Party Bag Ideas That Aren’t Just Lollies & Plastic Bits (A Parent’s Honest Guide)

Party bags are one of those things we all have feelings about.

On one hand — our kids absolutely love them.

On the other — we know most of what’s inside ends up broken, sticky, lost under the car seat… or quietly binned.

If you’ve ever stood in a discount store filling bags with stuff that feels a bit pointless (but you’re doing it anyway because that’s just what you do), this post is for you.

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being a little more intentional — without taking the fun out of it.

Below is a big, generous list of party bag alternatives you can mix, match, and make your own.

First: A Gentle Reframe on Lollies 🍭

Let’s just say it out loud — kids love lollies.And that’s okay.

You don’t need to remove them entirely to make better choices.

A great middle ground?

• One lolly (a lollipop, freckle, or small chocolate)

• Paired with something playful, useful or creative

Instead of a bag full of sugar and plastic…you give them a treat + something that lasts.

Thoughtful, Kid-Approved Party Bag Ideas

Sensory & Play-Based Ideas

These are always a win — calming, creative, and actually used.

• Mini playdough tubs

• Playdough stampers or rollers

• Small potion-style play kits

• Bouncy balls

• Slime (or slime mix kits)

• Stress balls or squishies (simple ones, not noisy gimmicks)

• Small tubs of kinetic sand or coloured rice

These are the kinds of things kids pull out again later — not just on party day.

📚 Book & Paper-Based Favourites

Perfect for quieter kids and a lovely balance to high-energy parties.

• Bookmarks

• Mini activity books

• Colouring-in pages rolled and tied with string

• Small notebooks or journals

• Story postcards or affirmation cards for kids

• Stickers (always stickers)

You can theme these to the party or keep them neutral.

🎨 Creative & Craft Ideas

Especially good if your party already includes a creative activity.

• Crayons or coloured pencils

• Chalk (great for outdoor parties)

• Watercolour paint dots

• Bead bracelets or bracelet kits

• Sticker scenes

• Simple weaving cards

• Stamps and ink pads

Bonus points if kids make it at the party and take it home — no extra waste, no extra bag.

🌿 Nature-Inspired & Low-Waste Options

Simple, nostalgic, and often parent-approved.

• Seed packets

• Pressed flowers

• Pebbles or crystals

• Wooden tokens or loose parts

• Nature treasure bags for collecting outdoors

• Mini magnifying glasses

These feel special without being flashy.

🧸 Practical (But Still Fun) Ideas

Things parents quietly appreciate.

• Reusable snack containers

• Drink bottles

• Hair clips or scrunchies

• Socks (fun ones!)

• Temporary tattoos

• Mini sunscreen sticks (summer parties)

Useful doesn’t have to be boring.

Personalisation Without the Junk

You don’t need novelty plastic to make something feel special.

A simple personalised sticker with:

• Your child’s name

• Their age

• A colour or theme to match the party

…can turn almost anything into a keepsake.

A Sensory Option We Offer (If You’re Looking)

If you want something ready-made, we offer:

• Mini playdough tubs

• Potion-style play packs

• Personalised stickers to suit your party theme

And just to be clear —you don’t need to book a party with us to purchase these.

They’re designed to replace traditional party bags with something calmer, more thoughtful, and genuinely enjoyed.

The Takeaway (No Guilt, Promise)

Party bags don’t need to be:

• Overfilled

• Overpriced

• Full of stuff no one wants

One or two thoughtful items + one sweet treat is more than enough.

At the end of the day, kids want:

• To feel included

• To feel excited

• To take something home

And parents want fewer bits of… stuff (you know the word 😉).

If this post helps you rethink party bags — even just a little — that’s a win.

🤍Jessie

Founder & Creative Director,

Wonder Seekers Sensory Play