Elevating Your Party: 5 Fun Alternatives to Loot Bags

When friends, family and clients approach me about their party planning needs, some of the most common phrases I hear regarding party favours are: 

What should we do for loot bags?
How do I create beautiful loot bags on a budget?
I don't like doing loot bags, but the kids love them. Help!
Give me ideas for unique party favours.
Do you think I have to give out party favours?

The short answer to the last question is no, you do not have to give out loot bags or party favours. You are planning a party that likely involves decorations, food, and possibly a rental space or activity of some sort, which can be costly in the end. So if you don't want to give out loot bags or favours, don't do it.

If you are on team-party-favour and looking for creative and alternative ideas for loot bags, then read on!

It's time to explore some exciting alternatives to the traditional loot bag that will add an extra touch of charm to your party. I understand the joy that party favours can bring to both children and adults. Whether it's a birthday celebration, a baby shower, or a special milestone, parties hold a special place in our hearts. In this post, I want to explore alternative ways to make your events memorable without resorting to giving trinket-filled loot bags.

The Evolution of Loot Bags

Loot bags, often filled with small toys, candies, and trinkets, have been a staple at children's parties for decades. They were initially introduced as a token of appreciation for guests attending the party. However, times have changed, and so have our perspectives on sustainable and meaningful celebrations.

Quality over Quantity

Instead of focusing on filling loot bags with numerous small items that may end up forgotten or discarded shortly after the party, let's shift our attention to quality over quantity. Here are 5 awesome alternatives to traditional party loot bags:

1. Edible Favours

Who can resist a sweet treat? Consider expressing your gratitude by gifting food favours such as:
-sugar cookies decorated to match the theme (see our detailed how-to post on royal icing with links to my favourite sugar cookie recipes here)
-candies such as gummy bears, liquorice or chocolates packaged with a personalized thank-you tag
-chocolate dipped pretzel rods with sprinkles to match the theme

Set up your favours in a designated area with a thank-you sign, so it is clear that these are the party favours. Consider situating them in a place where guests can help themselves as they are leaving.

2. Themed Goodie Boxes

Take your party to the next level by curating themed goodie boxes filled with surprises that resonate with the event's vibe. Whether it's a superhero-themed box packed with masks and capes or a princess-themed box adorned with tiaras and wands, these customized packages will make your guests feel like they're taking home a piece of the party magic. Best of all, these encourage imaginative play, which will bring hours of joy to your guests even after the party ends.
We recommend gable boxes customized with any of our digital downloadable (and customizable) favour box labels! Click here to view our Youtube video showing how easy it is to print, cut and attach our labels to favour boxes!

3. A DIY Craft that Doubles as a Party Activity

I've never met a child that doesn't love to craft or make something fun with their hands. Consider putting together a bag of items that can be made into a keepsake or taken home for hours of continued play. Some examples are:

-DIY bracelet (stretchy chord and beads)
-Theme Hats, like construction or safari; put out stickers so kids can decorate to their heart's content!
-Cookie/Cake Decorating Kit
-DIY Wand Station (think Princess, Mermaid, Witch or Wizard inspired wands!)

4. A Piñata

Piñatas are so much fun, and double as party decor and a fun activity. Put your piñata on a table to act as a centrepiece until you are ready to hang it up. Wait until near the end of the party to do the piñata, and provide paper treat bags or boxes for kids to fill. That way, they take the bag home as their party favour. You can fill the piñata with a range of delicious treats or fun things, such as:
-individually wrapped treats: gummy packs, gum, lollipops, etc.
-mini chocolate bars
-mini playdoughs
-temporary tattoos
-stickers

Party City has a great selection of cute piñatas that double as decor!

5. A Gift Card that Supports a Local Business

Are you throwing a birthday party during Winter? Consider heading to your local café and picking up vouchers or gift cards for 'one kids hot chocolate' per guest. For parties in the summer time, a scoop of ice cream from a local ice cream shop or Gelateria would be a sweet treat! My personal favourite local Gelateria is Dolce Amore.

And if loot bags are your thing, try filling them with items that will promote imaginative and/or sensory play. Our favourite items to include can be re-used for hours of fun, and won't end up broken or in the trash, such as:
-playdough 
-colouring books
-kids' books
-mini lego kits
-sports equipment such as mini footballs, baseballs or basketballs
-accessories such as scrunchies, hair clips and lip balm

By exploring these alternative approaches to conventional loot bags, we open avenues for creativity and meaningful connections. Incorporating personalized and thoughtful favours can help create lasting memories and leave a unique impression on our guests. Let's continue celebrating with authenticity, making each event a distinct and memorable experience.

Merci Beaucoup,

Melissa