5 party bag ideas parents actually recommend

Books came up again and again in the comments, so I had to start here. And actually, once you start looking at bundles, they can work out surprisingly cheap.

“I always bought a multipack of age appropriate books from somewhere like The Works, spread them out on a table and had the kids choose. Someone mentioned doing this with second hand books, which is arguably even better if you can manage it.”

Something small to make — a friendship bracelet, origami, a little wooden kit to decorate — gives them something to actually do when they get home.

“Little packs of paper squares (or a large block broken down) and a print out of a simple origami. They can make the origami or use the paper with the other stationery supplies.”

A little packet of seeds, a seed bomb or something they can plant is such a simple alternative – and there's something quite nice about the party bag still doing something weeks later.

“I like the eco bags where kids can plant their own little flower with seed bombs”

A biscuit, some fruit, or something a little unusual can be enough — especially if it's something they don't get every day, has vibrant colours or funny shapes.

“This year we plucked our party favours from our backyard lemon tree 🍋 Our friends filled their bags and pockets!”

A few parents suggested skipping the handful of little things altogether and spending the same money on one slightly nicer thing, something a child might actually keep.

“On two separate occasions I’ve given a small non-plastic gift for my kids’ parties instead of the usual goodie bags: 1. Slinky (the original brand, made of metal) 2. A medium size pumpkin (party was in Oct.)”