First Birthday Party Favors?

We always buy books as party favors for our kids parties. A single book -- board or paperback -- for each child. We get a book our child likes or chooses him/herself then sign the inside cover of each book. When our kids couldn't write, us parents would write the message. As our children have aged and can write themselves, they write: "Thank you for coming to my 6th birthday party. Your friend XXXXX." It's something that the party-goers can keep for a long time. Parents appreciate that it's not some cheap toy that will break or end up under-foot, and not candy which nobody needs more of.

Have a great time at the party.

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Bouncy balls.

Obviously, the large ones filled with air, not the little ones. You can have a bin where everyone gets to choose one to take home. Leftovers are no problem, since a person can really never have to many bouncy balls.

If the kids are a lot older (like five and up) hacky sacks would be even better. Younger then 3 and there's the whole sucking on them issue until the little beads come out.

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Mix CD's of songs that are both kid and adult friendly are always a hit. also, kid-size water bottles are useful and inexpensive. the moms will love you for not giving out candy or "throwaway" toys.

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Try this site: http://www.orientaltrading.com/

I've purchased party favors, incentives for classroom participation, small gifts for co-workers on Valentine's day, etc. from them. They are much less expensive than the same items purchased from a store. It looks like you have some time before his birthday--and I've found their catalogs can be easier and less overwhelming than the website (if you request one).

For our daughter's recent birthday party, I made note of what ages/genders the kids at her daycare are, and was able to put together some very affordable, gender themed, and fun thank-you gifts!

My husband and I decided next time though to do something less "landfill destined" and will probably do something the kids can help create: Picture frames from IKEA decorated with stickers as one of the "activities" at the party, we will send them home with a "Thanks for coming to my party" note in the frame and then send pics of each guest at the party afterwards. We just didn't have time this year!

Most of all, don't stress about it! If it's a great party, and people enjoy the cake and ice-cream, a goodie bag is just a bonus! ;)

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I like the ball suggestion, espically with the sports theme party. What about making a CD with all of your child's favorite music on it? Stickers and bubbles are always a big hit around here too! Good luck and have a GREAT time!!

Small plant - watch us grow!

Actually, the gift you gave at your daughter's party is one of the most creative, useful party favors I have ever heard of. Do the same thing, because at least it will get used. (99.9% of party favors go straight in the trash as soon as they get home.)

My daughter's birthday is in the summer and we gave out little sand pails, a jar of bubbles, a book, and a small bag of crackers. The pails and books were each $1 at Target and the bubbles and crackers were even cheaper I think. It was very affordable for us, but worked for the kids were were 4 as well as the kids who were 1.

www.birthdayexpress.com - You can buy themed boxes or pails of favors. For my son we did Curious George and the boxes were like happy meal boxes that came with sturdy whistles (three years later they still work), stickers, a plush monkey and a candy dispenser. It was so cute the adults were all playing with them and took home the few leftovers. This is a baseball one they have:

http://www.birthdayexpress.com/Baseball-Favor-Box/42446/P...

Or if you want some general ones they have Baby Einstein, First Birthday, and TONS of other themes to choose from. They are so easy to assemble and are not cheapo junk.

If you want to assemble your own (I've done this too) - little balls, sheets of stickers, sports themed coloring pads and individual crayons, sport shaped cookies, bubbles, cars (always a hit with boys), glowsticks, and candy (although you may need to create age-appropriate bags and put two cookies in a one-year old bag and so on). Best of luck!

D.,

We went to a party not long ago. The favors included play doh...small containers that can be found at the dollar store. It gave me something to show and share with my kids.

Good luck,
T.