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Any Suggestions for Class Goodie Bags for Older Kids That Aren't a Waste?

My son turned 11 today, and he was told he can bring in goodie bags for his class of 25 kids on Monday. I hate buying silly things at party stores that seem babyish for his age and that other moms groan when seeing because it's all clutter that they'll end up throwing away. Does anyone have a suggestion for something for each child that they can really use, that's cool, and that won't break the bank? It's a tall order, I know, and I appreciate your help! I have only one day to shop--lol! Help! I'd assumed that the goodie bag madness would stop by this age!

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So What Happened?™

Many thanks for all of the great suggestions. I also appreciated those who pointed out that these types of celebrations will be over by middle school, which is only a year away for my son. When I looked at it as a sweet thing to do and a reminder of a more innocent time, it was a heck of a lot more fun. I definitely needed an attitude adjustment! We ended up finding huge erasers that said "For BIG Mistakes" on the top. They were oversized versions of the standard pink eraser, and my son said the kids loved them. We put in mini bags of swedish fish and sour patch kids (Just two each--very small so moms wouldn't get too upset about sugar overload) and cool pencils. Thanks again for all of the help!

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the kids I nanny for stop doing class goody bags in 4th grade. instead they donate books to the teachers library and inside the kids get to write donated by and their names. other than that the only thing I would suggest is skipping goody bags and just send a treat like a rice crispy treat

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I would go with pencils or erasers. That's school-related and something every kid can use, boy or girl.

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He was told by who?
Check with the school yourself before buying anything. Kids often bring home a whole lot of misinformation. He can always take it in a day later.
Maybe they are suggesting this instead of treats, because of allergies?
If that's the case I would just go with unisex pencils (like rainbow prism or something) and stickers.

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I would go with pencils or erasers. That's school-related and something every kid can use, boy or girl.

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the kids I nanny for stop doing class goody bags in 4th grade. instead they donate books to the teachers library and inside the kids get to write donated by and their names. other than that the only thing I would suggest is skipping goody bags and just send a treat like a rice crispy treat

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Pencils, erasers, things like that? Tiny spiral notebook? Check the dollar section at Target.... they often have stuff for goodie bags that might be appropriate. I would avoid anything that is more like a "toy", since they may become a distraction during class... (unless he passes them out just before school is released for the day....)

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Well, why do you have to bring them in? We never did goody bags in class when I was in school, nor have I seen the kids at DD's school do it. It's just too much, IMO. Does your child want to bring these in? Or is because you're feeling a little parental peer pressure to do it? Or, are you not doing a party, so this is your way of making it up to him? I've never heard of this trend, so I'm not sure what to get. The kids seem a little old for goody bags, honestly. I would forgo them.

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Well my daughter is in 5th grade, and some of the kids are turning 11.
What the kids like... are those Fruit roll ups things... "Fruit By The Foot." They also like brownies, from Costco. Its good.
They also like, Popcorn, in ziplock bags.
They also like, Popsicles.

I would not buy "toy" type goody bags... but food, snack type things that they can EAT.

OR if you want something useful, then those "Japanese Food Erasers" are a big hit... here in my State. You can find it online. Kids, both boys and girls, LOVE those and collect it.
And kids always need, erasers.

Or they also like those "Gelly Roll" pens. You can buy it in a multipack, break up the pack, and put a single one in each bag.

Yes, as I said, my daughter is in 5th grade. Some of the kids... DO still bring birthday food type treats for their class... or goody bags still. BUT the Teacher does not TELL the child to do it, nor does the Teacher instigate it. It is the child... or the parent... that decides. It is their, choice. And if a parent or child wants to do that, the Teacher allows it. As long as it is not nuts because the school is a nut-free school.

As for the goody-bag "madness"... no, at my daughter's school it is not madness. And this is the last year of elementary school before the 5th graders go onto, middle school. That is how it is per grades here. Anyway, so although I myself generally do not do goody bags... being this is my daughter's LAST year of Elementary school, for her Birthday this year, I will bring some brownies for her class. It is just sentimental... before she goes onto Middle School, and therefore, these cute kid things, will then be non-existent! And kids at that age won't even want... you around! So why not? My kiddo is only in 5th grade... and the kids in her grade are still very nice kids mostly... not miniature "teen" mode kids who disdain kid, things. Yet. They, from what I observe, still have a gaiety about... birthday treats and what not. Its nice to see. Kids, being kids.

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A goodie bag in sixth grade? Even DD's preschool only does a special snack (like cupcakes). So...if he wants to bring in something, you can get water bottles, or ask if you can bring in ice cream or some other treat (even HS kids like candy) or look and see what might be fun from the Target $1 section (girls are easier...there's a ton of girly things there).

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I would do a Rice Krispie Treat, a Fruit Roll-Up and a Kool-aid Jammer.

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