How to Buy Birthday Party Favors

You don't hear kids complain about the usual birthday party loot bag, but to most moms, it just means more sugar after all that cake and ice cream and more plastic junk to clutter the house. It takes some creativity to find birthday party favors to please pint-sized partygoers and their parents alike, but doing so can win you the reputation of a hostess with the mostess.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Consider working in the birthday party's theme. Instead of throwing taffy and chocolate in a Dora the Explorer printed plastic bag, what about a Dora plastic or melanine cup or plate that can be reused at every mealtime? Bounce balls and kick balls come in character themes and encourage kids to be active. Conclude a Thomas the Tank Engine party with an engineer's cap and whistle to make dress up games more fun.
2. Think about the season. For springtime birthday parties, a kid-themed watering pail and a bulb will lead to fun in the garden. A pail and shovel or other beach toy is perfect for summer, while some back-to-school items like themed pencils or lunch thermoses are fun for fall. As the winter holidays approach, try a cookie cutter and a few of your child's favorite recipes.
3. Give gift cards for ice cream kiddie cones or admission to an inexpensive nearby kids' attraction. Tokens to a local arcade are great for older children.
4. Treat the kids to a beautifully decorated iced cookie wrapped in plastic with a bow, for later consumption. Cookies By Design is known for their unique decorating style, but a local bakery or even a supermarket might offer this service as well.
5. Suggest good, clean fun by giving bath-toy party favors. You can give a set of soap crayons, some rubber duckies or bath books. This is a great gift when the partygoers are babies and toddlers.
6. Send the kids home with paperback books and everyone will be happy. You can stay within the theme and find character storybooks or just select some age appropriate books that aren't too expensive. DoverPublications.com has a well-priced children's book selection, and dollar stores carry kids' books, too.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid giving toys with small parts to children younger than 3 years old, to prevent choking hazards.

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