their gut and primarily their brain which is wired to associate birthdays with candies. But this can be a great way to introduce them to new flavors & textures as they will be very likely to try something new. It will let them form a strong opinion on this new taste, flavor or texture. I picked a combination of classic caramel candy, some sour candy and a chocolate in different textures.

Now those are the major pointers which mostly cover all the aspects of any birthday-goody-bag or party-favors or return-gifts. The good part is its customizable based on your budget per individual/kid and age if you want to be more specific.

Here’s Ayaan on the night of his birthday with his favorite cupcake and really digging in like a pro without Mumma Papa’s help. My boy is definitely big and smart than last time 🙂