To gift or not to gift, that is the party favor question

Moms everywhere are fed up with the “bags of cheap crap” that serve as party favors at children’s birthday parties.  Parents are so tired of cleaning up the broken pieces of thin plastic that are thrown around in cars and kicked under furnitue, that they are starting to question where this tradition came from, and whether or not it should continue.

Some people believe party favors are given to the invited kids so that they feel better about not getting to open the birthday gifts.  This is not true, and this belief is indicative of many problems.  Only one of which will be addressed here, kids don’t know why they are getting these gifts.  So we should not just ask, “Should we give out party favors?” but also, “Why are we giving out party favors?”

Party favors are a wonderful way to say thank you for coming to the party, and I am all for it.  There are so many ways to say thank you that you do not have to give out the notorious bag of cheap disposable toys.

Parents usually spend about $1 to $7 on party favors per child.  It is perfectly okay to spend whatever amount that you feel comfortable with, but if you are going to give anything, you might as well make it something that the children will really enjoy, and might actually have around for awhile.  “Cheap” toys are actually expensive if they just get thrown in the trash.  Not to mention a waste of your time when you buy and wrap these toys.  As with any type a gift, go quality over quantity, and make it as thoughtful as possible.  So consider focusing on one gift instead of many.  Once you start to think outside the junky party favor aisle, the sky is the limit.  Also consider what you would or would not like your own child to receive as a party favor.  Here are some great examples of party favors that I would not mind my child receiving: 

• Books - It is hard to go wrong with books.  Great new books can be bought on ebay in big lots, so that they can be as cheap as $1 each.  You can easily get a hard cover for $2.50.  Also check thrift stores if you have time.  Sometimes there are brand new books for as little as $.69.  If your budget is as high as $7, you can get fantastic hardcover books for this price.  Throw in a bookmarker and you've got a wonderful gift.  You can get a pack of 24 bookmarkers from Michaels for as little as $2.

• Bubbles - They are always a hit with toddlers, and the fact that the bottles are used up, is even better.

• Balloons - They are usually around $1 each, and you can use them for decorations during the party.

• Single edible treats - A cookie, a lollipop, a bag of fruit snacks, crackers, or Craisins.  They can be given out by themselves or group together.  If the treat is organic, moms will love it even more.

• Bento box - Fill any food container with healthy and kid-friendly food, like a Clementine, a small bunch of grapes, crackers and cheese.

• Foam swords - You can find swords for $2-$3.  Swords are better for kids older than toddlers (they’ll be better about not poking someone’s eye out).

• Big bouncy balls or beach balls - Balls can be found for $2-$6 at any grocery store or big box store.

• Craft project - Decorating felt masks, t-shirts, aprons or capes can be done during the party and taken home as the favor.  The options are endless.

• Art supplies - Color pencils and sketch pad.

• Explorer kit - Magnifying glass, pencil, note pad, and compass.

• School supplies - Pencils, pencil cases, rulers and erasers are fun and practical.

• Wristbands - Wristbands are popular for jocks and rock stars.

• Socks - Yes, I said socks.  Another fun and practical gift.  Look for sales, buy in bulk, or look in the dollar bins for socks with popular children characters.

• Pens - Colorful, gel, or fancy pens are great for kids that are learning how to write, and with older kids that will use the pens at school.

• More substantial toys or gifts - Bigger toys can be picked up inexpensively at stores like Ross, Marshalls, or TJ Maxx.  If you run into a kid sale at your favorite store, keep your mind open and pick up some unique party favors.  The presents do not have to match, just be age appropriate.  Buy packs of toys or make-up such as Hot Wheel cars or nailpolish, and divide into individual gifts.  You can let each child select an item from a box or basket on the way out of the party.  Or wrap everything and let the child pick based on the wrapping.

Since the main purpose of party favors is to say thank you for coming to the party, it is important to have the party favor actually say the words, “Thank you.”  Write on the gift, or use a label, a card, or a sign on the basket or box that hold the favors.  This way, you are telling each child (and parent) why they are receiving the gift.

If, after all this, you still do not want to hand out party favors, then don’t do it.  It’s your prerogative.  You can hand out handwritten notes, or you can say thank you personally with a handshake.  Just remember to say, “thank you.”