Party favors are the norm these days, rather than the exception. You don’t have to give them, but if you choose to, there are a number of ways to make them greener and cut down on expense and waste. The last thing you want is a lot of trash, or your hard-earned money ending up in the garbage.
Avoid the Plastic Bags
Most party favors are given in small plastic bags. Try a brown paper sandwich bag instead. There are also waxed food bags that are greaseproof. Both will hold up to any cake, candies or cookies you want to send home with the children.
Food
Send home cookies, homemade granola bars and so on, for a treat for the child and/or their family. Bake from scratch and even include a recipe card if you wish. Avoid nuts, as so many people are allergic these days.
Homemade Fudge
Fudge is a welcome gift and is easy to make at home. Put in a bag, or pack up in a reuseable cute tin.
Useful Items Kids Love
Oriental Trading and similar companies offer useful party favors in a range of colors and styles, and holiday-themed ones as well. You can buy some items individually, and others in packs of 12. Any remaining items, the family can use. Good choices include fun pens, pencils, erasers, rulers and stickers.
Puzzle Books
Most kids love puzzle books. Choose them based on the right age group.
Coloring Books
These are also good for younger children. Give a little pack of crayons as well. You can usually find inexpensive options at Oriental Trading.
Adopt an Animal
Some parents host their party at an external venue, such as a zoo. Ask if they have an “adopt an animal” scheme and make a donation. Give all the children a little certificate and biography and handout about the animal. The kids may not be able to own a red panda, but adopting one can be the next best thing.
Charitable Donations
Charities like Heifer International (https://www.heifer.org/) give animals and trees to poor families around the world so they can be self-sufficient. You can print off cards at the site about the animal and give them to the children so they can learn more about the animal and about useful giving. Good choices are llamas and sheep because of the wool they produce, or a honeybee hive. If you are vegan, give a gift of trees.
Seed Packets
If you love to grow things, give the children seed packs and a little starter kit of soil and instructions on how to grow the flower. This is great for early spring birthdays.
Seed Bombs
Further to the above, seed bombs are a fool-proof way for children to grow things. They are available for flowers and herbs. They also come in a range of colors. Just be sure to include instructions and give them to older children so no one tries to eat them!
Plantable Cards and Flowers
This is a fun new trend. The items are embedded with seeds. The child plants the teddy and will soon get flowers or herbs. You can find these online at sites like http://www.ecopartytime.com/birthday-favors/.
Thrift Store Treasures Grab Bag
Head out to your local thrift store to see what gently used games and other useful items you can find. Number them and have the children pick a number out of a hat on the way home. Have more favors than children, and items that should be good for both boys and girls if you are hosting a mixed party. Only choose items your family would be happy to have once the party is over.
