30 Brilliant Party Bag Alternatives Kids Will Love
Got a party coming up but don’t want to fork out loads of money on the traditional goody bags? Well, look no further! You will love these fantastic junk-free options that don’t break the bank! We’ve got 30 brilliant party bag alternatives that will make every guest feel extra special.
This Posts contains affiliate links. This means we earn a commission from sales made via product links in this post. For more information click here.
Do you hate party bags? I did! Spending all that money on plastic junk, you know kids won’t play with. I don’t know any parents that get excited about the prospect of filling party bags.
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Parents are under a lot of pressure to put together cool bags.
It can be tempting to give in and fill the bags with rubbish toys and trinkets that have little play value.
But what if there is a better way? What if there are party bag alternatives that don’t require you to spend a fortune on a ton of junk? Scroll down for our list of unique and affordable party bag alternatives.
In a Hurry?
Use the table of contents below to jump straight to the section that interests you.
- Start a Trend and Go No Bag
- Art and Craft Kits
- DIY Science Kits
- Party Bag Alternatives You Can Print
- Affordable Games as Party Bag Alternatives
- Unusual Party Bag Alternatives
Start a Trend and Go No Bag
Want to know a secret? Most parents hate party bags. That’s right! Instead of handing them out, why not start a new trend and go “no bag”? You could give relieved parents everywhere a reason to dump the bags. Talk it up if you wish.
- “We’re trying to cut down on the plastic waste we create.”
- “This year, we decided to donate the money we spend on party bags to (charity chosen by child).”
- “We’re trying to simplify the way we do things.”
Who knows? Maybe some other parents will be glad to join the movement! I’m sure most people will be just as happy not to have to deal with useless plastic trinkets that clutter up the house.
A Piece Of Birthday Cake
What is a birthday without cake? Give each child a piece of the celebratory cake wrapped in a napkin as they leave! It doesn’t get any easier than that.
You could also hand out balloons. Decorate the party area with colorful balloons, creating a festive atmosphere. When it is time for the guests to leave, surprise them with a balloon accompanied by a delicious piece of cake!
There are all kinds of fun balloons. Take a look at these jungle animals, unicorns, or dinosaurs. Of course, you can also use ordinary balloons but check for latex allergies in your guests.
Party Bag Alternatives That Are Affordable
Still not convinced? Do you want to give out something at the end of the party? I spent an afternoon online, and guess what? I found plenty of affordable alternatives that kids and parents will both love. Let’s take a look at the options.
Art and Craft Kits
Mini art and craft kits are perfect for creative kids and don’t cost an arm and a leg. There are two options.
Buy a large craft set that can be divided into smaller kits or make your own.
Some small resealable bags could be handy for this. If you want to go plastic free, try some gauze gift bags. Let me show you how.
Pony Bead Kit
Pony beads can be bought in bulk. Then all you need is some beading thread and instructions. This set includes everything you need for 13 different projects.
It even includes design templates for each one. Divide everything up and put the components in a separate bag. The cost would be less than $2 a kit, and it would be a lovely project to send home.
Collage Kit
Gather together materials you could use for collages. This would include things like cardstock squares, fun designer papers, stickers, glue dots, buttons, crafty scraps, crayons, and rolls of washi tape.
Make a Snowman Kit
Make a large batch of snow dough and give each child enough to make a snowman.
The snow dough can be put into small baggies or containers with lids. Place the snow dough in a bag with accessories such as buttons, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, and little sticks.
You can even purchase small carrot noses! Aren’t they adorable?!
Air Dry Clay
This air-dry clay kit has loads of components that can be divided and packaged into individual kits.
It is excellent value for money. You could easily get some extra tools and accessories like google eyes.
Friendship Bracelets Kits
This one is easy! Pair some embroidery floss with some instructions. This site has a free downloadable pattern for beginners you can use.
This set has 50 skeins for less than $8, so you could create 10 gifts for less than a dollar apiece.
If you want to go a bit fancier, include a small clipboard for kids to use when knotting their bracelets.
Making friendship bracelets is a fun party craft. Check out our tutorials for easy friendship bracelets that kids can make.
Jewelry Making Kit
Another simple idea. Gather the materials needed for making bracelets or necklaces.
This would include beads, charms, and necklace/bracelet string. You can pick most of them up relatively inexpensively.
Want to make things super easy? Pick up a kit with everything you need and divide it into smaller bags.
This kit has everything you need to make 5 necklaces and 5 bracelets.
Paracord Bracelet Kit
Paracord bracelets are very popular with kids. Print out an instruction sheet for a simple bracelet like this one.
Pop it in a bag with the materials needed to make a bracelet.
Want to make it easy on yourself? This bracelet crafting kit comes with everything you need to make 16 bracelets. All you have to do is divide it up.
Puppet Making Kit
Puppets are easy to make, and a puppet kit is simple to put together.
This post has instructions for making your own kit from wooden spoons and leftover crafty scraps.
You could make similar kits for
Science kits are a great alternative to the usual party bag ideas. The bonus is that they don’t require expensive items to be awesome!
They are also effortless to put together, so you don’t have to spend hours preparing them. Best of all, kids love them, and they definitely have that wow factor! Here are some ideas.
Bouncing Egg Kit
Pack up small jars of vinegar along with these printable instructions. It doesn’t get any easier than that!
Self-Inflating Balloon Kit
A jar of vinegar, a small bag of baking soda, a balloon, a paper towel, and a copy of these instructions are all you need. You could also include a small funnel and empty bottle to complete the kit.
Slime Making Kit
Gather together small bottles of white glue, baggies with a tablespoon of Borax, a disposable cup, and a copy of these instructions.
If you are nervous about Borax, look for recipes for borax-free slime and make up your kits accordingly.
Alternatively, you can give ready-made slime like this. You get 6 tubs, and it is heat sensitive, which is very cool.
Skittles Experiment Kit
Our final science kit is the easiest of all. Combine a bag of skittles and a copy of this printable for a super simple experiment that kids love.
Party Bag Alternatives You Can Print
I really like these party bag alternatives. For starters, you only need a color printer, copy paper, and a printable file.
Some of the files in this section are free, and some are available at a small cost. Once you have downloaded them, you can print as many copies as you wish. It really is that simple.
Let’s take a closer look.
Bookmarks
Bookmarks sound pretty lame, but somehow kids love them. They also enjoy bookmarks they can color.
One of my favorite sites has a lovely selection of bookmarks to color. If you have a particular theme, hop onto Pinterest and search for “Unicorn/Dinosaur/ Space bookmarks to color.” You could pair the printed bookmarks with a small package of colored pencils.
Positive Thinking Coloring Pages
Looking for something unique for your child’s party bags? Download our positive thinking coloring sheets.
There are 6 designs featuring cute animals and inspiring messages. We designed them to promote positive thinking and a growth mindset in kids.
Print a set for each child, roll them up, and tie them with a small ribbon. Pair them with a small package of colored pencils.
Activity Book
Our new activity book is packed with fun games and puzzles. All you have to do is print off the pages you want, fold in half, and staple them together.
Pair the book with a package of colored pencils and this fun pencil.
Cootie Catcher
What is it about cootie catchers? Kids love them. There are loads available online.
You could include a pair of child-safe scissors if you wish. I really like this one with jokes.
Nature Journal
Have you noticed how much children enjoy nature? Encourage their interest by printing off some nature journals for your guests.
Put the pages in a large envelope or on a clipboard. Pair the book with a package of colored pencils and this eco-pencil. You could also include a magnifying glass if you want to go all out.
Comic Book Activity Kit
Kids love comics, so this kit is sure to be a hit. These comic book kits are a lot of fun.
The download comes with 12 comic book layouts, planning pages, lists of ideas, and even speech bubbles and sound effects to add some extra zing.
Print the kits and place the pages in large envelopes. To add a little pizazz, decorate the envelopes with comic book stickers.
Secret Codes Kit
Planning a spy-themed party? Here’s something you can send home with your young spies after the party. “Secret Codes For Kids” introduces kids to five different codes.
Each code includes an instruction sheet and activity pages, so party guests can practice using the cipher.
Print the kit and place the pages in large envelopes decorated with “Top Secret” stickers or stamps. Pair it with a magnifying glass for a fun parting gift.
Affordable Games as Party Bag Alternatives
Kids love games, so I went to find some that were affordable and of decent quality. Here are a few that would make great party bag alternatives.
Game Classic Playing Card Game
Card games are always a hit with kids, so these sets of classic games are great options!
You get 12 decks for less than $20, so you get great play value. The set includes 4 decks: Hearts, Go Fish, and Old Maid.
Reviewers report that the cards are good quality and sized perfectly for children’s hands, making them an unbeatable bargain!
You could also gift a pack of standard playing cards along with some instructions for different card games.
Marbles
Marbles are one of the classic games that never go out of style. Every kid should have a set of marbles, so they make a great party bag alternative.
Divide this large bag of marbles into three smaller sets. Small canvas bags like these would hold the marbles nicely. And remember to include instructions for playing the game (scroll to the bottom of the post for the free printable)!
Vintage Metal Jax Game
Get excited for some classic fun with this Vintage Metal Jax Game! Each set comes with 16 metal jacks, two balls of different colors, and instructions on how to play.
Parents would appreciate a small canvas bag for storage.
Hacky Sacks
Looking for party bag alternatives that offer endless hours of fun? This pack of hacky sacks will give you 6 kickballs.
Made from durable cotton and filled with, these sacks come in various colors and patterns. Most kids intuitively know how to use these toys, but you can find some instructions here.
Unusual Party Bag Alternatives
Our last two party bag alternatives are quirky but will probably be very popular.
Make a Mug Cake Kit
Mug cakes are fun for kids. Mix the cake in the mug and cook it in the microwave for a few minutes.
This post has instructions for making up the mix and includes printable instructions. Place in some fun mugs with the instructions for a very unusual party gift.
The mug does get hot in the microwave, so this is probably best for older children.
Splendorflying Adjustable Survival Bracelet
Are you trying to find party bag alternatives for older kids? A survival bracelet will impress the heck out of them!
Each bracelet holds a compass, whistle, and emergency knife.
The knife is sharp, so you can remove them before gifting them to younger kids.
So there you have it, our ideas for party bag alternatives that won’t cost the earth or end up in a landfill!
We are hoping that our list has given you some helpful ideas. With a bit of creativity, you can put together something special that every guest will love.
But remember it is okay to go with no bag as well. The choice is yours.