Grace Avignon
Party favors have always been a mystery to me, a source of anxiety that I can’t seem to conquer. Now I know it’s not rocket science, but I admit, rather embarrassingly, that the crafty mom side of me is lacking. My last party, for my son, our favors were bought- prepackaged- at the store. They seemed so… ordinary. I marvel at the party hostess that has it all together. What was her inspiration? Where did she find these neat baubles? How did she do it? At the last party I was at, I stood before rows and rows of pink cellophane bags with marabou trim and vowed, “Today is the day I debunk the goody bag mystery once and for all!” So, my fellow baffled beauties, I set out on my trek to find the answers to my party holy grail, determined to find the 5 simple steps to spectacular goody bags and sisters, here they are!
Don’t break the bank
In my research, you can make a great goody bag without spending over $4-6 a piece. Set your spending limit and stick to it. By sticking to your budget guns, you’ll use your ingenuity and avoid the “goody bag meltdown” of having too many items that just don’t make sense.
Think of you audience
Remember, although the adults may seem impressed, it is the kids you are buying for and they don’t need a Tiffany’s bracelet to make them go “ooh” and “ahh.” Find items that are age appropriate and fit the party theme. (Party Holy grail hint: Sticking to a theme could be as easy as using a single overall color like ballet pink or royal blue) Here’s an age breakdown I found on Parenting.com:
For guests that are:
Ages 2 -3 :
Buy 2 nice “B” things such as bubbles, bath toys, balls and books (The thick kind that tiny fingers can’t tear or toddler teeth can’t gnaw through).
4-8 years
Guests this age value quantity over quality, so pick 4 to 5 little items that are sure to thrill them. Use Items such as, stickers, clay, mini puzzles, sidewalk chalk, whistles, water squirters, bracelets and rings (both sexes equally enjoy these, by the way).
Older kids
They’re back to liking a few bigger and nicer items. They really like things they can use to express themselves. A small diary and a pen, markers and a stuffed animal or a neat craft that they have made at the party and can take home. Let your child help pick items for their friends, they’ll love it.
Use all your resources
There are so many avenues to explore what’s available for your party, here are a few:
The internet: give yourself enough time for shipping (usually 7-10 days) and places like www.orientaltradingcompany,com and www.birthdayexpress.com could be your best friends. Just type your theme in the search box and see what comes up. Also check out www.buycostumes.com, they have some pretty nifty pre assembled bags as well. You could add your personal touch to the faboulous-ness that have already put together.
The dollar store: I have found the Atlantis of goody bags! There are rows and rows of neat little treats, specialty candy, stickers and toys- all under a dollar. Also, don’t forget the neat dollar bins at places like Target and Wal-Mart. If you plan ahead, a few trips here could yield many items and a few bucks to spare so you can splurge on the container and trim.
As for the container: Think Function and form
A pretty cellophane bag will work but use something more durable and your guests will have yet another goody to remember the event by. On my quest, I have found things like sand pails, tiny purses, little knap sacks all work well and far outlive the party. Use the websites above to explore your options. You can also visit www.containerstore.com for other creative options.
Wrap it up with style
Packages are always more fun when they are done up with a bit more pomp and circumstance. Use pretty trims, like marabou or rick rack. You can find this in any novelty section of a craft store or in my favorites like Wal-mart or the dollar store. For name tags you can use place cards, name badges, or even stuffed animals with names written on them in permanent marker or puff paint. Your creativity is the limit.
Looking back on my explorations I see that the Goody bag treat is all about expressing your child’s unique personality and personifying it in a way your guests can enjoy. I feel empowered, with these simple rules, using simplicity and creativity, an amazing goody bag can be made by all! Happy hunting!
