The Good Ol' Goody Bag

     Ohhhh those pesky goody bags.  While helping plan many children’s parties this past year, the goody bag has been a hot topic for parents.  Usually these little prizes are handed out as the kids are leaving and contain candy and little plastic trinkets from Oriental Trading Company.  Many parents wonder if the kids would even notice if they just skipped the tradition.  It’s not so much about what’s inside the goodie bag but rather  just the act of giving each guest a little something.  You remember when you were in school and the teacher would give out little treats for good answers or nice behavior.  It wasn’t so much that I was dying to have an eraser shaped like a bear but that it was about that feeling of getting rewarded.  So where is the balance?  

Goody bags are more appropriate when there are a handful of guests.  If you are inviting the whole neighborhood and have lots of kids of different ages then don’t even think about trying to fit a goody bag in there.

Make them identical.  Fairness is important to little ones.  The goody bag usually happens at the end of the party and all those little ones have been working hard to stay well behaved for over an hour.  These sort of social situations are hard work so make it easy on them.  Include a message thanking them for coming and making the birthday girls day so special.

Handmade Gift Bags from Royal D's

Consider making the goody bag itself a great gift.  If you are crafty make a little draw string treasure bag that the kids can store their Barbie shoes in.  Check out these adorable handmade princess themed purse shaped goody bags from Royal D’s.  She hand crafts each one from her home studio in Grimes, Iowa.  At $2 a piece for the minis, it’s so affordable and your guests are guaranteed to play with them long after the party.  Find them in her etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/RoyalDs 

Don’t feel like you have to stuff the bag full of stuff.  Parents will appreciate their child receiving less stuff so use tissue paper or other packaging.

Cliches are over done for a good reason.  They are tried and true!  Don’t overlook stickers.  Kids adore stickers and they won’t rot teeth or spend decades in the landfill.  Lip balm or mini nail polish can be bought in bulk packages and then divided up.  Tiny bubbles like you see at weddings are great and a touch of food coloring and/or glitter will make them fit the theme.  If you want to go the plastic trinket rout try toy rings and Marti Gras beads.  If you want to do candy try a candy necklace and a candy ring pop.