How to Make a Birthday Goody Bag

Everyone loves a party, especially when they get to walk away with a parting gift. Although parents appreciate the effort the host makes in order to make party guests feel special, there is a general disdain for goody bags. Here is how to make a birthday goody bag that children--and parents--will approve.

Say "no" to junk. Most parents will unanimously say that they do not appreciate the plastic toys and trinkets that end up coming home at the end of a child's birthday party and inevitably break and end up in the garbage. Instead of spending money on junk, send each child home with something useful. Consider giving away an inexpensive shovel and pail at a child's summer party or crayons and coloring book for a preschooler's party.

Have fun by creating a take-home craft. These days, the term "goody bag" implies any parting gift; however, the gift doesn't necessarily have to come in a bag. In lieu of several small items, let each child take away her own handmade creation. Girls will have fun crafting princess crowns and wands, while boys can decorate hats or t-shirts.

Choose a parting gift in relation to the theme of the party. If your daughter has a spring birthday, let each of her friends decorate a small terra-cotta pot and supply her with a packet of seeds. For a dinosaur-loving little boy, make dinosaur masks using foam.

Do something out of the norm and ask each child to bring a gift to swap. Be sure to set a price limit to make the trade as even as possible. Not only does this idea eliminate the proverbial goody bag, each child will leave the party with a special gift.