At least two weeks ago you sent out the party invitations, the attending guest list has been noted, party supplies have been order and your necessity list has been completed. Now seems to be the hardest part of the entire child birthday party planning experience each year, deciding on the party favors. Throughout tradition the three most common party favors for children parties is 1) pockets full of candy 2) a goodie bag and finally 3) a piñata.
Since there is nothing like bringing home a child, hyped up on sugar, to a calm household after a long day, I prefer to stay away from sugary favors. Usually afterwards the partied out child has reached and gone over the daily amount of sugar a child can possible consume already and is tired out from the events that he/she is at the topmost level of “grouchiness”. If that were not enough, if the parents were required to attend, most likely you are tired and are not in the mood for a toy favor that is loud and annoying.
Popular at this moment for girls are “pretty in pink” parties and “princess” parties. So, if you are like me that prefer favors with no sugar and are quiet, here are my suggestions:
Idea#1: For these two party types, it is fun to have a dress up party. Basically there are not many decorations that are needed, besides just about every mirror in the house and some fun music playing. If you get really creative, you can setup a section in your hallway or another room in your house to be the official “runway”. Then, I suggest purchasing fun clothing items from a local Goodwill store or any other secondhand store. Usually once a month, these stores have a $1 day which all pieces of clothing are only for $1 or less. Just make sure that all items are washed before allowing the children to dress up in these items. For the favors, purchase boa’s and little pink purses for the children to take home after they are finished. The little girls will feel like princesses at the party and can be taken home afterwards. There are many cheap stores such as Dollar General or Big Lots which usually have these two items on hand at all times.
Idea #2: Since I had been brought up with a mother that was an art teacher, I was accustomed to having art related parties. My suggestion for a very fun party for younger girls is a flip-flop art time. Flip-flops are very trendy right now and younger children will have lots of fun making a personalized pair to wear after the party. The only supplies that are needed are flip-flops, be sure to purchase a few extra just in case some unexpected girls come along. Then, go to your local art store or discount store (Big Lots, Dollar General or Dollar Store) for some various markers, puffy paint and gems to be lightly glued on the flip-flops. The best locations to decorate these flip-flops are in the kitchen or on the dining room table when nothing can get damaged by the artists. Make sure that each child places her name on the flip flop so that you can send the finished projects home with the corresponding child. After the flip-flops have dried, the girls can wear these to school (if allowed) and relieve that special day.
Idea #3: For slightly older girls that are looking for birthday favors might enjoy a spa party which can fit under the “pretty in pink” theme. Since once should take caution when purchasing items for a spa party (not all parents allow nail polish or makeup), bath items can be very fun. For instance, facials, foot scrub, lotion and so on are good ideas to have a spa day party. For the party favor, it is fun and cheap to purchase more bath salts, small bottles of lotion, small bottles of shampoo/conditioner, and scented tubes of lip moisturizers. Small baskets (wicker or plastic) can be purchase for around $3.00 or less. The small spa items are usually well under $1.00 each. Decorate these baskets with tissue paper and the girls will feel like princesses coming from a party at the Queens.
