Some Favorite Favors {GIVEAWAYS & DISCOUNT}

When your kids start getting invited to lots of birthday parties, you begin to dread the goodie bags.  Some of the things in them - like sidewalk chalk and bath toys - actually get used.  But others get tossed as soon as you get home from the party or worse - sit around your house collecting dust.  I myself am guilty of giving out some goodies that I didn't realize were duds until we got the same things at other bashes, so before the girls' second birthday comes around, I'm on the hunt for the perfect party favors.  Here are some ideas.

There were a few things in the goodie buckets we gave out at Gabrielle and Alaina's first birthday party that I think were a success.

For the girls, we included one hair bow each.  There are lots of great tutorials out there on how to make them yourself (I like the assortment at Hip Girl Clips) or you can find some terrific deals out there to buy sets of them.  Princess Couture Designs makes the cutest clips (my girls wear them all the time) and this great collection of seven bows is just $10!

And these three clippies are only $4.50.

Divide them up and those barrettes cost about $1.50 each and they're much more likely to get used than the 50 cent fake tattoos or the $1 silly sunglasses you could buy instead.  Not only will you get more bang for your buck (since the other things will most likely get thrown out anyway) but the other moms will thank you for giving out something useful for a change!

Another fun favor we gave out was recycled chunky crayons.

I know, I know, you're probably sick of hearing about them but they really are simple to make {get the tutorial here} and you can customize them to match almost any party theme.  Plus, the kids loved them.

And last, but not least, we also gave out bubbles.

They were a huge hit especially because the party was outside and they kept the kids entertained.  I bought these Design-Your-Own Bubbles from Oriental Trading for $5.99 per dozen.

But instead of having the kids draw on them, I wrapped each bottle in scrapbook paper (it was secured with double stick tape) and stuck a butterfly cut out on top to match the girls' party theme.

Easy - and inexpensive!

This year, I've got a few other potential favors in mind.  I adore these mini crayon rolls from My Sunshine Designs.

They're so different from anything we've gotten in a goodie bag before and you can buy them in sets for less than $2.50 each.  This three pack is just $7!

My Sunshine Designs will work with you to customize the fabrics to match your party theme, too.  I love this strawberry pattern.

Another adorable option is to give out finger puppets, like the fantastic ones from WeeKnit.  Throwing a lady bug party?  Get some crawly critters!

Having a monster bash?  These guys are perfect!

If you don't see something you like listed in their store, WeeKnit will work with you to come up with the perfect puppets for your party.  Want just bees?  No problem.  And they'll package them in whatever quantity you want.

Looking for something completely unique?  Try the wooden toys from Goose Grease Undone.  This family of four is just $2 (or you can buy 10 families for $17)!

Ten tops are $15.

And two Yo Yos are $5.

Not only are these toys fun as is, but the kids can paint them too.  You can buy paint kits to give out from Goose Grease Undone:

Or you could have some supplies at the party and let the guests go crazy there.  Either way, these wooden playthings should please even the pickiest party goers!

So there you have it - a few party favors that may not end up in the trash post-party.  Have some other great ideas for goodie bags?  AFOMFT wants to hear about 'em so post a comment here with all the details.  And don't forget to visit the Goodies Page here for a discount from WeeKnit and giveaways from Princess Couture Designs and My Sunshine Designs plus lots more.  Now that's a gift that keeps on giving! 

Images: Ariana Falerni Photography, AFOMFT, Princess Couture Designs, Oriental Trading, WeeKnit & Goose Grease Undone