101 Birthday Party Favor Ideas

Posted on August 12, 2012 by KandyOh

101 party favor ideas
After much searching and brainstorming, here are several — in fact, 101! — birthday party favors grouped by idea, rather than theme. We wanted to create a list that was not limited by current party fads, but instead provide inspiration for most any type of party your kiddo may really, really, really want.

Below, you will find 13 different categories of party favor goodness (many are from some of my favorite Etsy shops!):

  • Wearables
  • Reading Materials
  • DIY Kits
  • Personalized Gifts
  • Art Supplies
  • Purses & Pouches
  • Holiday Cheer
  • Travel Games
  • Pretend Play
  • Slumber Party Gifts
  • Sweet Treats
  • Dolls
  • Toys & Puzzles

Party favors need not sit idly by waiting to be handed out at the end of the party. Oh no…they can be integrated into the party as prizes to games, surprises at the end of scavenger hunts, or an arts-n-crafts activity that keeps little hands occupied.

Wearables

wearable party favors
Except maybe socks & underwear, kids usually like wearable gifts that are very silly or very pretty. Choose wearable gifts that match your theme or color scheme. Also think about charms or items that can be attached to backpacks, lunchboxes, shoe laces and coat zippers.

Reading Materials

book party favors

For parties based on books (or for the love of books in general): the very book you’re celebrating — Harry Potter, The Wizard of Oz, Dr. Seuss — to name just a few, bookmarks, bookstore gift cards and journals all make treasured party mementos.

DIY Kits

diy kits party favors

Rather than purchasing a ready-made party favor, why not double the fun with a DIY kit? Assemble the needed items to bake cookies, plant an herb garden, sew an ornament, decorate a picture frame, or any other craft, baking or construction project that complements your party theme.

Personalized Gifts

personalized party favors

What could be more special to a child then receiving a gift with their very own name on it? The possibilities for personalization are endless… with enough time and planning almost anything can be embroidered or screen-printed today. However, be cautious about placing a child’s name on an item that might be worn or carried in public, as some parents may be sensitive to privacy concerns.

Art Supplies

art party favors

Art parties seem to be extremely popular these days. Even if you aren’t having an art party, art supplies are always a favorite favor. Don’t forget about cute erasers, colored chalk, stamps, coloring books, and of course, stickers.

Purses & Pouches

pouch party favors

It is so much fun to have a special place to put every small trinket. Kids will adore a pint-size pouch they can fill with secret treasures. Choose a pouch that is full of whimsy and versatile or one that is perfectly constructed to hold one particular object.

Holiday Cheer

holiday party favors

Party favors can also make beautiful holiday ornaments — at Christmas or anytime of the year. Add a string to the top of your gift so that it can be hung on a Christmas tree, door knob, bed post or bulletin board.

Travel Games

travel party favors
The idea of travel-friendly favors comes straight from my good friend Mari over at Small for Big. She designed the label for the tin, then filled it with lots of little goodies: stickers, magnify glass, finger puppets, plastic animals, etc. This little tin of treasures travels in our diaper bag and is taken out whenever we go out to eat.

Pretend Play

pretend toys party favors

The perfect dual-purpose favor: dress-up clothes and pretend toys. Your party guests can wear their favor at the party for uber-adorable photo ops, then take it home to pretend play some more. More dress-up favor ideas: feather boas, tinsel wigs, tutus, sunglasses, flower leis, sheriff badges, plastic handcuffs, superhero capes, bandanas and fairy wings.

Slumber Party Gifts

slumber party favors
If you’re hosting a slumber party, a night time-theme party favor is the perfect complement. Need more slumber party favor ideas?  How about slippers, personalized pillowcases, bubble bath, flashlights, book lights, book of ghost stories, or individual popcorn bowls?

Sweet Treats

party favor treats
Did someone say candy? Or cookie? Or anything sweet that’s fun to eat?

Dolls

doll party favors
What child would not want to bring home any of these new friends? Personally, we want them all!

Toys & Puzzles

birthday party favors
Last, but not least, simple toys and puzzles make classic birthday party favors. Other favorites include wooden trains, Matchbox cars, marbles, jacks, dice games, action figures, modeling dough, Slinky and yo yos.

And so, that’s it! We hope these ideas provide a little inspiration for your little one’s next birthday party.

Want even more ideas? Then head on over to our Pinterest board.

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One Response to 101 Birthday Party Favor Ideas

  1. Stacy says:
    August 20, 2012 at 7:19 pm

    What a great list! Thank you so much for including my marker wallet. It is in terrific company here!