I love having one basket that contains one tree/toy for each kid to take as they head out the door. So, no bags, they just leave with that one treat. We have done: a magic wand, a lip gloss, a rings pop, and a key chain for our last 4 parties. We did books for our oldest’s 1st bday a small jungle animal figurines for another kid’s 1st. Still junk to some, but only one thing instead of a whole bag.
I also hate managing the junk. It’s such a big task as a mom to a few kids. But I do like the idea of thanking guests for celebrating with us (and the treats are a great way to signify the party is over too, as others have said!).

Not really for kids who are infants, toddlers and preschoolers.

But, I had once got geometry boxes for favors for my MS kid's birthday. His friends are quite nerdy like him.

I don't like the throw away stuff but my kids were really into goodie bags. I have used


a tee ball
post it notes
mini notebooks
pencils, pencils, crayons
coloring book
stickers
bubble wand
lego mini figures (I found some on clearance once!)


I am anti slime, play dough, those sticky things you throw at the wall...

Anonymous wrote:water bottles with their names on them - either stickers or just write it fancy in permanent marker

unless this is Yeti, Owala, or Hydro flask don’t bother. These plastic bottles are always thrown away.

Anonymous wrote:Live goldfish! We did this one year and the parents still talk about it

please don’t do this. I witnessed many die in transition from a party to homes.

Anonymous wrote:Things we have done or received and liked:

Magnifying glass for bugs
Random animal ears…such a hit
Books
Seeds / terracotta pot

We have done the first two so it makes me happy that others think those are good favors!

Things we have done or received and liked:

Magnifying glass for bugs
Random animal ears…such a hit
Books
Seeds / terracotta pot

Something edible so I don't feel guilty when I inevitably throw it away.
Customized cookie, maybe? There's a woman in my neighborhood who advertises cute ones on FB.

We've done baseball hats, cowboy hats, bubbles and chalk, books, water toys for a pool party, etc. Go with something with the theme of the party, nothing plastic and nothing edible for the little ones. Tweens and teens, sure, food is fine

Wind up toys are fun

Anonymous wrote:I love playdoh!

Are there really preschool kids who don’t play with playdoh? That sounds sad.

I will say I dislike the little bubble containers because they almost never work, kids get frustrated and we throw them away. If you’re going to do bubbles, give out the full size bubble wands from Target, it’s only $1

Play dough has gluten, in case somebody has a wheat allergy or celiac.

Lego poly bag. Every kid gets the same one.

We did small coloring books with a small pack of crayons.
I also hated always getting plastic cheap crap at birthday parties. I’d rather my child doesn’t get a party favor then junk that just ends up in a landfill.

I love playdoh!

Are there really preschool kids who don’t play with playdoh? That sounds sad.

I will say I dislike the little bubble containers because they almost never work, kids get frustrated and we throw them away. If you’re going to do bubbles, give out the full size bubble wands from Target, it’s only $1

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Live goldfish! We did this one year and the parents still talk about it

I bet they do

I would hate that. OP please don’t do this to parents.

Agreed. My preference would be zero favor.