Anonymous wrote:OP here. I'm surprised the ChikFilA gift cards didn't go over better. I personally don't really like it, but my DD and her friends beg to go there all the time. And they ooh and ahh when they see the dumb party platters.

There will be personalized cookies at the party. I guess I could give them as favors? Or small boxes of macarons?

$5 does not buy much. We don’t eat there. But it’s fine.

How about a shirt?

Please OP, try to select gender-neutral party favors in order to avoid reinforcing heteronormative stereotypes.

I think pretty colorful stones and gems make a beautiful gift. Parents and children appreciate it. And if child loses it, someone else will find and appreciate or it will become a loose stone in nature, no eco-harm/trash. In Frederick MD, GTC Rock shop sells polished or rough stones by the pound. Nice variety, worth the trip. There's also Earthly Elements gem shop but I've never been there.

Locally, Sacred Circle in Alexandria has a modest selection with many stones in the $1-$5 range.

Twisty puzzle cube.

Go for the food!!! A bag of cookies, brownies, or miniature candies. I don't mind sweets for my kids. I might even steal some. Gel pens, cute socks. I prefer my kids eat it and it's gone. No need to store or throw them away later. And most of it is junk, unfortunately.

Socks have been a hit

Gel pens
Fuzzy socks
Mini flashlights
Keychains

Cute/funny socks
A cute pen or pencil
Cute USEABLE eraser (not those tiny ones)

No gift cards. What kids are reading at age 7 is so different, I wouldn't go that route.

Blind bag Lego minifig
Any kind of tiny plush or plush on a keyring
Water bottle/laptop stickers (or was my 7yo only into those bc she has an older sister?)
If you have a Polaroid camera, a snapshot from the party
Tiny notebook with tiny colored pencils or pens
Fancy wrapped cookie, cake pop, or rice krispie treat

OP here. I'm surprised the ChikFilA gift cards didn't go over better. I personally don't really like it, but my DD and her friends beg to go there all the time. And they ooh and ahh when they see the dumb party platters.

There will be personalized cookies at the party. I guess I could give them as favors? Or small boxes of macarons?

Anonymous wrote:That is all junk.

Yes. Party favors are always junk, unless you can eat it. But do you really need to be sending home cookies and candy after they are filled with cake and ice cream?

PLEASE just skip them

That is all junk.

Anonymous wrote:Gift cards are hard and also may end up in the garbage. The kids or parents may not like the place, or a family member may have food allergies that makes scheduling time to go difficult.

Everything on the list will end up in the garbage.

7-8 year old girls around me are really into those beanie boos. One girl gave them as a favor and they were a huge hit.

Most anything seems like a hit before they get home.