How to Decorate Goody Bags

Birthday parties are not complete without the goody bag. Some choose to prepare the goody bags prior to the party and hand out them out at the end. Others make decorating goody bags part of the birthday celebration. Decorating goody bags allow creativity and imagination to shine through. Goody bags are also popular for holidays like Halloween. Prepare these goody bags ahead of time with the help of your family.

Things You'll Need

• Stickers Stencils Glitter Glue Markers Crayons Pencils Paint Rubber stamps Paper bags Plastic sandwich bags Canvas bags Label paper Sharpies Polaroid pictures Plastic picture frames Popsicle sticks Terra cotta pots Flower seeds Hats Ribbons Feathers Flowers Tulle Small wooden boxes

Instructions

1. Follow the theme. Decorate goody bags that coincide with the party's theme such as pirates or princesses. Try decorating the bag with a ship, gold coins, princess themed stickers or a crown. Imitate a holiday theme for decorating a goody bag such as pumpkins and ghosts for Halloween or snowflakes and snowmen for the winter holidays.

2. Buy supplies. Make a list of ideas and possible decorations. Know the number of goody bags you need to make. Go to the craft store and purchase supplies such as stickers, stencils, glitter, glue, markers, crayons, paint and rubber stamps. Decide what type of goody bag to decorate such as paper bags, plastic sandwich bags or a canvas bag.

3. Start decorating. Prepare holiday goody bags, like Halloween, in advance so they are ready to give out. Use stencils to trace an appropriate design onto the bag. Color the design with markers or crayons. Write a relevant phrase such as, "Trick or Treat" or "Boo" on each goody bag. Enhance the design with stickers, stamps and glitter. Try printing stickers off the Internet using sticky labels as paper. Utilizing plastic sandwich bags for birthday goody bags allow you to write a personal message to guests. Create a design using various colored sharpies and write a message such as, "Guest name, thank you for coming to my party!"

4. Get the family involved. Preparing goody bags for holiday events takes time. Set aside an afternoon with the family to decorate goody bags. Make an assembly line where one person traces, two color and another adds embellishments like stickers or stamps. Provide snacks, drinks and music to make the afternoon more enjoyable.

5. Make it personal. Use permanent paint pens or markers to creatively write a guest's name and the year on the goody bag. Write the name and year on the bag a few days before the party, allowing guests to decorate their bags during the party. Let the birthday honoree decorate each bag or write a special message on one side before the party.

Tips & Warnings

• If completing a goody bag art project at the party, tell parents so guests can dress appropriately.

Resources

• Goody Bag Stickers