Goody bags for my child's birthday party?

Question

So I am having my childs party at a facility that houses, 25 of those inflatable jumpers, I am getting pizza for the kids and I will keep the kids (25) there for 2 hours. So I am spending way more than I anticipated.

What is the rule for goody bags? Do I have to give them? There are going to be 25 +/- children going..if I do decide to give bags any ideas on what to give? I hate the idea of bags filled with crap, I would rather give a $5 gift certificate to all the kids for a local restuarant

Answer 1

If your forking out that kinda money already, i wouldnt worry too much about the goody bags. The kids will be having fun on your expense. If you do feel obligated to get them something maybe give them some stickers or a balloon or something like that. Or go to the dollar tree they got lots of fun goodies there!

Answer 2

It does sound like you are putting out alot already. I don't think you have too do the goody bags. Out of 6 bday parties, only 1 hasn't given but there was only around 15 kids @ each so not as many bags where needed. I also think alot of stuff in the bags can be junkie!

I used plastic cups w/ the theme on them for our last party as 1 item in the bag. @ least its something that may be used more. The gift certificate is a good idea(i think the parents would like that especially) however it sounds like the kids will be having so much fun, they prob. won't even think about the goodie bags.

Answer 3

I personally think the goody bags aren't necessary. However, has your child been to other parties? Have they been similar to your party? Did they give gift bags?
25 kids is an awful lot to be buying gift bags for. Seems to me that attending their party and taking a gift is enough.
If you have to do a goody bag, keep it as a small and simple thank you for coming, with some candy or something age appropriate.

Answer 4

Well if you're already saying that you're spending more money than you wanted too....the $5 per child would be even more.

You can give goodie bags...every party that my son has gone to this year had like 3 things in it. A pencil, a small dollar store toy like a yo-yo, and a pack of trading cards. No candy. You don't have to give candy anyways....

I would simply buy a pack of pencils, maybe some stickers, and a small toy. It doesn't have to be packed full of stuff. PLUS that would be much cheaper per child than a gift certificate. PLUS that would make the parent have to take their child to a restaurant....and if they are like me...it would cost too much for me in order to redeem it...so it would probably get tossed.

Answer 5

I agree with you about the bags of junk. I think the g. cert. idea is fine- you'd probably spend about that much anyhoo. We've also given crayons and scratch pads, matchbox cars, costume jewelry (Claire's stuff), little stuffed animals. I think you have the right idea though. And yes, unfortunately goodie bags are obligatory these days. But hey! Be a rebel! End the madness! I'd support you! Good luck.

Answer 6

You definately don't have to have goody bags at parties. Especially for that many kids, you'd be spending way too much.

Answer 7

The gift certificate idea sounds GREAT!!! It would probably be almost cheaper you figure after you buy all 25 bags, candy to go in the bags, little toys ribbon to tie them ect. you would spend nearly the same amount as you would by getting gift cards. I think a $5 gift certificate to a Baskin Robins or an ice cream shop would be neat. It's always fun to go get ice cream with your parents! I would put them in premade "thank you for coming to the party" cards and hand them out as each child leaves (that way there's no fighting over them or losing them in your house. Good luck!

Answer 8

i ordered online craft supplies for kids to decorate their own plates and cups, came out to just $2/kid. you can also get modeling clay or wooden craft supplies (like toy cars or ornaments or whatever) at a craft store for less than a dollar a kid. i think a craft is way better than candy or dollar-store plastic stuff anyway.

but i agree you definitely don't have to give goody bags at all if you don't want to. your gift to them is the party.

edit -- or just take a polaroid of each kid having fun at the party (or let them take polaroids of each other, even better) and let them bring those home....

Answer 9

I have never felt that good bags are a must, especially if you are hosting a party at a place where you have to pay per kid. I think the party alone is enough, but if you want to do something, the gift certificates are a good idea.

Answer 10

I would not give out goodie bags but do give thank you notes and maybe a sheet of stickers to go with thank you note. you can get stickers real cheap.