We give a sticker book or age appropriate reading book.

I can't stand the wasteful aspect goodie bags with plastic junk. Honestly I can't stand balloons either. But I am sensitive to the sound of them popping or being manhandled by my kids.

We have never done bags, only favors. Agree with balloons and books. One year we did basic board games and that was a huge hit (mainly bc DS's birthday is in December and we scored on Black Friday with dirt cheap games).

please no favors, we have done books, you can get free ice cream cone coupons for the kids

I don't think it's a big deal to skip the goodie bag, OP. Some kids might be disappointed, but they can deal with it. It sounds like you have a fun party planned, which I'm sure they will all enjoy.

I'd pick a $1 item from target if you're lazy.

Anonymous wrote:Kids love balloons!

+1

We gave out a balloon at our four-year-old's party, and the kids were thrilled.

Skip them - skip them - skip them

Goody bags are wastes time f money bags of crap. Totally unnecessary. If you want to give something by a bouquet of balloons at the dollar store, tie one to the back of each kids chair and have them take a ballon home.

Another vote for skip them!

All of the people listing their ideas for great alternatives - we never keep any of that stuff. You mean so well and yes the kids are happy to/expect to get it, but it's a pleasure that really doesn't last much beyond the ride home, in my experience.

Kids will ask for them because they are used to them, but ask any little kid about a party they've been to and they are NOT going to remember the favors.