How to Make Party Favor Bags

Favor bags have become a birthday party necessity.

Party favor bags are customarily given to children when they leave birthday parties. Don't feel you have to stick to the typical store-bought plastic party favor bags. With a little effort and creativity, you can make your own bags and impress guests with something out of the ordinary. When it comes to the favors themselves, think about customizing items for a personal touch. Involve your children in the process by getting them to help choose the favors and wrap them up.

Things You'll Need

• Calculator
• Organza
• Measuring tape
• Chalk
• Dressmaking scissors
• Party Favors
• Tissue paper
• Ribbon
• Sequins (optional)
• Fabric glue (optional)
• Paper bags
• Polaroid camera
• Stapler
• Balloons

Instructions

Make Organza Party Favor Bags

1. 

   Check you calculations for accuracy.

   Calculate how much organza you need. As a general guide, a 12-inch square is sufficient for each guest. Multiply the number of guests you have by 12 to determine the total size, in inches, you need.

2. 

   Take your time when marking your measurements.

   Lay out your length of organza on a large table. Using a measuring tape and chalk, mark out a section for each favor bag.

3. 

   Good quality scissors make cutting fabric easier.

   Cut each section carefully, using dressmaking scissors. Trim any rough edges.

4. 

   Choose tissue paper to match your color scheme.

   Wrap your party favors in colored tissue paper, either to match or contrast with the color of the organza, depending on the look you are going for.

5. 

   Ribbon will keep the bag closed.

   Place your wrapped favors in the center of the organza square, then gather up the four corners of the square and bunch the organza together. Tighten it around the items inside and secure it with a ribbon.

6. 

   Sequins add sparkle to your favor bags.

   Add sequins, feathers, buttons and any other embellishments you like to customize your party favor bags. If you are confident enough, try creating each guest's name in sequins on the front of the bag.

Make Photograph Party Favor Bags

1. 

   Choose bags in a color or pattern to suit your party theme.

   Buy paper bags from your local craft store, in a variety of colors or in one specific color to match your theme, such as pink bags for a princess-themed birthday party. Choose patterned bags for a more interesting look.

2. 

   A Polaroid photo is an instant party memento.

   Take a Polaroid photo of each guest enjoying herself at the party.

3. 

   A stapler will secure the photo to the bag.

   Staple each guest's photo to her party favor bag.

4. 

   Ribbon adds a finishing touch.

   Fill each bag with favors and tie the handles closed with ribbon.

Make Balloon Party Favor Bags

1. 

   Balloons can be bought in bulk from your local party store.

   Place your favors inside balloons.

2. 

   Balloons make unique party favor bags.

   Blow up the balloons.

3. 

   Ribbon creates a handle for the balloon.

   Attach a colorful ribbon around the end of the balloon. Older children will have fun bursting their balloons to release the favors.

Fill Your Party Favor Bags

1. 

   Bouncing balls are good favors for young children.

   Choose age-appropriate favors to fill your bags. For toddlers, bouncing balls, puzzles and small toy animals are ideal. Older children and teens will appreciate fun favors such as magnets, stickers and plastic jewelry.

2. 

   Many printing companies advertise online and offer discounts.

   Add a customized favor to each bag for a personal touch. Printing companies take bulk orders for customized candy bar wrappers, mint tins and notebook covers. You may want to print the occasion and date along with a thank you to the guest for attending: "Thanks for coming to Katy's 8th Birthday Party on May 12, 2010!"

3. Make sure you have the same number of favors in each bag.

Tips & Warnings

• Many other sheer fabrics, such as voile or silk gauze, are suitable to use for making party favor bags.

• Always supervise young children when using scissors, staplers and other potentially harmful equipment.

• Be sure any favors given to children under three years of age are not potential choking hazards.

References

• Kids-birthday-party-guide.com: Pointers For Children's Party Favors
• Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts: An A - Z Guide with Detailed Instructions and Endless Inspiration; Martha Stewart; 2009