Alternatives to lolly bags...

**BabelFish** · 17-07-2009 15:53

It's my DD's first birthday party next weekend and I am trying to come up with an alternative to lolly bags that the kids will still actually like.

I'm reasonably against stuffing a small plastic bag full of sugar and preservatives and giving it to kids to take home (lol) but lolly bags are still really fun and so I'd like to have them at the party, but just have something that isn't so `plastic' (if that makes sense) but also doesn't shove a `healthy eating' message down everyone's throats, because I don't want to do that either.

Does anyone have any ideas?

**RHJ** · 17-07-2009 15:58

What i usually do for my kids 1st parties (and for the other kids) is fill a small bag or noodle box with a few different things. Depending on how much you want to spend. Bubbles (the small little bottles) are fantastic, and you can get lots very cheaply at the reject shop etc. Also usually put some crayons or pencils and some paper in. I pop a heinz babies fruit bar in (as their treat) and sometimes a mix of a few other things like socks, or a peek a block block, or ball. A balloon etc.

**JackOfAllTradesMummy** · 17-07-2009 15:58

How about cupcakes? Or perhaps water paints or maybe bubble bath mix.. Are you having a theme? you could work that into the 'take home gifts'.

**BabelFish** · 17-07-2009 16:00

Yes it's a Very Hungry Caterpillar theme, and the cake is made up of a lot of cupcakes ... the thing is, if it's was just a bunch of one-year-olds, I wouldn't bother. But DD is going to be the only one that age there. The other kids will range from 3 to 13 years old. So I thought about toys instead but that's such a big age range - I don't want to get things the older kids will think are naff...lol.

I also don't want to spend a fortune on lolly bags, either, we are on a really strict budget at the moment and just can't afford it

**Seacretsquirrel** · 17-07-2009 16:03

with dd's 1st bday (only 3 other kids so a bit diff to having a big party) I did a lolly bag but it had a colouring book for the little boy (1.5) and those cardboard doll books for the 2 girls(3ish).
plus a freddo and a couple of jelly snakes so it had a bit of a balance.
for her 2nd we had a garden theme - catterpillar cake, invites on a seed paket (I stuck the invite details on vellum and stuck it to sunflower seed packets) and the lolly bags were a customised plastic flower pot with a couple of chuppa chups and a packet of smarties.
Good luck

**Kittylou** · 17-07-2009 16:03

Stickers, little books, balloons, bubbles, pencils/crayons, etc are some of the things I've used/DS has received in party bags over the years.

**BabelFish** · 17-07-2009 16:04

Of course, my DP just said `why even have them at all? It's not a requirement'. LOL.

I didn't think of that!!

**MummaFug** · 17-07-2009 16:10

If you are crafty - you could make a lil waist belt and put a net, toy magnifying glass, speciman jar and let the kiddies HUNT for caterpillars.. they can then take them home .. serves as a party bag and will keep them busy during the party ... (perhaps hide some plastic insects around so they can find them)

**firstbabyboy** · 17-07-2009 16:11

with your DP...if you are on a budget then don't worry about a gift bag........to be honest i certainly dont think people are coming for a gift bag they are coming to celebrate a birthday!!

Have a great party and forget the gift bags!!