Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How is this any different from the matchbox cars that act as balloon weights and each kid takes a balloon home? I see post about that all the time and others co sign what a great idea that is to use the decorations as a favor and it is not crap. It sounds fine to me. But I do see that some kids might fight - so maybe pick them up and put them in bags before you end the party

The matchbox cars aren't used, and they haven't been played with at the party. OP - add a lollipop to the bag and you're fine.

I think it is totally fine to give as a favor something used and/or something that has been played with at the party. Also fine to not give it in a bag. I would be more annoyed being given a small plastic bag that will end up in the landfill than just being handed a toy (or my kid being told to pick one out). This is the same as doing a pinata with small toys and letting the kids keep the favors, which would be played with during the party.

Anonymous wrote:How is this any different from the matchbox cars that act as balloon weights and each kid takes a balloon home? I see post about that all the time and others co sign what a great idea that is to use the decorations as a favor and it is not crap. It sounds fine to me. But I do see that some kids might fight - so maybe pick them up and put them in bags before you end the party

The matchbox cars aren't used, and they haven't been played with at the party. OP - add a lollipop to the bag and you're fine.

That’s fine. Don’t put them in bags. No need for single-use plastics.

Party favors need to end.

Op I like your idea with the caveats from others here about how to distribute. As you can see you’ll never please everyone (for the parent who wanted goldfish instead there’s one that will say “ugh goldfish, more processed food!”) so just remember your friends are probably nicer than those posting here and will be fine with whatever

This seems like a lot of tears and fighting about to happen--both letting them pick what they'll play with and letting them pick what they'll take home.

It would be fine with me. My 5 year old son would love it!

I would also be fine with no party favor at all, though my son expects it at this point despite me telling him no one has to get him a present for coming to a party.

I’m sorry, but used action figures played with during a party as a favor is strange to me, and I’d be annoyed if my kid brought one home. More junk to clutter the house. I’d stick with lollipops, Goldfish, and stickers. The kids don’t need more toys!

I love the idea! I would much rather my kid come home with one cool item than the usual junk bag. Super cool, and I know my dd would love it too. She wouldn't care that it wasn't new in a package - I think she'd enjoy having it even more remembering the fun she had playing with her friends at the party.

Anonymous wrote:If you do this and put them in bags, throw something else in the bag along with it. Pack of goldfish crackers, a bouncy ball, a lollipop. Something so it’s more of a goody bag.

This is fine, and at least Goldfish are “useful,” but you also don’t have to do this. I’ve been to many parties that had one (decent) item per kid and no “goody bag” with multiple items. A single bigger dinosaur toy, a book, a water bottle, etc. It was fine or better than fine, and nobody complained there weren’t traditional (haha) goody bags. I would slip the figures into individual opaque bags though, in addition to choosing yourself— to cut down on drama. (“I don’t want THAT one!”)

Anonymous wrote:A used toy played with at the party is not really a favor. That is you getting rid of them.

Disagree about the used part— people are way too uptight about “used” things (besides OP said she bought them). It’s better for the planet, for discouraging consumerism (kinda), and you can usually get something nicer than if you bought new. Besides, if they were playing with them during that party, assuming they were in good condition when you got them, it will feel like a continuation of the party and less “cheap” to the snootier parents than otherwise giving unboxed toys.

Agree you shouldn’t let them choose, though.

If you do this and put them in bags, throw something else in the bag along with it. Pack of goldfish crackers, a bouncy ball, a lollipop. Something so it’s more of a goody bag.

Anonymous wrote:I like your idea. Just don’t let them pick. Gather the figures and throw them in bags at the end and hand them out as they’re walking out the door.

+1, don’t let them pick. It will be a disaster.

I like your idea. Just don’t let them pick. Gather the figures and throw them in bags at the end and hand them out as they’re walking out the door.

I did a picture frame craft at a party once and the frame was the favor. Kids seemed happy. If parents don't think its good enough then thats on them.