Can anyone help me understand "goodie bag" culture?
Posted by Party_Midnight3476@reddit | AskAnAmerican | View on Reddit | 214 comments
Hi,
Lately, my kid has been bringing home goodie bags from friends' birthday parties, YMCA basketball classes, and other events.
Since I didn't grow up with this culture, I'm curious: what exactly is the main purpose of giving out goodie bags? Also, when it's my turn to host or prepare them, what is a reasonable budget or standard "common sense" amount to spend per bag?
Any advice on what to include would be greatly appreciated!
MesabiRanger@reddit
I wish the goodie bag thing for children’s parties would go away. It’s mostly plastic junk and it seems like the amount sent home keeps increasing.Better to just enjoy the party without adding to the party-giver’s costs and reduce useless plastic give-aways.
eyesonthemoons@reddit
But to the kids each little trinket is amazing.
littlemsshiny@reddit
We haven’t quite stopped the birthday goodie bag situation but we decided to only give out snacks after seeing the amount of small toys we were accumulating from other party bags.
Rather_be_on_a_trail@reddit
We did snacks too last year for a birthday after skipping some years. We didn’t serve a meal so a snack bag seemed like a good plan. I think people were happier with that too.
VariegatedPlumage@reddit
Yep, we did stickers, temp tattoos, and snacks, all things that are single use!
keeperofthecan@reddit
This is the way imo. If you want to send something home with guests, send something consumable.
CraftyFraggle@reddit
What you should wish is that the contents of the goodie bags would improve.
I don’t want to see the concept of a “thank you for sharing my celebration” gift to go away.
When my kids were still in the party favor stage, ours were themed according to the party’s theme.
For their teddy bear themed party, we gave small inexpensive teddies (bought in bulk).
For a Snoopy themed party, we gave Snoopy pencils, paw shaped note pads, and Snoopy stickers.
For their art themed party, and a few others, the favors were the crafts they did during the party.
For their glow in the dark party, the favors were used during the party and then brought home.
We typically spent about $50 on all favors unless they were the party activities in which case, we spent a bit more. What that was per child depended on the size of the party.
RavenRead@reddit
Exactly. We do consumables but love the goodie bags. My kids look forward to the goodie bags at all the parties. I don’t want them to go away at all.
MesabiRanger@reddit
I can see your side, but mostly I just want less crap coming into the house. Four kids bringjng goodies bags from all their friends’ and classmates’ parties really adds up.
minirunner@reddit
I switched to giving $5 Barnes and Noble gift cards as a party favor once I realized we had a mountain of plastic crap. Bonus, if any kids don’t show then you get to use the extra cards.
Spirited-Way2406@reddit
Yep. My kids always wanted a piñata at their parties, and their goodie bags were the candy.
devbent@reddit
A friend did mini themed lego kits (like 15 pieces or such) recently, that was cool.
Most are plastic junk but they can be thoughtful. Another party had a small water color set and a tiny wood model you build and then paint.
ThrowAwayIGotHack3d@reddit
I got one from a party a while ago that was all candy and snacks, that was a goodie bag I can get behind! But I agree the dollar tree plastic things are.... Annoying at best
Shallstrom@reddit
It’s just a bunch of plastic crap that parents have to deal with when their kids go home. Thankfully, it’s not required that you give these out. It literally is just something extra, if you want to.
Interesting-Long-534@reddit
I think people should normalize putting candy and stickers and other small biodegradable items. Please stay away from plastic toys that kids don't want 5 minutes after they open the goodie bags.
StinkyCheeseWomxn@reddit
These are just "party favors" that are tokens, not intended to be expensive unless you are hosting some kind of celebrity kid party for reality TV - lol. Most are just a few little toys and maybe a couple pieces of candy. Typical for my middle class life would be something like $3-4 per bag. It might contain a little toy car, puzzle or squishy, maybe a couple of pieces of candy that fit the color scheme of the party. Some people are really imaginative and on-theme for the party, but others are just a little bag with some fun size candy. I think Party City or 5 Below have lots of options.
eugenesnewdream@reddit
I prefer one parting item (if anything!) rather than a bag full of stuff. Both to give and to get. In the past we’ve done things like a large bubble wand, a little painting kit, stuff like that. (Obviously it’s age-dependent, and sometimes we try to tie it in with the party theme if there is one.) Nothing huge at all, but one item that might be slightly more expensive than each of the tiny individual tchotchkes that my kids have often brought home in goody bags. And sometimes nothing and that’s ok too (both as a giver and recipient)!
kjb76@reddit
Honestly, as a parent I can tell you that goodie bags are more of a burden. It’s just more stuff that your kid isn’t going to look at again. I wish they would die.
Professional-Pungo@reddit
The main purpose of a goodie bag is to just give gifts to people that attended your event.
How much you spend and what you put in them is up to you
dsam338@reddit
This is accurate, of course — though the cynic in me wants to say the true purpose of goodie bags is to ensure your junk drawer fills up with Livestrong-style bracelets, tiny plastic toys, and pencils with those weird decorative shrink-wrap sheaths that make them impossible to sharpen properly.
As a parent, I secretly appreciated the families who skipped them entirely because the amount of little disposable stuff they generated was kind of wild.
I figured it was worth mentioning this side of the phenomenon for OP too
Underground_turtles@reddit
I think my kids once went to a birthday party where ever kid got a tiny seedling in a little compostable cardboard pot - the kind you buy by the flat at Lowes. I thought it was a cute idea.
Ornery-Damage-7074@reddit
This! It's just crap that the kids will pay with on the ride home and never again. Then it's just clutter in your house. Please stop this ridiculous practice.
summerfunone@reddit
Agree - more plastic crap that goes in a landfill.
Look up origami with dollar bills and give each child 2 or 3. Depending upon how many kids you may be money ahead, and you get to keep any “leftovers!”
Automatic_Safe_326@reddit
I usually do stuff like chips, fruit snacks or such that kids love and it won’t pile up. You can even personalize them with your own stickers in the theme
Far_Shop_3135@reddit
no no no the cynic in me thinks it's a bit show-off like look at me I'm better than the rest because of the contents of my goodie bag lol.
Difficult-Ad2084@reddit
I always kinda liked the idea of giving sometime back to the guests that show up to an event, especially events where people tend to bring gifts, makes it more inclusive. I think the contents can definitely be altered to be less careful though and maybe sometime that encourages an activity that the kids can do together.
Sallyfifth@reddit
That makes me so happy to hear, because I've stopped doing them! I buy stickers, candy, and keychains and let the kids pick some out as the party ends.
girlwithabird-@reddit
Cool pencils and silly shaped erasers were the staple of goodie bags when I was growing up in the 90s.
AmbientGravitas@reddit
Pencils, though.
Radiant_Bluebird4620@reddit
and fun erasers that don't really work
mexibella255@reddit
Any cool pencil would have been fine but I definitely loved my friends more if they had the pencil with just the tips.
Spirited_Ingenuity89@reddit
Got one of those pencil tips stuck in my arm cast in 2nd grade.
lousyredditusername@reddit
That probably explains why I never had to buy pencils until my kids started kindergarten and I needed to buy packs of them for their school supply lists lol
Snowpant@reddit
I can still smell the silly erasers
ehs06702@reddit
Was just coming to say this. I was a very social kid, and my collection of goody bag erasers was immaculate. I remember a few that had scents, even.
JunkMale975@reddit
And Dollar Tree is great for goodie bag supplies!
Fred42096@reddit
This.
Focus on cheap and (ostensibly) useful: office supplies, soaps, small treats, etc.
eyetracker@reddit
Office supplies like printer ink cartridges, or comparatively cheap stuff like gold bullion.
annizoli@reddit
office supplies and soap are extremely atypical for children's goodie bags. Candy or dollar store toys are pretty standard
VariegatedPlumage@reddit
I would say novelty office supplies are pretty typical. My kid gets those four color clicky ballpoint pens, novelty erasers and novelty notepads quite a lot.
Fred42096@reddit
Edited the comment to be more specific, realized I wasn’t really considering the original context
Mr_Kittlesworth@reddit
Anyone who gives my kid a phone is my enemy.
CarefullyChosenName_@reddit
Someone gave my three year old kid a whistle in a goodie bag and I’ve held it against them for six months
BlueSkyMourning@reddit
Wow, phones?
17Girl4Life@reddit
A college friend of mine ended up marrying a wealthy doctor and living in a super rich gated community. She said the competition to give out the most expensive stuff was ridiculous. One family gave iPods to trick or treaters one year
BlueSkyMourning@reddit
Thanks because I associate goodie bags with children and swag bags with adults.
TonksTheTerror@reddit
May I never end up in that neighborhood... I thought I was cool for giving out full sized candy bars
PurpleLilyEsq@reddit
I think they’re talking about award shows (ie Oscars), making the Olympics, etc. I’ve never heard of giving phones in goody bags outside of a context where Samsung or something wasn’t an event sponsor.
charcoalhibiscus@reddit
My brother got invited to a super rich kid’s birthday party once growing up, and the goodie bags had full-on electronics in them. Phones weren’t a thing yet though.
This is definitely not normal for kids birthday party goodie bags though, OP. If you’re hosting one, you get some cute little plastic bags and put a variety of colorful little kids toys and items in there, and some small candy. Just make sure all the bags are the same for a kids party or the kids will fuss over getting different stuff.
CouldBeBetterForever@reddit
It's very hobbit coded if we're being honest.
Radiant_Macaroon_992@reddit
I went to an adult book fair yesterday. My goodie bag had a tooth brush and floss.
Glittering_knave@reddit
The original purpose for a kid's party was to say thank-you for coming and celebrating with me.
I agree with the rest.
Satsuki7104@reddit
For birthday parties my family always did little goodie bags with some stickers, party favors, candy, and little things related to the party’s theme.
Character-File3221@reddit
Candy and dollar store toys were the foundation of these in my childhood
GoldenFalls@reddit
Maybe you could ask one of your kid's friend's parents? I feel like the appropriate gifts are most dependant on more local traditions/customs than US wide ones. But growing up goodie bags from parties migah have a couple of cookies, or for a girl's birthday mini chapstick and cute erasers from the Japanese dollar store. It's just small things, I would spend max $10 per bag. But if you live in a wealthier area, the expectations might be different.
Spirited_Ingenuity89@reddit
What’s the Japanese dollar store?
GoldenFalls@reddit
Daiso, it sells inexpensive things like stationary, pens, etc. as well as other small trinkets. I haven’t been in a while but as a kid loved the cute mechanical pencils, binder designs, and erasers.
Spirited_Ingenuity89@reddit
Interesting! Never heard of it. They do not appear to exist in any of the states where I have lived.
WinchesterFan1980@reddit
I hate the goody bag and tried to opt out, but soon learned rhe goody bags coming out were the signal for everyone to grab their kids and leave. I can't stand creating more plastic landfill detritus and giving a bag of pure sugar (candy) seemed like a bad idea, so I would usually do a themed trail mix like Sven''s Reindeer Food (Frozen) which was cracklin' oat bran cereal mixed with pastel Easter colored M&Ms, and mini pretzels. I did lots of other "recipes " but you get rhe idea. They were always a hit.
AquaticMouse23@reddit
When I was little, my parents made my friends goody bags as a way to say “thanks for coming to my party!”. I had a Paris themed party when I was 10 and my mom made my friends goody bags that each had a pink or blue beanie baby poodle plush in them!
Range-Shoddy@reddit
As a parent I’d rather not make them and not receive them. We sometimes did one “bigger” item (themed cookie is one I remember, sunglasses for a pool party) but the bag of junk just sits around. You do not have to do anything. If you feel obligated kids like bottles of bubbles or something in theme.
RavenRead@reddit
The purpose is to say thank you for coming. The gift is just a token gift. Aim for $1 per kid. Rich people will spend more. Budget is up to you. If it’s a corporate thing, it should be a mug or canvas bag or something with the brand. I like to do consumables because I can’t stand clutter and adding to landfills. For kids, I did things like pages to color and a couple of crayons, candy, and maybe some stickers.
quietlywatching6@reddit
It's basically little things really trickets and candy as a gift or to get rid of stuff post events. So I got sent home with lots of little 8 packs of crayons that matched the theme of the party we had for coloring at the party, random pieces of candy or gum, with a bag. Normally with my colored sheets, bead necklace, friendship bracelet or whatever stuffed in it. Stickers. Pencils, or erasures. Bouncy balls or stretchy balls were common with "boy" parties.
Think about all the little stuff you need to entertain children in large groups, buy that, plus a bag of individual package candy, a bag of prize pencils, and little bags to put it in. Split the candy, and the pencils into bags. Then sling the kids used stuff in the bag as they leave.
LettuceInfamous5030@reddit
It’s common to give party attendees a favor, for kids this usually means a goodie bag.
Monetary budget is really dependent on what your family can afford.
Typical items: -puzzle books -crayons -markers -fun pens pencils or erasers -hair clips/barrettes -kids sunglasses -small Lego sets -play doh -slap bracelets or friendship bracelets -snacks -candy -little plastic toys like Dinos or army men -action figure or Barbie -chap stick -little stuffed animals -coloring book
If you host a party, and the children are old enough, maybe just set up a pick and mix candy situation? Or give small bags filled with consumables.
In my area there is a move away from little junk bags and a move to either providing a diy craft or diy candy/snack bag. Other things I have seen: -something useful like a tote, towel and goggles or sunglasses for a swim party, each guest takes the items home.
-an age appropriate diy. friendship bracelets,keychains, magic wands, pin wheels, flower crowns, decorate picture frames and add a picture of your child and their friends at the party, decorate cookies or cupcakes
-for a movie themed party: a small popcorn bucket, microwave popcorn, candy
-for an outdoor party: reusable water bottle, flash light
-sleepover themed favors-blanket from 5 below, reusable straw cup, sheet masks
MessoGesso@reddit
As far as I know, they are not age dependent. The goodie bags are for many celebratory events, any age. I don't know about dinners, cookouts, barbecues.
Adults give adults goodies bags containing useful, fun, and or quirky items just like the kids things combine those features.
misskellycupcake@reddit
Stickers or candy or gel pens or glow sticks or slap bracelets in a little baggie that matched the theme of the party. Kids just love swag
LongInfinite1837@reddit
When I was little and we did goodie bags for people, they would have things like bubbles and candy and school stationery from Lisa Frank and hello Kitty.
Mamapalooza@reddit
I have had a lot of fun with goodie bags, and it doesn't have to be expensive. I just try to stay thematic. For example, my kid wanted a Studio Ghibli themed birthday party once. I probably spent $20 total on 12 gift bags. Bags were from the Dollar Tree. Contents were: some pretty but cheap chopsticks (search Bamboo Chopsticks With Brocade Pouch bulk) and Studio Ghibli themed No. 2 pencils and erasers, all of which I ordered off Wish (Temu didn't exist yet); along with some Japanese candy from the local Asian market. The kids went nuts for their own chopstick sets, and I actually had a couple left over that we are still using 10 years later.
We also made "sushi" out of rice krispie treats and Swedish fish, served tea in my "fancy" china, and printed out "stickers" with an Avery label template and a color ink jet printer at work, lol. They each got their own page full of stickers. Ten year olds don't know the difference.
Periwinklepanda_@reddit
I hate goody bag culture. My daughter’s preschool asks parents to send in goody bags for the whole class for every holiday, meaning she comes home with like 10 bags of cheap crap from other kids. We usually opt for sending in one nicer item per child instead, ranging $1-4. We’ve done water bottles, coloring books with crayons, mugs with hot chocolate packets, small craft projects, bakery cookies, etc. I just can’t bring myself to buy a bunch of plastic garbage and candy.
Silver_Bowl_607@reddit
I just did goodie bags for all in attendance at daughter’s 35 birthday party.
CodUnlikely2052@reddit
I absolutely hate goodie bags and how wasteful they are. My kids rarely want what’s in the bags but feel obligated to keep it so I’m obligated to sneak it into the trash when they’re not paying attention. Do the parents of the party goers a favor and do a to-go sweet treat. I usually get a lot of compliments and appreciation from the parents that it’s not plastic waste and it has started a trend among our friends to not do goody bags and just do a to-go treat. We usually do homemade chocolate chip cookies, brownies, or a Rice Krispie treat (birthday kid picks which treat we hand out). And there’s often enough left overs in case a party friend has younger siblings or parents want a treat too! lol!
Suspicious-Chip-341@reddit
They can be anything. Most of the time when I was a kid they had fun size candy and other dollar tree things.
I recently did a work thing for my department (like 15 people) and it was just candy. Had bags and told people to fill up the bags with what they wanted. People loved them.
Nonnie0224@reddit
For a while I bought into the birthday party goodie bags and gave them out also. Then after cleaning my kids’ rooms several times and finding bags that they had brought home with the contents never touched, not even the candy, I decided they were a waste of time and money. Other friends said the same thing about their kids never looking in the bags. Kids these days have so much access to candy, toys, and trinkets, the bags have no meaning.
Downtown_Confusion46@reddit
I hate goodie bags from kids parties. For my kids bday we tend to do an active during it that they can bring home, like for 12 he wanted to make candy bars then go to an escape room. When the kids came back for pizzas their candy bars were set and packaged up by me to bring home.
No_Suspect_8426@reddit
I, for one, deeply detest goodie bags, and would like yo formally request that people stop giving good bags to my kids. Forever. It’s a nice thought, but it’s usually just cheapy little plastic stuff that my kids leave all over the house and I find and throw away. There’s also jealousy when 1 kid comes home from a party and has a (crappy, useless) little goodie bags. My kid attending your party and a slice of cake are plenty, thank you maam.
Kirbylover16@reddit
It’s to make sure everyone gets a little of something so there's no tantrums. Sometimes there’s a piñata full of candy and toys, but not everyone is fast. Or they play games with prizes, but not everyone wins. Outside of children's parties people do it to promote brands and to show off.
Background-Cod-7035@reddit
As an older American I find it to be one more useless, extractive habit us Americans have gotten into. But now it’s expected. Your budget is completely up to you from a few bucks to the moon.
I’ll tell you what I always gave before my son grew out of it (at maybe 11?) was temporary tattoos. Those were always 100% a hit. Depending on age also Lego minifigures which you can often get in bulk on Etsy or eBay. All the other stuff ends up in the trash. Party City and Oriental Trading Company are awful.
Next-Raccoon-9898@reddit
It’s a real eye opener what having a party has grown into. I never had a birthday party nor did most of my friends. Those that did were considered rich and flaunting it.
I was never in a position where I could do a party for my kids and felt bad about it but party’s were still rare even then
I’m very senior and grew up rural so that may be the difference
Calm_Violinist5256@reddit
I hate goodie bags. It's just plastic crap and junk or cheap candy. Lots of parents give them out when kids leave birthday parties as like a "thanks for coming" treat. Not sure how it started. I did it when my kids were very small then stopped on principle. Like, the party is the fun thing. No one needs a parting gift!! Have fun with your friends, play games, eat cake. then go home. American culture is so much about consumerism, like how can we part you with your money??? Can't stand it.
Reaganson@reddit
It’s the same mentality that gave us “everyone deserves a trophy” mindset.
Better-Rice5898@reddit
I think this got started with parents having kid's being upset they didn't get anything at a party. The goodie bag was to give them something so they didn't feel left out, throw a tantrum, etc.
Personally I hate this idea and thank the powers that be my son was born well before all this crap happened.
Teach your kids life, not cater to avoiding tantrums.
FoggyGoodwin@reddit
Some goodie bags are for advertising, with things like pens and drink coozies emblazoned w company logos and contact info. Or given out at events to promote new products.
knowlessman@reddit
None of us did. It originated in Asia I think.
ElrondTheHater@reddit
I grew up with goodie bags and I'm a 33 year old Midwesterner.
knowlessman@reddit
Well I'm older than you but either way it's weird I went to a lot of birthday parties as a kid and nobody ever gave out goody bags. Maybe it didn't make it to my part of the world in time but i'm guessing started in the 90s.
Professional-Pungo@reddit
Your part of the world?
Aren’t you just in America?
NekoTheSpookieCat@reddit
Asking ‘aren’t you just in America’ is too broad. East Coast? West Coast? Down South or up North? Different states, regions, cultural groups, etc exist in over 3 million square miles of territory, not even counting the islands. Generally, if someone says ‘their part of the world’, they most likely don’t want to specify their specific area.
TressoftheEmeraldTea@reddit
Same. 29 and from the south.
moonpie99@reddit
Same, In my 50s from Alaska.
Individual_Tax_4224@reddit
So did I, and I’m in my 40s, from the South.
Sl1z@reddit
I’m a 29 midwesterner and we also had goodie bags. It was usually some cheap candy and maybe a toy or sticker or some other very simple kids thing.
Trulio_Dragon@reddit
I had them at my only childhood birthday party, circa 1979 in Arizona, and most kids' birthday parties had them. I'm still sore over a teacher confiscating a really cool pencil sharpener I got in one because she said it was "a toy".
OP, for a kid's party, I'd probably include some candy, maybe a jar of bubbles, maybe a light-up blinky ring or necklace, a pack of trading cards, that kind of thing. Four or five little items. Search "party favors", Oriental Trading Company specializes in this kind of thing.
Anesthesia222@reddit
I used to get goodie bags at most birthday parties I went to as an elementary-aged kid in middle class 1980s Southern California—just stuff like fun (not personalized) pencils, bouncy balls, small candy, stickers.
happygoth6370@reddit
My mother-in-law has done goodie bags for years at Christmas and other holidays and get-togethers. I've done them over the years here and there as well. Just bought some small gift bags at TJ Maxx for the next time I host something.
deidra232323@reddit
I grew up in Canada, I received my first goodie bags in the late 70’s early 80’s. In fact, if you had your party at Macdonald’s, they would include goodie bags for each guest. It’s not new here.
AuroraLorraine522@reddit
I’m 38 and grew up in PA. I don’t remember ever attending a childhood party where I didn’t receive a goody bag so idk what you’re talking about.
latelyimawake@reddit
I got a goodie bag at every birthday party I ever attended growing up, and we were not even close to rich. This was in both California and Virginia.
Theobroma1000@reddit
Me too, in Arizona. Every kid's party we went home with a goodie bag. Mostly cheap plastic toys and candy.
Gaybeanuwu@reddit
It’s totally optional. When I was growing up, it was usually some cheap candy with bubbles, stickers, temporary tattoos, or small cheap toys from the dollar tree or walmart.
Leverkaas2516@reddit
I remember when goodie bags started. It is my anecdotal contention that they began as a way to assuage the hurt feelings of kids who couldn't emotionally deal with the idea of the birthday kid getting all the gifts. What we now refer to as Main Character syndrome.
happygoth6370@reddit
Yesh it's just a little something to put a smile on someone's face. When official events do it it can also be to promote sponsors with branded merchandise like magnets, coffee mugs, etc.
ilp456@reddit
Exactly. Instead of a single party favor, it’s a bag of stuff.
Jcamp9000@reddit
Kids are just happy to get something. I’d do pencils, erasers, wrapped cookie, little whistles and stuff like that. I used brown lunch bags that my kids would decorate in advance with crayons and stickers
Ready_Scientist1692@reddit
I think it started as a practice to help kids feel excited for another kid’s birthday party. A lot of kids struggle when they see the birthday kid getting presents and they get nothing, so goodie bags started being given out so everyone gets a little something.
Budget depends on where you are and what circles you run in, but it should be a relatively low cost ordeal. Just put together some goodie bags for a five-year-old’s bday party and they were just full of stickers and random things from the dollar store
Euphoric_Ease4554@reddit
Notice what your kid likes out of the goodie bags they bring home, and put that in the bags for their friends.
Leather_Rate_9785@reddit
Goody bags are really only for little kid parties (like 10 and under) and weddings (then they are called 'wedding favors'). Like you've probably seen in kids bags they are usually little cheap things like candy or crayons. These are definitely not required, but the kids think they are fun so some parents do them. If you spending more than a couple dollars a bag you're doing it wrong.
Wedding favors can be much more elaborate or as simple as a decorative sugar cookie, but I think they are important to mention here.
In both cases, they are simply a thank you for attending.
gcot802@reddit
These are often done at events as a way to spread brand (ex, a pencil with your companies name on it) or at parties to thank the gift from coming.
They are not required, but as a parent the only time I would worry about a goodie bag would be if you host your child’s birthday. I attended many parties as a kid that didn’t have them, so don’t worry if you don’t want to do it.
If you do, have a bag for each child and the budget is really up to you. It’s common to have candy and little items like stickers. They are usually not terribly expensive, even at wealthy children’s birthdays
MakeStupidHurtAgain@reddit
When we do goodie bags for kids parties we usually go to the dollar store or Daiso Japan. Little snack size candies, cute stickers, erasers, stuff like that.
LadybuggingLB@reddit
I hated goodie bags with a passion when my kid was young.
Pencils and stickers and readies were just trash to her. Trash she didn’t want but didn’t want to throw away.
CouldBNE1too@reddit
I cannot. I think they’re a ridiculous waste and most of it ends up in the trash.
-RedRocket-@reddit
Party favors are an old institution - gift keepsakes to remember an occasion, often given for example to bridesmaids on the occasion of a wedding.
Goodie bags are this lowered to kiddie level, so that gift-giving at birthday parties, for example, is at least somewhat reciprocal rather than being one-way. Expensive gifts are not expected.
bizoticallyyours83@reddit
Its just a little bag of treats at parties for guests to take home. Sometimes its themed for specific occasions like weddings or baby showers.
CraftFamiliar5243@reddit
Children's parties revolve around gifts and opening the gifts. Giving goody bags takes some of the sting out of not receiving gifts for smaller children. For older children or adults it's a token to say, thank you to guests for taking their time to share your event with them.
Ginger630@reddit
Goodie bags are like little thank you’s for coming. Candy, some little toys, or a coloring books and crayons. Nothing big or crazy.
The amount of money you spend is up to you, but I wouldn’t go crazy. I usually do some candy, stickers, a fun pen or pencil, mini coloring books, fun erasers. Nothing loud or that has lots of little pieces. I try not to piss off the parents lol!
CloudedLeopardDaemon@reddit
Just to make an event more fun and special for kids who attend. Usually it's a few bite size chocolate bars/penny candy like Smarties and Tootsie pops, stickers, pencils/erasers, that sort of thing.
deandinbetween@reddit
Goodie bags are a little "thanks for coming!" treat for guests, just a hospitality thing. Businesses and camps do it as a thanks and to build goodwill for the brand/business.
For a kid's birthday party/event, I'd suggest candy, stickers and/or temporary tattoos, and a cheap little trinket like a toy or slime. It's also typical to fit at least one of the items to the theme of the event or your kid's interests. A dollar or two per bag is what I'd call a reasonable budget, especially since many of the things that would go in them can be bought in bulk.
AravisTheFierce@reddit
It's a small thank you for people coming to your party. Kind of like how at weddings or showers they may give you a little memento of the occasion, but for kids. When my kid was little, I tried to avoid the generic plastic toys and do something that was related to the theme of the party, and also useful and/or consumable. Like, for a Monsters University party, I printed out some logos and glued them on regular composition books and handed those out with some themed pencils and stickers. For a Star Wars party, I got those colored tubular bubble things, popped a skinny glow stick (the ones that you can make bracelets out of) in them at the last minute, and called them light sabers. For years when I wasn't feeling so creative, it might have been something like pencils and candy in the traditional bag.
susanbiddleross@reddit
It’s the opposite of a host gift. It is a small thank you for coming gift. Common bags would include stickers, candy, sometimes a colorful pencil. If you have stores near you that carry party supplies they will also have a selection of trinkets such as rings and erasers and you can just buy a selection of these and put them in the bags they will sell in the same area. If it is a party with boys in my opinion the most popular item is a single hot wheels toy instead. I’ve also seen a coloring book and a box of crayons for parents trying to avoid giving out extra plastic garbage.
The expectation for you to give these out will only be for children’s birthday parties. Your kids will continue to receive them from various activities. $1 a bag is plenty. The children do not care what is in the bag. You also have the option of a piñata and the children go home with individual bags of whatever they collect.
Living_Watercress@reddit
As an adult I hate goodie bags. Just a bunch of crap I don't want.
MotherofPuppos@reddit
It’s just a bag of treats— think of it kind of like a wedding favor. Cost scales with what you put in there. For kids parties (at least when I was growing up) it would commonly just be a little bag of mixed candy and maybe a cheap toy or two. They can be done very low cost, but they’re also entirely optional.
sfdsquid@reddit
Are you familiar with the term "party favor?" It's the same thing. I'm over 50 and kids have been getting party favors (at birthday parties anyway) for as long as I can remember.
Ghoulish_kitten@reddit
View it like “thank you for attending/helping to make the day special” gifts.
It is considered proper etiquette.
In Latin America there is the more classy, simplified and personalized concept of recuerdos.
It is expected that the gift bags/party favors match the person’s budget. Little stickers, candies, small stationery fitting the party theme are common.
If you’re rich put in luxury items.
Slow-Objective-7440@reddit
It's a, "thank you for coming" to the celebration.
endogenix1@reddit
For kids? Candy and little toys are great in a goody bag. Jolly ranchers, air heads, silly putty, little army men etc .. it doesn't need to be expensive just stuff that kids will think is fun.
TheBimpo@reddit
This isn’t a new thing, we got goodie bags at birthday parties back in the 80s. They’re just a little tokens for kids, kids get excited over small stuff. We used to get pencil erasers or maybe a matchbox car.
Adults like this stuff too, look at all the swag you see at business conventions.
opalandolive@reddit
Tbh, I've never passed out goody bags, and I've never gotten comments about it. So don't feel like you have to!
Bluemonogi@reddit
Birthday parties have had party favors or goodie bags for a long time. If you look up the history of party favors it dates back centuries in Europe to gift a small item to thank guests for attending an event. These days at children’s parties the goodie bag contents might fit the party theme and have small toys, stickers, bubbles or other small treats. You could do homemade items. Probably keep the cost under $10- so maybe $1-3 per bag.
Adults who attend events like a business conference might receive a swag bag with company branded or promotional items.
lellenn@reddit
I’m 47 and am very familiar with goody bags, both giving and receiving. It’s most often done for kids birthday parties. I don’t think I’d ever even consider it for any other event.
DrJamsHolyLand@reddit
In terms of kids sports, sometimes people hand out a goodie bag after a game. But it typically doesn’t contain toys, just a sports drink and a few snacks or something. Sometimes they contain healthy, practical snacks, other times is more junky food. Depends on the crowd.
somecow@reddit
Just a little bit of “k, thanks for coming today”. Just cheap stuff, probably from the dollar store. Getting someone a plate to go at a bbq is also a thing. Even teachers give their students little gifts at the end of the year sometimes. Goodie bags for homeless people are also a thing (not like most people have them), but a toothbrush and some deodorant is always good.
knysa-amatole@reddit
I think the reason behind kids' goodie bags is that the party guests see the birthday child receiving presents, and they might get jealous, so the host gives out goodie bags so that the guests can receive small presents as well.
When I was a kid, my goodie bags had cheap little toys from the party store (bouncy rubber balls in sparkly colors, slinkies, stickers, cute erasers, etc.) and candy.
ALmommy1234@reddit
My friend group all got together and decided that we, as a group, did not want our kids to have all the candy, stickers, plastic junk in goodies bags. We also decided we did not want the extra expense, so we agreed not to give them out at our kid’s parties. Best decision ever!
SummitJunkie7@reddit
It's a party favor, a thank-you gift for attending. Common at kid's birthday parties, and high-end events like weddings or black-tie fundraisers. Not required or expected at every gathering. In the case of the kid's birthday party, it's a bag with some small, inexpensive, token items - some candies, stickers, mini bubble wands, bouncy balls, tops, ... I think the main reason the tradition sticks with little kid's birthday parties is so everyone gets a small "gift" and there's less risk of jealousy drama over the birthday kid getting gifts. But really it's just a nice token to thank your guests for their time and effort attending.
If you go to the party aisle at a target or similar type of store, they'll have bags of these types of things. You buy a bag of 10 bouncy balls, 10 temporary tattoos, 10 spider rings, 10 colorful pencils, etc... and split them up among goodie bags. You can get themed ones like superheroes. All in I'd spend no more than a couple dollars per guest.
Pompi_Palawori@reddit
If it's for a kid's birthday party, tiny fun things are usually in the bag. Things like bubbles, stickers, rubber balls, pencils, candy, etc
Historical_Bath_9854@reddit
I grew up with goodie bags (GenX).
peoriagrace@reddit
For kids birthday, I always put a drink like Capri Sun, chips, candy and a little toy or stick on tattoo.
Cerulean_IsFancyBlue@reddit
It’s not mandatory thing. It’s just a trend. You see it at kids birthday parties, and you can see it at the Academy Awards.
I understand the idea at a convention or a industry event. It’s a way of getting your product in front of people who might want to buy more or who might talk it up in the bra or something like that. In those situations it’s pretty much a marketing expense.
With kids, it’s something that’s a little fun. It can help little kids get over the fact that they went to a party and none of the presents were for them.
I feel like in between those extremes, it’s just something you can do to be a little extra. I never have.
normiepitbullmom@reddit
You usually put fun little things that kids like in them. You can’t go wrong with:
•cute or funny stickers
•pencils and erasers, fun and cute patterns and themes
•a kazoo or whistle
•a mini kaleidoscope
•some sort of squish toy
•lip balm
•candy
bryku@reddit
What?!? You havent experience the greatness of goodie bags?!?
VariegatedPlumage@reddit
A bunch of people have already said, they’re just a way to thank kids for coming to a party or event.
For my kid’s birthday, we focused on toys that kids could use up and that wouldn’t just become clutter. Things like stickers, temporary tattoos, and snacks like granola bars and fruit snacks so there was at least a gesture in the direction of avoiding unhealthy snacks.
desertsunsetskies@reddit
If you are in an area with a Daiso (about half of the states have them), that may be a superior place to shop than a Dollar Tree. Daiso is a Japanese Dollar store and they have the best toys/pens/little notebooks for $1.75. They are much prettier and much better quality.
AliMcGraw@reddit
Ugh, do not do it, they are the WORST, and they are EVEN WORSE now that they're not mostly candy, they're most little bits of plastic crap that break and/or hang around my house forever and/or contribute microplastics to the enviroment.
If you MUST do them (which you possibly must because of local parenting culture), nearly all parents are secretly praying you send the child home with a party-theme-related actually useful item. Like, have everyone decorate a T-shirt and all their friends sign it. Kid wears it for two years, gets recycled into rags when they outgrow. My daughter went to a flower-themed birthday and came home with a small flowerpot as a goodie "bag" with flower seeds and a couple miniature garden tools (that she used to "help" in the garden), that was great. Even craft supplies -- crayons, colored pencils, origami paper, stickers, anything but glitter -- is better than random plastic crap.
RaymondLuxuryYacht@reddit
It’s weird, there’s not a real expectation to bring a gift to a kid’s birthday party, but there is an expectation for the attendees to get something. It’s normally cheap crap and they grow out of it. My six year old gives and gets bags, my preteen no longer does. Actual presents for the birthday child are optional.
OnePuzzleheaded6724@reddit
What's in the bag just depends on the person. I personally give the older kids empty bags to fill up when they bust on the pinata, which has like snacks, candies and small toys. For the younger kids I make a goodie bag with the same stuff for the most part but will include more age appropriate stuff because I don't want the older kids trampling them.
RedditWidow@reddit
Goodie bags are small gifts given to guests as a gesture of appreciation for attending the event or celebration. Also called party favors or door prizes (a prize you get just for walking through the door).
There are many examples, in centuries past, of people giving small tokens to those they favor, and this is similar. But when I was a kid in the 1970s and 80s, I don't recall ever getting a goodie bag at a party or a favor at a wedding. By the 2000s, they seemed to be at every event.
Some people go pretty basic with store bought candy and cheap plastic toys. Some try to keep it themed, like if it's a pirate themed party, all the kids get a little chest with fake gold coins and a pirate eye patch. If it's a fairy party, maybe a "magic wand" bubble wand or something like that.
Instead of doing party favors, my kids usually wanted piñatas at their birthday parties, and the kids would gather up the goodies that fell out of that.
LetterheadClassic306@reddit
i feel you on this one. goodie bags are basically a thank you for coming and a way to avoid meltdowns when the party ends. honestly most parents spend like $5-10 per bag. the key is small stuff like stickers, mini play dough, temporary tattoos, and individually wrapped candy. party favor bags make it easy to keep things organized without blowing your budget. just avoid junk that breaks in five minutes.
keeperofthecan@reddit
As others have said, it's just a "thank you for coming" bag. Not everyone does them, but plenty do.
We just do little bags of candies or baked goods and a little note that says thank you for coming, but some people do more. The last birthday party I took family to had everyone decorate a reusable water bottle to take home. The last quinceañera i attended, we all got a big piggy bank shaped like cowboy boots and flowers.
Most people don't go to a party or event expecting anything to take home, unless it's some ritzy professional event. If you're going to a birthday party, most people don't even think about goodie bags as a guest. It's just something that's offered sometimes 🤷♀️
AKA-Pseudonym@reddit
To be clear you don't need to do it whenever you have people over. They're mostly a thing for children's birthday parties or maybe certain special events like weddings.
hakumiogin@reddit
Just to add in, nobody would mind if you don't do it. It's just a fun thing for the kids. Nobody is going through them adding up a value. Some parents might get annoyed to have more plastic junk to deal with, but nobody is going to have a negative reaction past that.
Gatorae@reddit
I'm 43 and goodie bags were a big thing when I was a kid. With my kids I prefer to give out full size candy bars or similar, instead of big bag of plastic crap.
GodofAeons@reddit
OP, this
Just give a bag, write some simple hand written thank you cards on cardstock, get a bag of the mixed mini candies they do for stuff like Halloween and throw a handful in, youre good to go.
9311chi@reddit
I’m 30 and they were big at birthday parties growing up for me too.
obtusewisdom@reddit
It could also be homemade cookies, or a single awesome cupcake. It doesn’t have to be an assortment of cheap toys.
When my kids were little, instead of goodie bags we either did a craft they took home or had some theme things they used at the party and took home.
littlemsshiny@reddit
I’d distinguish between birthday party goodie bags and ones passed out after sports. The former tend to have toys, stickers, candies. The latter tend to have snacks.
Jazzlike-Monk-4465@reddit
I want to cross post to r/anticonsumption so I’m not the only one suggesting don’t goodie bags. They are mostly filled with disposable plastic trash.
bkguy182@reddit
Damn. What a throwback. I totally forgot we got/gave these as kids at birthdays.
tacosandbananas123@reddit
When I was a kid it was just some candy only happened at a kindergarten birthday oarty
Shytemagnet@reddit
What I always did was have a few games or crafts for the kids to do, plus decorating a cupcake or cookie to bring home, and let all of that serve as the goody bag. The first “station” was always decorating a paper bag with their name and whatever the theme of the party was, and then they just plunked whatever they won or made into the bag. Parents LOVED it.
GhostWatcher007@reddit
Excellent idea! I love it.
ehs06702@reddit
Ooh, that's very clever.
freshboss4200@reddit
For a kids party little cheap trinkets. Maybe $5, tops per bag. You could do more but thats fine, fun, and nice
Djinn_42@reddit
$5 per bag?!
AmishAngst@reddit
It's basically a thank you for attending the party. Like favors at a wedding.
If you shop at a big box store like Target and Walmart you'll see an entire aisle of kid party favor items - usually small trinkets or games, you can throw in a small pack of crayons or candy or stickers.
Price is dependent on age and budget and what you feel like putting in there. Assuming you buy things in bulk packs I would estimate $2-3/kid at most. I did favor bags for a party I recently threw (for adults) and spent probably $10/person including the bags and tissue paper and that was probably on the more expensive side of what I would expect for that sort of thing but it was a special occasion and I couldn't make up my mind between items so I put all three items I was considering in the bags.
coop999@reddit
$2-$3 per kid matches what we've done for our kid's birthday parties. A few pieces of candy, some stickers, a little trinket or two. Nothing too fancy at all.
AnotherMinorDeity@reddit
Goodie bags are the new, inferior iteration of a party favor. When my son (who is now a teen) had a superhero party we gave all the kids capes to wear for the party a take home. One year he had a pool party and each kid got a little boat and a squirt toy to use during the party and take home. Less than $5 per kid. Now it’s all plastic crap that parents do not want.
eternal_casserole@reddit
At my favorite party when I was little (maybe six years old), we got prizes for games like pin the tail on the donkey, and got to pick the prize. It was really more fun than everybody getting the same goodie bag. They did make sure everybody won something. I remember I went home with a Little Golden Book about a lion, and I was delighted with it.
blipsman@reddit
There’s been some goodie bag inflation since I was a kid, when we maybe got a couple pieces of small candy like given out at Halloween and maybe some small toy like a bouncy ball… now it’s a few little toys and some candy, but I’ve seen some people even give out snackle boxes of gummies, with the boxes personalized for each kid.
But we basically look for some bags theme on Amazon, cheap toys in like 20-packs on Amazon that are on theme with party, sometimes there are even packs with 20 each of 3-4 different toys for like $30 total. And then a couple pieces of Halloween candy (we’ve just used leftovers the past 2 years since son’s birthday is in early Jan).
Bright_Ices@reddit
When I was young we called them “party favors.” It was typically just a couple or a few little toys, maybe cute erasers. Take a look at the bags your child brings home and consider that the range for your circle. But if you can’t afford to give every kid what they gave, that’s perfectly fine. In that case, a few stickers with a dollar tree toy is perfectly fine. Usually you can even buy party favors in sets of 4 or 6 or 8, online or at retail stores like Target. If the dollar tree has sets of party favors, there’s a nice option because then you only have to buy one or two sets to have enough for all the kids.
If your child is really into a specific thing, you could do a themed party related to that current interest (but you don’t have to!). Then you can give out little toys related to the theme as goodies. For example, if it’s an ice cream party, stickers and erasers related to ice cream would be fun “goodies” for the kids to take home. If it’s a Mario Kart theme, you can give stuff related to Mario brothers and the characters in the game.
You can go online and look up “party favors” for ideas, and to get a better sense of the “expectations.”
OceanPoet87@reddit
It's usually candy and cheap party favor toys.
DormantLime@reddit
I did dollar store goodie bags for holidays for my neighbors. You can buy everything there and it still be tasteful if you choose your items wisely. It's all about your budget, the theme of the occasion, and the type of folks getting them. Most people don't expect anything expensive when getting something for free. It's a "thank you for coming" or "thanks for existing" sort of thing. Stationary, stickers, candies, tiny cheap toys like paddle balls or fidget toys, stress toys, bookmarks, affordable books, small stuffed animals- like I said just think about your budget, the occasion, and if you're choosing for kids or adults. Get as creative or boring with it as you want.
FilthyMindz69@reddit
You don’t need to do goodie bags.
Some do, some don’t. It’s really popular right now, but I’m willing to bet most parents wish their kids didn’t get sent home with all the extra stuff.
eternal_casserole@reddit
For children, goodie bags are a sort of "thank you for coming" gift, to offer them something that keeps the fun going after the event.
What you choose to put in it or how much you spend is completely up to you. Party stores and places (in the US) like Target or 5 Below are great for finding little tubes of bubbles, stickers, Hot Wheels cars, things like that. I'd say it's normal to have about five very small items for a birthday party goodie bag. Things where you can get a multiple pack of them for about $5. Michael's is also a good store here for finding small craft items that just cost a couple of dollars per child.
A totally adequate goodie bag for an average kid in elementary school might include one or two small candies, a sheet of stickers (if your party had a theme like Batman, you can get items to match that theme), a little paper noisemaker (super cheap at a party store), a rubber ball, and a tiny bag of chips or crackers.
Depending on the age of the children and how much you want to spend, you could do things like:
Tiny bottles of nail polish
Little Golden Books or other small inexpensive books
Toy cars like Hot Wheels
Seasonable items like little water shooters for summer
Friendship bracelets
Small puzzle games
Other parents really do not care how much you spend on this. The idea is just to end the event on a fun note and thank every child for coming. It can also help offset children being disappointed when the party is over. Don't make it something extravagant. Just don't stress over it. Any little gift is appropriate and thoughtful.
CriticalSuit1336@reddit
I don't think there's any real etiquette around goodie bags or much expectation. It's sort of a nice way to welcome people to whatever event you are hosting. Usually, the best ones fit whatever event you are holding. For example, if it's an outdoor picnic, a small tube of sunblock, bugspray, and a can coozy would be appropriate. If it's a something more active, include a bottle of water or Gatorade. If it's very cold outside, hand warmers. You get the idea. But don't stress about it - one of those things that isn't really expected, but appreciated.
Gaybeanuwu@reddit
It’s totally optional. When I was growing up, it was usually some cheap candy with bubbles, stickers, temporary tattoos, or small cheap toys from the dollar tree or walmart.
KirstiS@reddit
Yes! And at least in my area, the stickers etc match the party theme.
SeaGurl@reddit
Its still like that.
Gaybeanuwu@reddit
I assumed so! I just haven’t been to a kid’s birthday party in a decade haha
riverbass9@reddit
If you put the effort into hosting or coordinating an event, it’s a nice gesture to say thanks for making my effort worth while. It’s a similar concept with catering, but is less formal than that. Usually people just buy whatever is cheap and comes in bulk; unless the event is a slightly nicer event, then it’s okay to spend a little more.
DearGabbyAbby@reddit
Get the goodie bags at the dollar store. Buy things in bulk to go in it. For ideas, kids love stickers, temporary tattoos, ring pops, mini colored pencils are popular with kids right now, bubbles, tic tac toe keychains. Kids love to decorate their backpack so little stuffed animal keychains will work too. Bag of miniature Hershey candies so you have a lot of different candies to distribute.
Don’t spend a lot. Goodie bags represent a little thank you to the guests.
Engine_Sweet@reddit
Not everything is a culture
armoredbearclock@reddit
Goodie bag party favors for kids’ birthdays are definitely part of American culture. It’s part of the party just like cake and singing happy birthday.
The kids like small fidget toys, special pens or pencils, squishies, candy, etc. Most of it gets thrown away eventually, but my kids can be entertained all day with a birthday party and a goodie bag.
Sometimes instead of a bag of little things there might be one bigger thing - we’ve gotten a little plastic digital camera with games, a painting craft, a personalized cup, for example. I think that’s a cultural thing, too, for more wealthy areas, despite the fact that the one thing bought in bulk is probably cheaper than the goodie bag with a bunch of little things.
stedmangraham@reddit
This isn’t “a culture” but it’s definitely a feature of a culture. Ritual gift giving behavior is like the most culture thing there is
nojugglingever@reddit
Yeah, I’ll second this. I don’t believe I’ve ever received a goodie bag in my life.
lewisae0@reddit
You can get things from the dollar store. It isn’t anything other than a thank you at the end of the party
NflJam71@reddit
It's hard to know without context because it's all about the event and the audience. Perhaps you should take down what is in these goodie bags that your kids bring home so you can get a better idea.
SeaGurl@reddit
This needs to be higher up.
Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeess-@reddit
for a children’s birthday party you can just throw some candy and maybe a few stickers in there and the kids will be happy. throw in some small bottles of bubbles and you’ll be very popular with them.
GoddessOfOddness@reddit
Erasers, crayons, cheap plastic rings, tootsie rolls, Hershey kisses, a deck of playing cards, stickers, cheap little puzzles.
You can find packages of cheap little gifts at Walmart or some party stores.
FunTricky903@reddit
Why is everything a “culture”?
machagogo@reddit
It has to be XYZ culture, because according to the Internet, and certainly Internet Europeans, America has no culture so xyz thing can't just be a part of Americana, it has to be a hyper-focussed niche culture. It's either that or obsession. At least this one wasn't chalked up to mental defect
Mindless_Earth_2807@reddit
It's up to you. When my daughter was younger, I filled goodie bags with pencils, candies, snacks, stickers, and a few other party favors. It would add up to maybe $3.50/bag.
During one birthday (towards end of COVID), I decided to give each kid a full-sized toy worth $10, and gave goodie bags to the parents instead. Inside each goodie bag, there was a TSA-approved bag with 2 masks, a hand sanitizer, a lip balm, single use gloves, and a mini pack of wet wipes. Everyone was happy.
seatownquilt-N-plant@reddit
its the cheap little kiddy version of "door prizes" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Door_prize
Dollar stores or toy stores might have a small section dedicated to small fun things that might be put in a kids birthday party goodie bag
If this 360-degree photo works you can see that this toy store has a big display of tiny little toys to choose from.
seatownquilt-N-plant@reddit
here is a skincare goodie bag post from Australia, they got it as gift for their high dollar purchase
https://www.reddit.com/r/AusSkincare/comments/1grsfm7/whats_in_the_priceline_skincare_goody_bag_free/
66NickS@reddit
It depends on the event.
Remarkable-Set-8319@reddit
Just wanted to add, sometimes it's not just a little gift for the guest but also an item to remember the occasion.
Creepy-Floor-1745@reddit
Kids goodie bags might be a few pieces of candy, some stickers or temporary tattoos, a plastic army guy
I make them for my college-age daughter’s friends for her birthday too even though this is really a little kid thing. I put some snacks, little gifts from the dollar store like facial masks or lip gloss
tupelobound@reddit
Read up on the tradition of party favors: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Party_favor
https://hvmag.com/uncategorized/wedding-traditions-a-history-of-party-favors-and-their-origins/?amp=1
Party_Midnight3476@reddit (OP)
Wow, thanks for the links!
im-not-a-panda@reddit
We’ve always treated them as a way to thank others for coming to our event… birthday party goodie bags, bridal/baby shower/wedding favors, etc.
Budget is what you want to make it. There really isn’t an average or recommended amount.
damu2hel@reddit
Also called “party favors”.
Just put a few small things inside. Decorative erasers, stickers, temporary tattoos, maybe a little toy or puzzle, bubbles, candy. Typically stuff you can buy in a pack of 12 and split up, usually matching the color or theme of the party.
Like if a kid had a Spider-Man party, maybe you would have Spider-Man erasers and a little pack of nerds candy.
It’s also optional— some parties wouldn’t have goody bags, and as far as i know no one was bothered, since throwing a party is hard as it is.
vermilion-chartreuse@reddit
We don't do birthday goodie bags. It's all plastic crap that was designed to go straight to the landfill.
We sometimes do party favors, and sometimes we don't. We always make sure there is plenty of food for anyone who attends, and we also make it clear that gifts are entirely optional. So maybe we just keep the expectations lower than some other people, idk
schokobonbons@reddit
Goodie bags aren't required!
MMStormbird@reddit
For kids parties, they usually contain candy and small cheap toys, maybe some pretty pens/pencils or stickers. Very small budget. Just a fun thing to give kids since the just watched their friend unwrap a bunch of cool stuff.
PriorSecurity9784@reddit
I feel like it used to be more of a thing at kids birthdays to open the presents in front of everyone
and then so little kids don’t feel sad that birthday kid got a bunch of stuff and they don’t get anything, they made little bags of candy or toys or something so everyone got something
Or if I bring you a present, then it feels polite for you give me a little sometime to take home
But at least in my culture (white, upper middle class US suburbs) it feels gauche to open the presents I’m front of everyone, so that’s not as much a thing anymore. And no one wants little bags of Chinese crap. After about 10 they’re just usually saying “no presents” or giving each other gift cards, because none of these kids need anything.
So, maybe if there’s a candy or snack that’s on theme, there might a little bag for that, but it’s not all the time
Angsty_Potatos@reddit
It's a party favor.
If you need to make em, you can include a few pieces of candy, sticker, temp tattoos, etc
HollowSeeking@reddit
You don't ever have to make goodie bags. My kid has been to parties where they were handed out and parties where they weren't, and no one really cared either way. If anyone complains, it's more a negative reflection on the person complaining (or child and how they're raised) than on the host.
They can be fun though! I made some one year for my kid's birthday party and put some candies and drinks that were going viral. They don't have to be expensive.
No special reciprocation is expected, just a simple thank you.
SingleAd784@reddit
Easiest way to handle this for a little kid birthday party is by searching your theme/something your kid loves (pirates, knights, Moana, princesses, gymnastics, whatever) and “party favors” or “goody bags” on Amazon. You’ll find sets of slap bracelets/pencils/hair clips/etc. on theme, and then get some bags and some candy and call it a day. Or if you want parents to love you for not sending home more plastic crap, think of one cheap-ish thing that’s relevant - a towel for a beach party, a tiara for a princess party, a relevant book, a cute scrunchy or hair accessory, etc. and just send that home.
Ok_Caterpillar2010@reddit
Party favors have been around a long, long time. They're a thank-you to the guest for attending your event. What goes in depends on the age of the recipient: bubbles, bouncy balls, temporary tattoos, stickers, play "jewelry", gel pens, cute sunglasses from the dollar store, lip gloss, candy... whatever you can get a bunch of for cheap (maybe $3 - $5 per bag) that the recipient can use/eat/play with.
botulizard@reddit
It's just a party favor, like the small box with a few chocolates or candied almonds you might get at a wedding. For kids it's usually a few pieces of candy, a cheap and simple toy or two, some crayons, things like that.
mr_miggs@reddit
I don’t know where the hell it started, but my kid is eight years old and I’m pretty damn sick of it. Every goodie bag they bring home is just candy and plastic trash.
The only ones that I really like and regularly see/receive are the ones they give out at weddings. Often times the bride and groom will make something that is somewhat personal to them and it’s interesting to see what they come up with.
ElrondTheHater@reddit
Goodie bags are little gifts for people who attend events. If you're doing them for little kids I'd recommend stuff slightly upscale than what you'd give out for Halloween. Candy, small inexpensive toys (like superballs or fidgets or slime or whatever), etc. it's nice but not essential to have an item or two that commemorates the event itself, but custom printed pencils or whatever is a bit fancy for a kid's birthday party.
FewRefrigerator374@reddit
Goodie bags are just a fun “thank you for coming”
type thing like a favor at a wedding.
Just use your common sense. If the party has a theme, something that goes with that. A princess party, all the kids get a crown or something.
daaamber@reddit
Little kids are little kids, and they get jealous of other kids getting toys and gifts. So I always thought it was a way to spread the joy and prevent that issue. Plus it also acts a a memento of the event.
JacobAndor@reddit
Goodie bags depend on the occasion and recipients. For example, were you to host u/JacobAndor for an event, cash and weed would be highly acceptable goodie bags.