Moms Forum: The best goody bag items?

Posted in Birthday stuff
by besttech

McClatchy-Tribune

Moms Forum spotlights useful discussion taking place on the parenting forums of newspapers around the country.

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QUESTION: I’m starting to shop for goody bag items for my son’s birthday party and wondered if anyone would have some tips on what goody bag items they’ve received in the past which were great (and also ones that weren’t!). The age range is from 1 to 8 so am planning to do three different types of goody bags: one for those 18 months and under, one for the 2-3 year olds and one for the 6-8 year olds (there are no kids coming between the ages of 3 and 6).

— Posted by munchkinsmom at SacMomsClub.com

“Bouncy balls! And you can get ones that are too big to swallow. Whistles are good too.”

“Last year for my sons’ 2nd birthday, I made up basic goody bags and had a bin of $1 to $2 toys. The toys ranged from card games to wooden model planes and stickers or plastic jewelry — whatever I could find at local dollar stores or Michael’s that didn’t seem too cheap. When the kids left, they each took a “goody bag” (with Goldfish or candy, bubbles and something else that I can’t think of) and they got to choose an item from the bucket. They all loved it and they got to bring home something that they enjoyed.”

“I was just at a bday party for kids in the 6-8 range. The biggest hit from the goody back was this green gooey thing that you throw against the wall and it climbs down it. It was gross but every kid, girl and boy, (and the dads!) LOVED it.”

“Check out www.orientaltrading.com, they have all the party things you can imagine as well as craft things for them to do. And you can always find a coupon code online for a percentage off or free shipping.

“We always include a fun book that matches the theme of the party. Sometimes you can find book sets with activities, stuffed animals or music that comes with them. Another thing we found that is still played with from last year’s party is a “zoo stick” that makes funny noises when you turn it upside down. We got them at the zoo gift shop and all the kids from the party still have them in their playrooms.”