This threads are always hysterical. Hosts should do whatever they want since no one can ever agree what is junk, what is healthy and what is fun.

Anonymous wrote:Get wooden toys:

https://www.target.com/p/fisher-price-color-wheel-puzzle/-/A-93787156#lnk=sametab

https://www.target.com/p/melissa-38-doug-go-tots-wooden-race-cars-2-cars-2-disks/-/A-84799841#lnk=sametab

https://www.target.com/p/melissa-38-doug-blockables-woodland-creatures-blocks/-/A-93617356#lnk=sametab

https://www.target.com/p/melissa-38-doug-magnetic-wooden-alphabet/-/A-82439393#lnk=sametab

https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/lillabo-3-piece-train-set-60320094/

https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/fjaellvrak-puzzle-70582354/

(discount stores often have melissa and doug for cheaper)

No, I think OP is on the right track trying to come up with something consumable. In the past I’ve done things like themed lollipops (look on Etsy), Ring Pop and stickers, sticker activity sheets, travel sized sunscreen (for my summer bday kid’s summer-themed party), mini pumpkins (for my fall kid’s bday), box of crayons, etc. Basically something that isn’t now going to need a permanent place to live in someone’s home until they toss or donate it.

Anonymous wrote:seems like a sticky mess to me and a lot of trouble. no favors needed.

+1
Exactly what I don’t want in my car, especially when I’ll likely be running around the rest of the day.
Just don’t do favors or if you really want to, do a small book or sticker book or little stuffed animal or something related to the theme of the party

No. I don't want to have to worry about fruit getting smushed or staying cool on the way home if I've got other places to go first. Just normalize skipping favors.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Weird and my kid has some fruit allergies. Get a wooden toy, book or nothing.

Are fruit allergies a thing? And if they are, the kid just won’t take it.

Yes a common thing.

Precut fruit is also a big source of food related illness.

Not to mention, if you want to avoid plastic sending a plastic container of fruit makes no sense.

I have found board books under $8 and given those as favors.

Anonymous wrote:This thread is why I don’t do birthday parties for my toddler. I think fruit sounds lovely, but you’ll always find someone to complain about an idea.

Why do you care so much what others may think in their heads that it's driving your actual actions and decisions? Have a party if you think your kid will enjoy it. No one else is thinking about the party favor the day after the party.

Anonymous wrote:I like weird! Why the heck not? Berries are so expensive, we also ration them out. You certainly can’t please everyone, why not do something unique instead of something people always do.

That’s exactly why it’s weird. It’s tone deaf. A lot of people can’t even budget for berries right now with grocery prices. Handing them out like candy (literally) is not reading the room. Looks like throwing money around when kids would be happy with a ten cent sticker.

It also comes off very health mom/virtue signaling.

Anonymous wrote:This thread is why I don’t do birthday parties for my toddler. I think fruit sounds lovely, but you’ll always find someone to complain about an idea.

You should grow thicker skin.

I agree with no plastic crap bur fruit as a favor is bizarre. Do a cookie or fun candy or something.
We’ve done a soccer theme party and had soccer cookies as the favor.

I put the same stuff in the goodie bags that I do for toddler ‘sport’ snacks. A juice box, a bag of goldfish, and a dumdum.

Kids are always hungry after a party - where all they did was run around and eat a bite of pizza and a mini cup cake. This way they can snack on the drive home.

I think the kids just want to get a grab bag and don’t particularly care what’s inside. But they’d be disappointed with nothing at all and going home empty handed.

I like weird! Why the heck not? Berries are so expensive, we also ration them out. You certainly can’t please everyone, why not do something unique instead of something people always do.

This is weird.

Just don’t do favors. Easy!

Anonymous wrote:This thread is why I don’t do birthday parties for my toddler. I think fruit sounds lovely, but you’ll always find someone to complain about an idea.

Op majority seems in favor though! Definitely not buying crap to add to the landfill.

This thread is why I don’t do birthday parties for my toddler. I think fruit sounds lovely, but you’ll always find someone to complain about an idea.

Anonymous wrote:This is a bizarre idea. Do a coloring book and crayons.

Most kids have plenty of coloring books and crayons.