Unique Birthday Goody Bag Ideas For Less Clutter, More Fun

Goodies they’ll actually play with

Kids birthday parties are a whirlwind of joy, laughter and a surprising amount of frosting smeared on various surfaces. But once the cake is eaten, the games are played and the candles are blown out, there’s one final hurrah that every child eagerly anticipates: the goody bag. 

Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of trial and error when it comes to goody bags. I’ve scoured stores, browsed countless Pinterest boards and even resorted to some late-night DIY sessions that left me with glue on my dog and glitter in my hair. Through it all, I’ve discovered some truly unique ideas that kids (and their parents) actually love.

So grab your craft supplies, a cup of coffee and join me on a journey through some of my favorite goody bag ideas that are sure to leave a lasting impression. Don’t worry if you’re not the crafty type — these ideas are simple enough to pull off without breaking a sweat. 

• Thrifted finds
• Goody pots for little gardeners
• Fish-in-a-bag soap
• DIY pillowcases
• Retro paper dolls
• Budding artist gift bag
• Candy wrapped sidewalk chalk
• Ice cream sundae favors
• Upcycled crayons
• Felt masks
• Glitter slime
• The gift of music

Editor’s note: This article was originally published several years ago and was updated most recently in March 2025 by ParentMap’s associate editor, Kari Hanson. Additional goody bag ideas were added, facts and links were checked and updated. This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase products through links on our site, ParentMap may earn an affiliate commission.

Thrifted finds

Not all goodies need to be in a bag! When my son was younger he was, like many kids, obsessed with Minecraft and wanted it to be the theme of his birthday party. (With the Minecraft movie coming out in April, I image this theme will be in high demand again.) When it came time for party goodies, I headed to Goodwill where I picked up green cups and mugs. At home I added a little Duct Tape, and presto — creeper mugs! The kids used them at the party and took them home as a favor. Total win. 

Themed T-shirts are another great item to thrift for a party. You can often find kids shirts for just a few dollars. It might take more than one trip to the thrift store, but kids will be thrilled to pick out a Minecraft, Pokémon or My Little Pony shirt to wear during the party, and take home when the party is over. 

Up next: Goody pots for little gardeners

Goody pots for little gardeners

For a planet-friendly goody bag, consider a gardening-themed kit just for kids. Include packets of seeds that germinate quickly to keep impatient planters curious — radish seeds, beans and nasturtiums (which are edible flowers!), are especially fast.

Package the seeds in a small biodegradable pot with a cute, kid-sized trowel, all tied up with some colorful raffia. You can even personalize the kit with bamboo plant markers that the children can decorate for a crafty party activity.

This goody bag is not only a great way to get kids excited about nature and sustainability, but it might just inspire some adventurous eating too. 

Up next: Fish-in-a-bag soap

Fish-in-a-bag soap

Help your guests clean up with this cute fish-in-a-bag soap! This is easy to make (seriously) and the results are fabulous! Head to the Crate & kids blog for easy to follow instructions. Simply melt glycerin in the microwave, add a scent if you wish, then pour into a snack sized re-closable bags with a plastic fish inside. Once the glycerin hardens, you’ll have a super cute soap, and a party favor that will definitely be used.

Up next: DIY pillowcases

Pillow fight!

Another great sleepover idea is to hand out pillowcases. Buy in white or a solid color and let guests decorate or autograph each other’s pillowcases with sharpies or fabric markers. They can use the cases during the night for sleeping, or as a bag to carry all their gear home in the morning. Just be sure to get out of the way when the pillow fights begin!  

Up next: Retro paper dolls

Modern and retro paper dolls

Go old school and give paper dolls. There are oodles of free printable paper doll sets available online. Just Google “free printable paper dolls” and you will get dozens of hits, from vintage images to more modern characters like Fancy Nancy. Just print out the paper doll set of your choosing on cardstock. If you have time to cut them out before the party, do so and hand out in manila envelopes to keep the pieces together. Or you could just hand out the printed images along with an envelope or folder to keep the dolls together.

If you don’t have a printer (or the time), there are many options available online. From Kawaii dolls to Anne of Green Gables to Madeline to a ’70s theme collection, there is something for everyone! 

Up next: Budding artist gift bag

Budding artist gift bag

We all love inspiring our kids to tap into their creative side. This artist-inspired goodie bag will do just that! You can include any type of art supplies you’d like, but a mini easel and canvas set and paint is a great place to start. You can gather inexpensive art supplies at a craft store, online, or head to Seattle Recreative for amazing deals on everything from yarn to paint brushes to stamps and more. Check out Brilliant Little Ideas for all the details.  

Up next: Candy wrapped sidewalk chalk

Sweet chalk favors

Here’s a really easy and fun party favor idea. All you need for this goody is sidewalk chalk and wax paper. Try glow-in-the-dark, striped and polka dotted, glitter and neon varieties — sidewalk chalk has come a long way! Package each piece in waxed paper and twist the excess paper on each end to resemble a piece of candy. Tuck individual pieces of chunky chalk into goody bags or gather several together and tie with a bow or colorful craft tape.

Up next: Ice cream sundae favors

Scream for ice cream

Having an ice cream bar at your party? These cute take-home ice cream sundae lookalikes will be a hit. April and Jenny over at Urban Daisies creative blog used these cute ice cream cone cups and shredded white paper. If you can’t find sundae cups like they used, any plastic sundae cup or even plastic tumbler will do. You can pick these up at a Dollar or thrift store.

Fill the bottom of the cup with crumpled white gift tissue, and then add some candy or other goodies such as tiny erasers or mini bubbles. Top it off with crumpled white gift tissue or white paper shreds for the whipped cream. A Pixie Stick becomes the “straw” and don’t forget a wrapped peppermint or cinnamon candy for the cherry. You could even add a colorful plastic spoon. Yum!

Up next: Upcycled crayons

Upcycled crayons

Who doesn’t have a bunch of broken crayons around the house? Upcycle those bits and pieces by melting them into fun shapes in your oven. At Big Dot of Happiness they used a muffin tin to make round, chunky crayons, but you could use anything from candy to cupcake molds. Mix up the colors for fun, multicolored crayons or stick with your party’s theme colors. Package these in cellophane and tie with a bow for a cute party favor. 

Up next: Felt masks

Superhero masks

For a creative party favor that is also a great party activity, assemble a kit for making felt masks. Include pre-cut felt pieces in various colors and shapes, elastic bands, non-toxic fabric glue and an assortment of decorative items like sequins, feathers and fabric markers. Add in a simple instruction sheet with fun mask templates to spark their imagination. This hands-on activity not only entertains kids during the party but also lets them showcase their creativity and leave with a unique, personalized keepsake. Parents will appreciate the imaginative play aspect, making it a win-win for everyone. For some adorable inspiration, check out this YouTube video on how to make cute animal-themed masks that kids and parents will love. 

Up next: Glitter slime

Glitter slime

Here’s a great alternative to play dough. This glitter slime is super easy to make and requires no cooking. Your kids could even help mix up the slime with their hands. All you need is Elmer’s Glitter glue, borax and water. Make up one batch or several in different colors and package it in snack bags or baby food jars for slimy fun. 

Up next: The gift of music

The gift of music

Having a musical birthday party? Adriel at Adrielbooker.com made these great CDs as party favors for her son’s rock star-themed party. She burned CDs in a favorite music mix, and then made labels and sleeves out of folded, stapled paper. This could work as a fun favor for any age from preschool to teens, whether you are having a dance party or not! Just try to pick a few non-annoying songs for the parents who will be driving and listening! A few artists you might want to check out include Caspar Babypants, Laurie Berkner Band and Joe Kye.