52 Kids Party Favors (That Are Not Junk)
Here's a big list of the best kids party favors that are not junk, with fantastic ideas submitted by regular parents.
If you're tired of coming home from birthday parties with goodie bags of trinkets that get thrown away after 5 minutes, change starts with you!
We've got plenty of stand-alone party favor ideas for kids that are more fun than a bag of random stuff, can match your party themes, or even provide a fun activity during the celebration itself.
What are the best party favors for kids that you've ever given out? Share your cool and unique ideas below to help fellow parents!
Useful Party Favors
Water Blasters
Kelly R. said: These blasters are tons of fun as water toys in the summer, and are some of the best party favors for kids after a pool party!
Flashlights
Kelly R. said: Hand mini flashlights out for a sleepover or outdoor movie night party and the kids can use them right away! We bought this multi-pack of LED flashlights...the colors are great and they are really inexpensive birthday party favors for kids.
Maze Books
Kelly R. said: Maze and activity books are good kids party favors that are not junk! This will let them enjoy some quiet time after they get home, and come in all sorts of options to go along with your party theme.
Jumbo Keychain Squishies
Lisa R said: I reluctantly recommend these 2-3" keychain squishies only because my 7 year old says it was the best thing she ever got in a gift bag and gave them out at her own party and to friends on her bus. They are cheap, scented and work as a fidget toy. I'm not so sure about the non-toxic claims, so likely best for bigger kids who still like cute things.
Mini Writing Tablets
Lisa R said: These mini-writing tablets are still in regular use 6 months after my daughter's last birthday. They're the perfect size for carrying along in the car or tossing in a play purse. My daughter particularly likes that she can lock the screen and save her drawings and lists for later. At $1-$3 each, they're reasonably priced for throwing into a gift bag.
Crayola Model Magic
Kelly R. said: Give each child a few mini packets of Model Magic for fun arts and crafts party favors that aren't junk! The material is easy to work with and can be reused or air-dried to create a permanent keepsake.
LEGO DOTS Bracelets
Amy S. said: A party favor that can do double duty as a party activity! LEGO DOTS bracelets are fun and easy to make, and each kid gets to “design” their own by selecting and arranging the “DOTS” (colorful LEGO tiles) in patterns—or not! They’re probably best for slightly older kids with good fine motor skills (the pieces are TINY). The best part is how easy it is to rearrange and change up the design. I’d buy extra tiles for more creative possibilities, and then let kids choose some more to bring home with them.
Nail Polish
Kelly R. said: Buy a multi-pack of kid-friendly nail polish and send each child home with their own personal bottle for unique party favors that are not junk!
Little Miss and Mr. Men Books
Kelly R. said:
Remember this fun book series? Choose the character that best fits each of the party attendees, and send them home with their own book. Here's hoping Mr. Birthday didn't invite Mr. Rude or Little Miss Naughty.
Silly Putty
Kristy Pepping said: Silly Putty is a classic, fun party favor for kids that is sure to entertain guests for weeks after your celebration!
Pokémon Cards
Kelly R. said: If Pokémon is popular among your kid's friends, packs of Pokémon cards are the best party favors. Leave a little extra time at the end of the party for trading!
Fire Truck Crayons
Joseph Kelley said: What a fun twist on standard crayons! Each set comes prepackaged with two colors.
Crystal Suncatchers
Kelly R. said: These little suncatchers hang in a bright window and throw little rainbows all around the room. They make the best kids party favors for a rainbow themed party!
Melissa & Doug Doodle Pad
Kelly R. said: These doodle pads have a compact size that makes them perfect useful party favors, and great for taking on the go. Pair a pad with a set of crayons or divide up a pack of gel pens depending on the age of the kids.
Play-Doh
Erin P. said: Our son went to a birthday party recently where he got play-doh cans as a party favor! This was a big hit with him!
Primary photo: Maxime Bhm on Unsplash
Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.