FRIDAY FAVES: 10 Kids' Party Favors Your Little Guests (and Their Parents) Will Love!

I started the week off with some clever DIY favor ideas for y'all and now, I'm going to lead you into the weekend with a few more favor ideas. This time, for the littles in your life.

I dread the goody bag. The last thing my 3 boys (my 3 messy, unorganized, careless boys... my boys who have no concept of cleaning up after themselves) need is another bag of bouncy balls and plastic mini frisbees.

So, if you're like me, you want to offer your guests something that doesn't drive parents completely crazy. Here are a few ideas to get you started!

But first, a few tips for picking the perfect favor for your party...

1) This one is probably a no-brainer but it's quite literally rule #1. Chose something that fits with your theme.

2) Favors don't have to be an extra goody, that gets pricey! Favors are any kind of party-related take-home. My favorite kind for kids parties are crafts or activities! (don't worry, I've got some examples below)

3) Make sure your favors can be easily transported after the party (i.e. anything painted or glued will need ample dry time and don't give kids anything parents wouldn't want in the car)

And now, on with the show!

THE TAKE-AWAY:

Sidewalk Paint Kit...

Don't get me wrong, sidewalk chalk tied up with some baker's string and a cute little favor tag is just dandy but this kit is level-up material...

Click on the photo below for the full recipe/instructional but spoiler alert... it's crushed up chalk and water. Yep. That easy! Then, just pour paint into small plastic containers, place in cellophane bags and tie up with some string and a brush! Boom.

 *PARTY HACK* Dollar Store chalk + Dollar Store tempera paint = vibrant colors on the cheap! 

Best Part - this works for boys or girls and is customizable to your party theme colors! Yay!




Monogram Chalk "Slate"...
And, while we're talking about level-up chalk favors, here's another awesome & easy DIY chalk favor that you better claim asap because your fellow moms are totally going to want to make these for their little one's next party!

Hula Hoops...
The hoop is back! And it makes a great (easy, inexpensive, fun) party favor! Once again, I recommend you check your local Dollar Store (man, I should be getting a commission from them for this post!) They stock them seasonally and offer different sizes and simple color combos which is what I like - pink and white, green and white, blue and white, etc...

Punny Favor Tag Ideas:
Hoop you had a great time!
Thanks for coming today! I had a Hula-t of fun! (ok, that one sounded better in my head...)




Tic Tac Toe...
Why do I love these little favors? Let me count the ways...

1) Wicked easy one-of-a-kind DIY!

2) Upscale it with a linen bag & gold paint

3) Buy colored rocks (check out "beach pebbles" at Home Depot) instead of messing with X's and O's.

4) Use fun colors to paint the X's and O's to match your party theme or paint the pebbles! 

EDIBLES:

Cookie Decorating Kit...

Skip the messy cupcake decorating! With this favor you don't even have to make the mess during the party! Bag 'em up and send 'em home! Mom won't mind the mess of their 1 child as much as you'll dread the mess of 12 little guests. Promise.

For kids, I'd suggest 2 cookies, 1 mini jar of icing and 1 mini jar of sprinkles. They'd look super cute arranged in a little berry basket - Michael's has paper ones in four colors and also wood!!

Fla-vor-Ice... 

Do yourself a flavor favor and give these a chance... 

Such a colorful and simple favor idea that kids really love. And, keeping them un-frozen allows parents to choose when they get enjoyed!

Once again, these can be color coordinated for your party's theme and all you have to do is add some ribbon or twine and a favor tag! 

Rice Crispy Treats...
Give this Oldie-but-Goodie a little makeover for theme-perfect (and nut-free!) party favors!
Rice Crispy Treat + Colored Chocolate = SUPER CUTE!
Even easier, just add food coloring to your regular batch of Crispies!
(or a dash of Jell-O for a hint of flavor & color)

Ice Cream Cones       Number 1       Monsters       Hearts       Watermelon

ACTIVITIES & CRAFTS:

Create-A-_________...

You fill in the blank!
Whatever your theme is, there's always some element that you can make or decorate! Give the kids something to take home AND enjoy a fun activity (and give yourself one less item to buy or prepare)!

(As kids get older, this can even BE the theme... in-home cake-decorating class, neighborhood scavenger hunt, etc. But that's a whole other blog post!)

Sword Decorating      Snowglobe       Hero Mask       Fairy House       Princess Crown


Punchbox...
Have you seen these? They've been making the rounds over the past couple years and I just love 'em. They're a great alternative to pinatas (yay! no blindfolded kids swinging sticks in your living room!) Unlike pinatas, punchboxes can have just about anything for a prize! What a fun way for kids to claim their favors!

Bubbles...

Kids. Love. Bubbles!

Even the big kids love bubbles :-)

So, give 'em what they love... with style! 

(Let the kiddos blow bubbles during the party and refill their containers before they leave)

Pinwheels     Ballerinas     Silver Canister     Glass Jars     Dinos & Army     Bubble Refill Station

Hope these favor ideas have given you some inspiration! And if you're in search of a unique theme-specific favor and none of these strike the right chord, let me know - I love a good challenge!

HAPPY HOSTING!