Impress your guests with one of these creative Birthday party goodie bag ideas. Everyone looks forward to the fillers inside party bags but that doesn’t mean you can’t coordinate your goodie bags to your theme or your fillers.
Have you found yourself here looking for some party filler ideas? Whilst I will drop some suggestions and a few filler ideas further below, this post is more about creative bags and holders (before the fillers!).
I also have 100+ creative and easy toddler favor filler ideas that you might want to check out. Now let’s get creative with your Birthday party goodie bags!
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In short we’ll cover…
Including Your Party Theme Into Favors
When it comes to your party favors (and the overall party) consider the elements that you associate that theme with. If you can mix some of these elements together, your theme is going to pop!
- Color Scheme – mix up colours and incorporate with simple patterns
- Elements & Objects – what objects come to mind when thinking of your theme?
- Pattern & Texture – consider the fabrics and textures associated with your theme
- Shapes – how can you change the shape of something like a box into one of the objects of your them?
Get Creative with Your Party Bags
Remember that you don’t need to buy everything. Are you able to make some aspect of your party goodie bag (and its contents) yourself?
Perhaps there’s an opportunity to create an activity for your guests? They can make the party bags themselves. This works really well when you can incorporate your party bag craft into your theme.
You could use the following craft supplies to level up your DIY goodie bags:
- Scrapbook Paper
- Scrapbook Cutouts (create from a Cricut too)
- Construction Paper Shapes
- Ribbons, Ric-Rac, Twine
- Pipe Cleaners
- Tags
- Washi Tape
- Paints
- Markers
Name Your Goodie Bags
Sometimes when you have a theme, coming up with a name can help determine what your Birthday party goodie bags will be like. And other times it’s just plain fun to give them a name. Here are some examples:
- Treasure Chests (Pirate Party)
- Jungle Pouches (Animal-Themed Party)
- Space Satchels (Space Party)
- Fairy Tale Totes (Princess Party)
- Construction Kits (Construction Party)
- Goodie Stache (Moustache/Little Man Party)
- Happy Camper Kits
- Sweet Treat Totes
- Mini Maker Kits (for craft supplies)
- Creative Carry-Alls
- Adventure Pouches
- Giggle Grub Goodie Bags
- Tippy-Top Treats
- Whiz-Bang Wonder Bags
- Scamper Snacks
- Hooray for Goodies!
- Recycled Rascals (repurposed containers)
- Sprout and Share Pouches (seed packets)
- Eco-Totes
- Green Goodie Grub
- Sustainable Swag
Types of Holders for Your Goodies
Paper bags
A cost-effective option, these come in brown, white, colours and patterns. You can find bags with or without handles.
- You can seal the top with a customised Birthday party sticker (or any sticker). Fold over the top of a bag without handles to seal.
- Attach a handmade or personalised gift tag. Add to handles or tape, staple, peg or glue to bags without handles.
- Decorate plain bags with colorful stamps, washi tape, or hand-drawn designs.
- As a party activity, the kids can decorate their own bags in your party theme.
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → Paper lunch bags
Similar to paper bags above, paper lunch bags can be taken a step further.
- Paint or decorate with construction paper cutouts.
- As a party activity, make animals from paper bags. This is perfect for zoo, safari and farm-themed parties.
Plastic bags
If you’re on a budget or limited on time then plastic bags could be an option for you. They come in plain colours, patterns and even themed or licenced designs.
You can also get clear plastic bags which might be helpful if you want to be able to see favors inside. They can also be used in really creative ways!
- Seal the bags with a customised Birthday sticker.
- Decorate plastic bags with washi tape or stickers.
- Add a splash of colour to plain bags by tying with ribbon or twine.
Drawstring bags
Drawstring bags are perfect for toddler party favors such as bubbles, balls, or small toys. Kids will love the reusability and can use them for collecting treasures on future adventures.
- Attach a handmade or personalised gift tag.
- Add your own decorations such as charms and ribbons.
- Make your own bags in your choice of fabric pattern and preferred size.
Boho Rainbow Drawstring Gift Bags
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Happy Birthday Drawstring Gift Bags
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Buy Now → Paper & Folding
Use scrapbooking paper, lunch bags, paper doilies or any type of paper you can get your hands on for a fun personalised container. There are plenty of free printables you can get or make something with your Cricut.
Fabric Pouches/Bags
These come in adorable prints and themes and can be reused for snacks, crayons, or small toys. Decorate with fabric markers or stencils for a personalized touch.
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → Mini buckets or pails
I love buckets for nautical, beach, mermaid or pirate themes. But they’re not just limited to those themes, mini buckets are a great reusable option to hold all of your goodies.
Boxes
The sky is the limit with boxes – mini, large or shaped to your theme. You can use transparent boxes, patterned or plain coloured.
- Use plain white or brown boxes for guests to decorate their own party goodie bag/box.
- Pillow boxes
- Noodle boxes
Recycled containers
Save the planet and your money by reusing old yogurt tubs, tins, jars and fun-shaped containers. Recycle tins from cookies, candies, or even small coffee containers.
- Paint them with bright colors or decoupage them with fun paper (this is a great party activity!).
- Provide craft supplies (pom poms, pipe cleaners, stickers etc) within your containers for kids to decorate them with.
- Use the theme of your party to provide matching crafting supplies such as stickers, paper and cutouts.
- Fill with small puzzles, mini Play-Doh kit or craft supplies.
Fabrics
If your theme is about sparkles (unicorns, fairies, mermaid etc), why not wrap your favors in a shimmery fabric? You could also use precut fabrics such as scarves or bandanas (hello rock n roll party!).
Depending on the size of you fabric, you can include small candies and toys.
- Decorate fabrics with fabric paint or markers.
- Use fabrics for play prior to packaging up fillers.
Coloring Goodie Bags with Markers
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Buy Now → 
Buy Now → Birthday Party Goodie Bag Filler Ideas
The age of your guests will determine what types of fillers you will be including in you party bags. For ideas for younger children, I have an article with over 100 filler ideas for toddler goodie bags.
Get started with these Birthday goodie bag filler ideas below:
- Candy
- Cookies
- Bubbles
- Toy Vehicles
- Figurines
- Mini Action Figures & Dolls
- Lego
- Playdough
- Stickers
- Colouring Activities
- Temporary Tattoos
- Markers & Crayons
- Skipping/Jump Rope
- Bouncy Balls
- Slinky
- Kaleidoscopes
- Yoyos
- Playing Cards
- Mini Travel Game
- Glow Sticks
- Wand
- Marbles
- Crafting Kit
- Sidewalk Chalk
- Puppets
- Friendship Bracelets
- Notepad & Pen/Pencil
- Poppits & Fidget Toys
- Seed Packets
- Charity Donation
- Mini Waterguns
- Costume Pieces (Mask, Crown etc)
- Hair Ties
- Hacky Sacks
- Mini Puzzles
- DIY Activity from the Party
- Harmonicas
- Maracas
- Other Musical Toys
- Novelty Straws
- Pins
- Stress Balls
- Silly Socks
- Mini Flashlights
- Gift Card (Ice Cream, Cafes, Gaming etc)
- Candle
- Keychain
Final Thoughts on Party Goodie Bag Ideas
No matter your theme or budget, there are perfect party favor fillers and bags waiting to be chosen. Remember the age, group and occasion.
A fun activity kit might delight younger children, while personalized notebooks or travel-sized toiletries could be appreciated by adults.
Don’t underestimate the power of a well-decorated party bag. Party favors are a way to thank your guests for celebrating with you.
By choosing something thoughtful and presenting it creatively, you can leave a lasting impression that extends beyond the celebration.
Having said that, please don’t over-extend yourself, parties are stressful enough. Do what you can manage and what you can afford.
At the end of the day, ensure you have an amazing time with the Birthday boy or girl and friends and family. If you want some help organising your next party, download my free printable party action plan and shopping lists.
What party bags or boxes have you gifted your guests? I’d love to know, pop a comment below!
Other resources you may like:
FREEBIE: Happy Birthday Banner (8 Designs/Colours Available)
FREEBIE: Happy Birthday Activity Mat
ARTICLE: Helpful Tips for Hanging Party Decor
ARTICLE: The Ultimate Party Planning Checklist
SHOP: Printable Party Decor & Activities
