Call them what you will: party favors, gift bags, party bags, goodie bags or loot bags – we are always in need of inspiration for easy and inexpensive loot bag ideas. To my kids – loot bags are the most important of birthday decorations and party supplies! That said, I’ve put together a list of 50+ loot bag ideas…all easy…
Loot Bag Ideas
Consider grouping your loot bag ideas together to match your birthday party theme. i.e. bubbles, notepad & paper for an arts n’ crafts party. Binoculars and animal figures for an explorer themed party. Mini hockey sticks for a winter birthday party. Bucket & shovel for a summer birthday party. Princess crown and change purse for a princess party. Whistle and drink container for a sport themed party. Sunglasses, nail polish and lip gloss for a tween girl party. Glow sticks for a sleepover. Secret message pen, mustache stickers and spy kid for a secret agent party.
I try to keep loot bags under $7/child (because it adds up when you have a party!). I also try to stay away from food items in party bags (though my kids disagree with this) as such – I’ve included a few food ideas for goodie bags.
Look for party favors not only at dollar stores but also in the sale areas of toy stores, book stores, drug stores and grocery stores. I once found new in box teddy bears on sale for $2 each on a clearance rack.
To save time (and sanity) at a pre-schooler or kindergarten birthday party – simply write “From: *insert child’s name here*” so that you don’t have to match kids’ to personalized bags. This helps the parent grab n’ go the loot bag pre-child meltdown (and there always is a child who melts down at a birthday party – they just don’t want to leave the fun).
For older kids, you can invest a little more in loot bags (as most likely you’ll be inviting less kids – no need for invite the whole class parties when a child is 10). I have some fun ideas for a tween girl birthday party (the menu of that party was a hit!).
Talking birthday party menus…a make your own sundae bar has been my go-to for the last few birthdays (kids love it!). You could also make my Valentine’s Day Chocolate Cupcakes which are chocolate goodness. Or you could totally be unique and make the Best Brownies Recipe Ever.
As kids get older it is harder to make the loot bags decent so we gave out 1 item (and maybe some candy if it was not as expensive). For example the animated movie Hoodwinked is hilarious for older kids and I found it on sale at Walmart and picked up a copy for each guest plus a bit of candy. Keep an eye on the reduced movie bin at Walmart and other places you can really get great things. If an item is seasonal then at the end of the season it will go on sale for an amazing price. One of my sons had a birthday in September so we would pick up summer seasonal items -kites, Frisbees, super soakers (if you catch it at the right time they will be between $2 and $7 each), toys to use at the beach or at the pool (sand toy sets/rings to dive for in the pool. For the older kids getting a super soaker (even at a November party is way better than a loot bag of things that break in 2 minutes and cost you just as much. The toy sections of Walmart/Target often have toys that are being discontinued and some are pretty awesome depending upon your guests -travel games of checkers for car trips, card games (monopoly is really fun in a card game).
I like the idea of a sundae bar. I am going to try it at our next bday party.
Great ideas, and loot bags are always so much fun.
sounds awesome thanks
some fantastic ideas here, I also like the tip from Shelley Nelson too, thanks to both for sharing 🙂
Every kid looks forward to receiving a loot bag.
I had fun making loot bags for my children. There were no dollar stores then. I would make them parties and theme loot bags. These are great ideas too
Wow,there are some fantastic ideas here
Some great ideas! Another idea I have seen done for a loot bag is a candy bar – candy is placed in various containers and set on a table. You get the cellophane treat bags and before the party ends each kid gets a bag and makes up a treat bag to take home.
You’ve covered lots of ideas! I like to take photos of the kids and print them for each kid to have a photo of the party to remember it by.
I loved making loot bags for my girls parties, my eldest is a Halloween baby, so I had extra fun making loot bags for her birthdays, everyone that came loved the bags they took home!!
oh this is most helpful….my kids are 16 yrs apart so I’ve been out of the party loop for some time and I’ve got planning to do!
Ive been draeing a blank this year. Thank goodness for this idea
We have a big golden birthday coming up in April for our granddaughter and these ideas you posted are going to be so helpful
These are awesome ideas!! We have our daughters birthday coming up so this is perfect!
I must say that I’m glad that we didn’t do loot bags when my kids were small. It was more than enough work to do the actual party, there was no such thing as handing out loot bags back in those days.
This will come in handy – I really want to put in a couple of nice things as opposed to lots of little things that no one really wants anyway!
Great list, thanks for the inspiration! I like the idea of including a healthy snack and a craft.
I love doing Loot bags myself I’m always looking for great ideas instead of the usual candy and Toys I find other things to put in kids Loot bags Kid’s Parties have changed since we were young so I myself have improvised and have found different ways to embelish the bags with other Goodies for the kids to enjoy what they get to take home with them and they think it is Great on what they get and so do their Parents!