Birthday parties are back, folks. And the one birthday party trend I can get behind is simplified loot bags.
More and more my kids are come home with one item instead of a plastic baggie full of tiny toys and candy.
Thank you birthday party Gods and parents everywhere!
To be clear, kids love both options but for me, one more substantial item is better than a bunch of little things my kid will play with for 10 seconds and leave around for me to step on and throw away. And when we’re hosting the party, I feel like I’m getting more bang for my buck by giving away one item our guests will actually use.
Our favourite party favours & loot bags for kids:
Bath Bombs
These bath bombs from Lush are fun, colourful, chemical-free, and great for any kid who needs a little incentive to get in the tub!
Hand Sanitizers and PocketBac Holders
We still need hand sanitizer, people. Probably now more than ever. Kids love the scents and fun holders, like this adorable turtle. Available online or at your nearest Bath & Body Works.
Slime
So many great options for slime. We love this one from Indigo.
Bubbles
You just can’t go wrong with bubbles. If you want to get the kids outside for part of the party, introduce bubbles to the mix. There are great options available for great prices at Canadian Tire.
Name Labels
We love these personalized labels from Mabel’s Labels because they’re unique, useful, and easy to add onto any loot bag. Also great for summer camp season!
Sleep Masks
Perfect for sleepover parties, these cute sleep masks help ensure the littles slumber as long as possible. Win-win! Available at Claire’s stores.
Ty Beanie Boos
Beanie Boos never seem to go out of style and they come in a variety of sizes and styles – from $4 clip-ons to $7 sequin pouches to $30 large plush. The small plush, like the one pictured above, are about $7. Mastermind Toys and Well.ca have great selections.
Magnifying Bug Viewer
If you didn’t hunt and capture bugs did summer really happen? These inexpensive jars from Amazon.ca are great for little explorers. Hand them out with Bulk Barn bug gummies or an inexpensive flashlight for extra fun!
Binoculars
I spy with my little eye kids who aren’t using iPads! Keep the outdoor fun going with a pair of rubber, shock-proof, 4x magnification glasses for less than $6 per pair at Amazon.ca.
Glow in the Dark Stars
Kids can transform their rooms into the starry night sky with this set of 16 adhesive-backed stars that adhere to walls and ceilings. Only $5.59/set at Well.ca.
Some ideas for loot bags by party theme or activity:
Pool party:
Goggles, towels, floaties or squirt guns.
Animal-theme party:
Beanie Boos or Schleich figurines set up in a box with a “For Adoption” sign.
Art party:
Paint, paint brushes, palettes and aprons.
Princess Party:
Crowns, tiaras, magic wands and tutus.
Movie party:
Microwave popcorn and a box of candy in a plastic bowl.
Slumber party:
A fun pair of slippers or a blanket, plus a small bottle of water.
In Spring and Summer
Any outdoor toys like sidewalk chalk, bubbles, frisbees, skipping ropes, sunglasses, buckets with shovels and hula hoops.
In Fall and Winter
Mugs with individual servings of hot chocolate and marshmallows or mittens with hand warmers tucked inside.
Where to Find Them
If you’re looking for a bunch of small items, you can usually find everything you need in one place. Check out:
- The Bulk Barn — great for Pez, chocolates, gumballs, gummies and other edible treats
- Dollarama — play-doh, stationary, stickers, card games, glow-in-the-dark bracelets, and arts and crafts supplies
- Party City — small toys, keychains, pins, candy and silly string
- Indigo — small toys and novelty items
- Wal Mart — treat sized chocolate bars, Crayola products
- Michael’s — stationary, arts and crafts supplies, activity books
- Mastermind Toys — small toys, pencils and erasers, rubber balls and jewellery
And like most gifts, a little effort on the packaging goes a long way. Colourful ribbons and bags, fun containers and personalized name tags make everything look extra special.
Happy gifting!
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Category: loot-bags,birthday-parties
