I gave everyone a book. Each was under 3 dollars. It even fit the theme of the party. Is there really a major expectation to do this??

We gave a paperback book (bought the multi-book packs from Scholastic) and a helium balloon. I would be happy to skip them, because I think that favors are really unnecessary for a child's party, but my kid knows they are expected and she really likes to give them. I prefer one "big" (not expensive) item rather than a bunch of little trinkets and crap, but my kid loves whatever.

Anonymous wrote:We've used these bags as an art project and goody bag.

https://www.amazon.com/Rhode-Island-Novelty-Canvas-Natural/dp/B004UA8ZV2/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1504577421&sr=8-8&keywords=small+fabric+bags

The kids decorate their own bag during the party using fabric markers. Towards the end of the party we do a pinata and the prizes they collect go in the bag to take home.

It's easy, fun and part of the party activities.

This was my mom's go-to in the early 90's with paper bags, markers, and a pinata! So fun!

My DS is only 3, so we've always done a "craft" at his parties - year 1 was foam door hangers with those foam stickers and a treat (s'more on a stick) to-go, year 2 was a foam airplane with foam stickers and take-home either a pull-back car and/or a train whistle, and year 3 was a goody bag with tattoos, candy, stickers, and a beach ball.

Take a look at Oriental Trading - they have cars hats, trophy plastic cups, and other goodies. Or you could do a food favor - a brownie with a red, yellow, and green m&m to look like a traffic light? When all else fails - balloons!

We've used these bags as an art project and goody bag.

https://www.amazon.com/Rhode-Island-Novelty-Canvas-Natural/dp/B004UA8ZV2/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1504577421&sr=8-8&keywords=small+fabric+bags

The kids decorate their own bag during the party using fabric markers. Towards the end of the party we do a pinata and the prizes they collect go in the bag to take home.

It's easy, fun and part of the party activities.

Anonymous wrote:No one wants more crap in their homes. Make a batch of awesome cookies, stack about 6 of them and wrap in a cellophane bag with a cool ribbon or other tie, and send them off.

Consumables are win-win for all.

Ugh, don't do that. Unless I've been to your house and seen your kitchen, any "homemade" items get tossed. I've seen too many home with dogs or cats running around, cats on the counter, dogs jumping and getting food off the counter and I don't trust homemade goods unless I know the cooks and their kitchens. Unknown kitchens and cooked goods get tossed. Waste of money.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I do a favor instead of a goody bag. When my son was 4 and had a Cars themed party I bought the 20 pack of diecast Cars vehicles, then bought cellophane bags and ordered a cute cardstock topper from Etsy. I put them all in a basket and each kid chose one on their way out. Done.

Did the kids fight over which character car they wanted? And what kind of cardstock topper did you order? Not OP but have a birthday party for 5 yr old coming up in December and he loves the Cars cars fo I was thinking of doing the same.

I don't think anyone fought over anything. Maybe I even just did regular Hot Wheels, I don't remember that clearly either. I just went on Etsy and looked up Cars favor bag toppers.

I'm a parent and I don't mind receiving a goodie bag for my kid. If it's good, she can play and keep and if it's cheap or junk, she can play and toss. Giving nothing seems really cheap to me. Those who said they give nothing on the premise that parents don't want junk.. keep lying to yourself!