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Mad libs (older kid)
Full size coloring book with a box of crayola crayons (younger kids) A decorated/boxed cookie or cupcake |
+1 I would have said thanks because that’s the polite thing to do but I would not have been thrilled with your plastic cup, junk food snack (who needs a snack after a birthday party?) and candy. |
| A stuffed animal- a Beanie Boo specifically. |
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Crayons/pencils/pens depending on age and an activity book that goes with the party theme
Something to play with that goes with the party theme - capes and masks and accessories for a super hero party, etc. Don’t do candy or food or plastic junk PLEASE |
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According to me - Anything practical - reusable cup with a character on it, water bottle, pencils and sharpener, character socks, notebook, coloring / activity book.
According to my 5yr old son - light saber, foam baton that lights up that he can pretend is a light saber, small Lego sets like the $3.99 bags by the Target checkout, play doh, candy, gum, helium balloon, Japanese puzzle erasers, ring pops, kinder eggs. If cost is no option - give a Stasher reusable zip top bag. They are so awesome for packing lunch and snacks. Fill it with a kinderegg, a ring pop, and Japanese puzzle eraser. You can buy the eggs in bulk at Costco or BJs. You can get the bags at Bed Bath and Beyond with 20% coupons. You get the erasers on Amazon. |
| Book/coloring book/bandaids on theme |
PP here - about 20 minutes a week, that's why this one caught my attention to have seen it so much! |
| Has any kid ever eaten more than a few licks of those rock candy things? |
| A single stick of rock candy is like a beautiful rose. Preserved in cellophane, it made me cry with its purity and heartbreaking elegance. I’ve seen this rare thing once at a child’s party. Just a glimpse but it changed me forever. |
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The best ever?
A T-shirt! Parents handed out themed t-shirts they had custom made up for the party. They were a huge hit. |
| If you insist on goody bags and money isn't an option a cute card of an ice cream cone with a paper gift card or cash. Otherwise a cotton t-shirt. Parents are swimming in clutter - and we have over 13,000 landfills in this country due to all the trash we produce. Kids do not need more plastic junk. Just being invited to birthday parties makes my kids so happy, they don't need the high from disposable stuff - which is all a goody bag is. |
| A coupon for a free jump from skyzone. We also had a party give a coupon for icecream. I went to anparty at little gym where we were given a coupon gor a free class. I used them. |
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Labels from Oliver’s labels (kids were meh but parents liked them)
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