This children’s book was a favorite at DD’s party:

https://www.amazon.com/Plot-Against-King-Kash-Patel/dp/1955550123

Anonymous wrote:Art kits, bubbles

Temu and Oriental Trading offer lots of options for these, and also other great party favors.

At that age, I did small coloring books and crayons. Like this The Little Animal ABC Coloring... https://www.amazon.com/dp/0486258343?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Generally, the best ones are consumables or something the kids can use or wear immediately.

At age 5 my kid had a superhero birthday party where everyone decorated and took home a cape and mask. A helium balloon (also used as decoration) and anchored with candy was a favorite. Character socks, slime, play doh, candy, seed bombs, watercolor paints, keychains, etc. Kids like this stuff. Yes, adults understandably see it as junk, but kids universally like it.

A book and candy. Don’t bother to put in a plastic bag.

A small stuffie.

I got some Pocky and unusual but kid-friendly kit kat flavors from the Asian supermarket (like strawberry).

Anonymous wrote:Live goldfish!

I hope you are joking

Anonymous wrote:Homemade play doh wrapped in wax paper?

Oh please no

We've tied party favors in the party theme.

One year we did a s'mores party -- gave kids the metal stick as a favor .. as I labeled them with their names

One party sleepover we puffy painted pillow cases .. Every kid takes theirs home -- that was the favor.

We give one small item instead of a goodie bag. This has included: a child-sized mug, a child-sized lantern, one Hot Wheels car, or something from the dollar spot at Target. I end up spending about what I would have spent on a goodie bag (or even way less), the kids are still happy they got something, and the parents are happy it's not a bag full of candy and junk.

Live goldfish!

Skip it or books. I always skipped it.

We just didn't do any party favors

All of these threads end up the same. Junk can defined a million way. One person says books. Another says go to the library. Another says a cookie. Someone else says no sugar. Bubbles = plastic. Just do what feels right to you. You can't please everyone.