Party Bag Ideas for Toddlers: Alternative fun Party Favors

Creating party bags for toddlers can be a delightful way to add an extra touch of joy to a young child’s celebration. These bags, filled with little surprises, can be both fun and age-appropriate.

This article will provide a range of creative and practical ideas for toddler party bags. We’ll explore options that are not only safe and suitable for young children but also engaging and enjoyable. From small toys and books to healthy snacks and craft items, we’ll cover a variety of choices that cater to the interests and developmental stages of toddlers.

Whether you’re hosting a birthday party or a playdate, these party bag ideas will ensure your little guests leave with something special to remember the day.

Key Takeaways: Party Bag Ideas for Toddlers

• Include age-appropriate toys. Small, safe toys like rubber ducks or soft balls are great for toddlers.
• Add fun and educational items. Coloring books and crayons encourage creativity and are suitable for young children.
• Offer healthy snacks. Snacks like fruit pouches or animal crackers are both toddler-friendly and parent-approved.
• Incorporate interactive items. Simple puzzles or bubble blowers can provide hours of entertainment.
• Choose small, soft plush toys. These are cuddly and can be a big hit with toddlers.
• Include practical items. Things like fun socks or a small water bottle can be useful for both parents and toddlers.
• Avoid small or breakable items. Safety is key, so steer clear of anything that could pose a choking hazard.
• Select books for storytime. Board books or picture books make for a thoughtful and educational party favor.
• Use themed stickers. They are a simple and exciting addition that toddlers typically enjoy.
• Ensure bags are toddler-friendly. Choose bags that are easy to open and carry, adding to the overall enjoyment for little ones.

Party Bag Ideas for 1-Year-Olds

Creating party bags for 1-year-olds requires special attention to safety, simplicity, and developmental appropriateness. Here are some thoughtful and safe ideas:

1. Soft Toys: Plush, cuddly toys that are suitable for infants can be a great choice. Make sure they are made from baby-safe materials and have no small parts.
2. Teething Toys: Since many 1-year-olds are in the teething phase, teething rings or soft chew toys can be both practical and soothing.
3. Board Books: Sturdy, simple board books are ideal for this age group. They encourage early literacy and are durable enough for young hands.
4. Bath Toys: Soft, mold-free bath toys can make bath time more fun. Ensure they are easy to clean and safe for babies.
5. Musical Toys: Simple musical toys like rattles or soft drums are great for sensory development.
6. Sensory Balls: Soft, textured balls are perfect for developing motor skills and can be a lot of fun for little ones to play with.
7. Large, Easy-to-grip Crayons: While they might be a bit young for coloring, introducing large, safe crayons can be a way to encourage creativity.
8. Non-toxic Playdough: Baby-safe playdough can provide a fun, tactile experience for older one-year-olds.
9. Baby Socks: Cute and practical, baby socks are always useful and can be chosen in fun colors or patterns.
10. Personalized Items: Personalized items like bibs or sippy cups add a special touch to the party bag.

Safety is paramount when selecting items for 1-year-olds. Avoid anything with small parts or potential choking hazards. Also, consider items that are easy to clean and made from non-toxic materials, as babies this age tend to explore with their mouths. Lastly, keep in mind the varying stages of development at this age, and choose items that are engaging but not overly complex.

What to Put in Party Bags for 2-Year-Olds

Creating party bags for 2-year-olds is all about balancing fun, safety, and age-appropriateness. Here are some ideas that are sure to be a hit with the toddler crowd:

1. Board Books: Small, durable books are perfect for this age group. They encourage early reading and can be a lovely keepsake.
2. Bubbles: Toddlers love bubbles! Mini bubble bottles are not only fun but also help in developing visual tracking and motor skills.
3. Crayons and Coloring Pages: Chunky, non-toxic crayons and simple coloring pages can provide creative entertainment. Look for crayons that are easy for little hands to grasp.
4. Stickers: Stickers are a universal favorite among toddlers. Choose large, easy-to-handle stickers with fun, colorful designs.
5. Healthy Snacks: Consider adding a small, healthy snack like fruit snacks, animal crackers, or raisins. Ensure they are toddler-safe and allergen-friendly.
6. Plush Toys: Small, soft toys can be a comforting addition. Make sure they are safe for toddlers, with no small parts or choking hazards.
7. Playdough: A small container of playdough can provide sensory fun. Opt for non-toxic, hypoallergenic options.
8. Musical Instruments: Simple instruments like shakers or small tambourines can be a fun and educational choice.
9. Puzzles: Simple, large-piece puzzles are great for developing fine motor skills and problem-solving.
10. Reusable Water Bottles: Kid-friendly water bottles are both practical and environmentally friendly.

When choosing items, remember to consider safety above all. Avoid small parts that could pose a choking hazard and look for items that are non-toxic and suitable for this age group. Consider the interests and developmental stages of the children. At this age, items that stimulate their senses and encourage exploration are ideal. Lastly, be mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions among the little guests.

Party Bag Fillers

Most party bags tend to be filled with sweets and small plastic toys which are not that suitable for babies and toddlers, but there are plenty of fun party bag fillers that younger children will enjoy. And there’s no need for any plastic either.

A first birthday party is probably more about the parents than it is the babies and there are likely to be plenty of friends and family and quite possibly a large age range of kids. So although there’s no need to give a one-year-old a party bag, it can be nice if their party guests, older siblings or cousins are getting them.

Check out our top ten toddler party bag ideas and toddler party favours to make your toddler’s birth party so much fun:

1. A small wooden toy like a spinning top is a great gift for little ones. Babies will love watching it spin and toddlers will enjoy figuring out how to do it themselves.
2. A musical gift like a whistle, shaker or mini tambourine makes a lovely gift that is sure not to end up in the bin as soon as they get home.
3. Books are great for all ages, and a little mini book makes the perfect party bag filler for toddlers.
4. A couple of big chunky chalk sticks is a cheap and easy party gift for little ones. Kids love drawing on the pavement, and parents love that they don’t have to clean up the mess.
5. Party bag toys such as toy cars are always a hit and you can buy packs and split them to keep the cost down.
6. A bucket and spade. This would be perfect if you were having a party at the beach or a park with a sandpit. You can give them out at the start of the party rather than the end and you have the entertainment covered as well.
7. Instead of sweets why not add a little box of raisins to your party bags or some other dried fruit snack.
8. Savoury snacks like bread sticks also go down well with little ones. Homemade popcorn in a paper cone is also a great snack for kids and perfect for keeping them quiet on the journey home.
9. We love the Rex London collapsible water bottles as party favours. And they have the added bonus of preventing too many spillages at the party. Great if you have a whole troop of toddlers running about. Plus if you get these you won’t have to buy disposable cups.
10. Finger puppets. Again these tend to come in sets that you can split between bags. Or if you are feeling crafty then you could make your own.

And of course, there’s no need to give anything at all. Check out our post discussing whether party bags are really necessary for a few alternatives if you’d rather not give them at all.

Unique goodie bag ideas

If you are looking for unique party favors for your goody bag or gift bag, away from the usually candy bar and plastic junk toys often found in kids parties goody bag then consider going for some sustainable ideas on your party’s theme.

1. Edible Playdough Kits: Homemade, non-toxic playdough is safe for toddlers and can be a fun, sensory activity. Include a few cookie cutters for added fun.
2. Finger Puppet Sets: Cute and engaging, finger puppets can inspire imaginative play and are perfect for small hands.
3. Customized Storybooks: Books with stories that include the child’s name or interests can make reading more engaging and personal.
4. Nature Exploration Kits: Simple items like a magnifying glass, a bug container, and a nature checklist can encourage outdoor exploration.
5. No-Mess Art Supplies: Consider including items like water-reveal pads or large, washable crayons that allow for creativity without the mess.
6. Puzzle Boards: Wooden puzzle boards with large pieces are great for developing fine motor skills and cognitive abilities.
7. Musical Instruments: Instruments like egg shakers or soft drums can be both entertaining and educational for toddlers.
8. Bath Time Fun Bags: Non-toxic bath crayons, bubble bath, and fun-shaped bath sponges can make bath time more exciting.
9. Soft Sports Balls: Small, soft balls designed for indoor play can encourage physical activity and hand-eye coordination.
10. Gardening Kits for Kids: Include a small, sturdy plastic trowel, gloves, and perhaps a pot or seeds suitable for little gardeners.

Safety is always the top priority when selecting items for toddlers. Ensure that all items are age-appropriate, free from small parts that could be choking hazards, and made from non-toxic materials. Personalizing these items to match the interests of the toddlers or the theme of the party can make these goodie bags even more special and memorable.

Birthday Party Favors That Aren’t Junk

Choosing birthday party favors for toddlers that are both enjoyable and meaningful can be a challenge. Here are some ideas for favors that are far from being just “junk”:

• Educational Books: Books are always a great choice, especially those that are interactive or educational, like board books with textures or simple stories.
• Reusable Water Bottles: Kid-friendly water bottles are both practical and encourage healthy habits. Choose bottles with fun designs or colors.
• Non-toxic Art Supplies: Large crayons, washable markers, or finger paints that are safe for toddlers can inspire creativity without causing a mess.
• Planting Kits: Small pots with easy-to-grow seeds like sunflowers or basil can be a fun and educational activity for little ones.
• Puzzle Games: Wooden puzzles or large-piece jigsaw puzzles are great for developing fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities.
• Bath Toys: Fun, mold-free bath toys encourage imaginative play and make bath time something to look forward to.
• Personalized Items: Items like small tote bags, aprons, or hats with each child’s name can be both useful and cherished keepsakes.
• Musical Instruments: Simple instruments like maracas or tambourines are perfect for toddlers to explore sounds and rhythm.
• Eco-Friendly Snack Containers: Snack boxes or reusable snack bags with child-friendly designs are practical for parents and fun for kids.
• Soft, Themed Blankets: Small fleece blankets with fun themes or characters are cozy and useful, especially for nap times.

When choosing party favors for toddlers, it’s important to think about the longevity and usefulness of the item. Favors that promote learning, creativity, or physical activity are not only enjoyable but also contribute positively to the child’s development. Avoid items that are easily breakable, have small parts, or are not age-appropriate to ensure the safety of the little ones.

Edible Goody Bag Alternatives for Toddlers

• Offer fruit pouches or applesauce cups. These are healthy, convenient, and generally well-liked by toddlers.
• Include mini boxes of raisins or dried fruit. They are a sweet, natural treat that’s also nutritious.
• Pack individual servings of crackers or pretzels. These are toddler-friendly snacks that are easy to handle and less messy.
• Use animal crackers or graham cookies. These are fun and a less sugary option compared to traditional sweets.
• Consider yogurt drops or freeze-dried fruit. These snacks are both healthy and interesting for little ones.
• Homemade mini muffins or granola bars can be a hit. Making them yourself allows control over ingredients for healthier options.
• Small cheese sticks or cheese shapes. Cheese is a good source of calcium and protein for toddlers.
• Vegetable sticks with a mild dip. Offering veggies in a fun and appealing way can encourage healthy eating habits.
• Rice cakes or mini rice crackers. These are light snacks that are easy for toddlers to eat.
• Ensure packaging is toddler-friendly. Make sure the snacks are in easy-to-open packages for little hands.

FAQS on party bag fillers

What do you put in a party favor bag for a toddler?

For a toddler’s party favor bag or goodie bags, consider small, age-appropriate items like chunky crayons, stickers, bubbles, or a small picture book. It’s important to choose items that are safe for toddlers, avoiding anything with small parts. Soft toys, playdough, and large building blocks are also good choices for this age group.

What to put in a 4-year-old party bag?

For a 4-year-old’s party bag, include party favors that engage their growing interests and motor skills. Options can include crayons and coloring books, simple puzzles, fun character band-aids, sidewalk chalk, or age-appropriate craft supplies. Small toys like toy cars, dolls, or action figures are also popular choices and fun ideas for goody bags.

How many items should be in a kids’ party bag?

The number of items in a kids’ party bag can vary, but typically 3-5 items are sufficient. It’s more about the quality and relevance of the items than the quantity. A mix of a small toy, something creative like crayons or stickers, and a treat or snack often makes a well-rounded party bag at kids birthday parties.

At what age do you stop giving party bags?

There is no set age for stopping party bags, but they are usually less common for children over the age of 10 or 11. As children grow older, party dynamics change, and the focus may shift more towards activities or experiences rather than physical take-home items.

What not to put in a party bag?

Avoid putting in items that pose safety risks, like small parts for young children, or anything potentially allergenic, like certain foods or latex balloons. Steer clear of overly noisy toys (like whistles or horns) that parents might not appreciate. Consider avoiding excessive sweets and candies, especially for very young children.