Choosing Kids’ Party Favours: Guests, Budget and Theme

1. Start with numbers and budget

Before picking the contents, decide how many gifts you need and your budget for each. Include packaging and message cards so last-minute extras do not push the total beyond what you planned.

If guest numbers are not final, check whether you can get more of the same items. Decide whether to prepare spares based on the size of your group and how likely plans are to change.

• Number of recipients, with room for possible additions.
• Budget per child, including contents and packaging.
• Your deadline and any order lead times.
• Size for transporting to the venue and taking home.

2. Choose for the theme and the children’s ages

A colouring card for a craft party or stationery in the birthday theme’s colours can connect the gift to the day. That connection also helps narrow down the options.

Stickers and small notebooks may work well, but check age guidance and product warnings. If you include food, keep the ingredient information available so parents can check what is inside.

When tastes differ, you might offer a choice of colours or patterns. Keep the number and overall amount of items similar for everyone, with small variations that make choosing fun.

3. Bring it together with colour and a message

Matching just one element, such as the bag, ribbon or card, to your theme can create a lovely finish. Make one complete sample first to check weight, shape and how easily the bag closes.

A short thank-you or a card with the child’s name makes a small gift feel personal. Check the spelling of names before making the full set.

• Try one complete bag and check that everything fits comfortably.
• Coordinate the colours of the bags, ribbons and cards.
• Check names and sort the bags if they will be given individually.

4. Plan how to carry them and when to give them out

If the gifts are for the end of the party, gather them somewhere easy to find near the exit, away from other belongings. If an item is needed for an activity, hand it out beforehand instead.

Transport finished gifts in a box or basket that will keep the bags from being crushed. For named bags, check them against your guest list so whoever is helping can enjoy a calm goodbye too.