Toddler party favors can sometimes feel like an afterthought, but they don’t have to be! I’m going to run through all of the different options and help you decide what types of favors you need for your goodie bags.
We’ll break down party bag fillers for babies as well as older toddlers. I’ll explain the various things for you to consider including safety aspects.
We’re going to touch on different bag and packaging options plus I’ll give you some ideas for some of the popular themes.
You’re bound to find some awesome toddler party bag ideas here! Remember that many of the options don’t need to be purchased and you can make them yourself (or have the Birthday child help!).
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Table of Contents
Bag Options For Fillers
Let’s get creative! Bags are an easy option that I’ve used many times. But there are so many other options you can use for goodie bags for toddlers. I’ll list a few below but I go into more detail in Birthday party goodie bag ideas for fillers.
- Paper bags with handles
- Paper bags without handles
- Lunch bags
- Plastic bags
- Drawstring bags
- Reusable or fabric pouches
- Mini buckets or pails
- Recycled containers and tins
- Recycled jars
- Seed packets
- Mini cardboard/gift boxes
- Bandanas
My Little Pony Boxes (above) from Something White Events
DIY Paint Can Favors (above) from Oh Happy Day
Mermaid Tail Candy Cones (above) from CandyLandbyCathy
Party Themed Goodie Bags
Being able to coordinate your toddler party favors with your theme is half the fun! But don’t stress, you don’t need to tye everything in with the theme. Even just having one token filler in your party bag will be enough.
Aside from matching to the theme you can also simply coordinate the colours too. Think of the different shapes and elements your theme has.
I have some suggestions for popular toddler party themes below. Even if none of these are your theme, read through them as you might spark some ideas! Remember that you don’t need to buy all of these things, you can also make/craft or bake them.
Construction Party:
Typical elements of this theme include any type of construction machinery, rocks/boulders, brickwork/walls, blueprints, tools, tool box, signs, traffic cones, and safety gear (helmets, vests, caution tape etc).
Construction party favor ideas:
- Toy construction trucks and machinery
- Free printable construction Birthday colouring
- Construction-themed accessories: keychains, buttons, wristbands
- Construction vehicle stickers
- Dress up construction hard hats
- Dress up construction vests
- Brix on Stix lollipops
- Gummy blocks
Check out all of my favourite construction party favors and decor on Amazon.
Construction Party Favor Ideas
Construction Party Favor Treat Boxes
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Self-Ink Construction Stampers
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Construction Zone Favor Tote Bags
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Dinosaur Party:
Typical elements of this theme include various dinosaur breeds, dinosaur footprints, dino eggs, palm trees and plants, volcanoes, rocks, rocky landscapes.
Dinosaur party favor ideas:
- Toy dinosaur figurines
- Dinosaur bubble wands
- Mini dinosaur coloring books
- Dinosaur party favors pack (keychains, stamps, straws & more)
- Dinosaur party hats
- Glow in the dark dinosaur temporary tattoos
- Fruit & veggie dinosaur pouches
- Jurassic World flavored snacks
- Dinosaur drawstring favor bags
- Dinosaur treat boxes
Check out all of my favourite dinosaur party favors and decor on Amazon.
Dinosaur Party Favors
Dinosaur Party Favor Drawstring Bag
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Dinosaur Party Favors Mixed Pack
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Glow in the Dark Mini Dinosaur Figures
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Buy Now → Superhero Party:
Typical elements of this theme are heros, licensed heros (Superman, Batman etc), masks, capes, stars, lightning bolts, cityscapes, comic book style and speech bubbles.
Superhero party favor ideas:
- Superhero keychains
- Comic quotes rubber bracelets
- Hero stackable pencil & notepads
- Spidey Friends sticky hands
- Superhero mask and cape sets
- Spiderman bubble wands
- Superhero party favors pack (masks, stickers, slap bands & more)
- Comic hero party bags
Check out all of my favourite superhero party favors and decor on Amazon.
Mermaid Party:
Typical elements of this theme are mermaids, seashells, sand, dolphins and other ocean animals, coral, ocean plant life, crowns, pearls, tridents and mermaid tails. Don’t forget shimmery iridescent textures, watercolor effects and scale/scallop shapes.
Mermaid party favor ideas:
- Mermaid Theme Paper Glasses Pack
- Under the Sea Temporary Tattoos
- Sea Pastel Bubble Wands
- Mermaid Slime
- Mermaid Party Favors Pack
- Ocean/Mermaid Craft Kits
- Ocean or Mermaid Figurines
- Mermaid Lollipops
- Reusable Mermaid Tote Bags
- Mermaid Shell Gift Bags
Check out all of my favourite mermaid party favors and decor on Amazon.
Unicorn Party
I have a free editable unicorn party pack in the printables library. You can find it along with my unicorn party buffet here.
Typical elements to this theme are unicorns, rainbows, clouds, hearts, unicorn horns, manes and tails. Don’t forget glittery sparkles and fabrics such as tulle, organza, and chiffon.
Unicorn party favor ideas:
- Unicorn Squishies or Figurines
- Unicorn Hair Extension Clips
- Unicorn Paper Crown Headbands (buy or make your own!)
- Unicorn Stacking Crayons & Stamper
- Unicorn Headbands & Bracelets
- Unicorn Party Favors Pack
- Unicorn Poop Candy
- Unicorn Party Favor Bags
Check out all of my favourite unicorn party favors and decor on Amazon.
Fairy Party:
Typical elements to this theme are fairies, fairy lights, flowers, pot plants, moss, fairy gardens & homes, dragonflies, butterflies, toadstools/mushrooms, crowns, castles, wands, and magic. Don’t forget soft pastel hues and silver or gold sparkles.
Fairy party favor ideas:
- Garden Fairies Self Inking Stampers
- Pixie Confetti Dust Necklaces
- Butterfly Paper Glasses
- Glitter Fairy Tinsel Clip-in Hair
- Fairy Craft Kits
- Set of Fairy Wings
- Butterfly Candy Bracelets
- Fairy Tale Party Favor Boxes
Check out all of my favourite fairy party favors and decor on Amazon.
1 Year Old Party Bag Filler Ideas
I’m going to create a separate section for the littlest ones since oftentimes the ideas used for older toddlers aren’t suitable for babies and one-year-olds. Some of these may still require adult supervision.
- Stacking Cups
- Rattle or Small Toy
- Bath Toys
- Non-Toxic Bath Crayons or Paints
- Bath Bombs for Sensitive Skin
- Animal Shape Wash Cloths
- Bubble Bath Pouches
- Bubbles
- Soft Activity Book
- Mini Board Book
- Bath Book
- Finger Puppets
- Small Plush Teddy
- Sensory Shakers
- Safe Crayons & Printable Coloring/Activity
- Play-Doh
- Play-Doh Cutters
- Chalk
- Stickers
- Bibs
- Reusable Snack Bags
- Sippy Cup
- Puree Pouch
- Small Treat or Cookie
Fruit Bites with Water Squirter and Bubbles (above) via Pinterest
Animal Finger Puppet Favors (above) from Grits and Chopsticks
Gentle Baby Hair Ties (above) from LilSatinCloud
Filler Ideas for Toddler Party Favors
Below I’ll list some party bag filler ideas with some links to buy. Remember that many of these goodie bag ideas for toddlers can also be handmade or combined to create your own party take-home activity.
If you’re going to combine several ideas together to make at the party, you may need to think of ways to hold them. The party favor bag might be enough.
Some other great ideas include filling reusable pouches and jars (these are great for sensory and craft options). You could also include them in a recycled box or tie them together in a clear bag.
Sensory gift ideas
Fill reusable pouches or jars with some of these ideas. Keep in mind that you might be able to make some of these yourself.
- PlayDoh
- Homemade Slime
- Squishy Bath Sponges
- Kid’s Bath Bombs with Toy Surprise
- Kid’s Bath Color Fizzies
- Assorted Fidget Toys: Popits; pop tubes; noodle stretchy strings, spinners and more
- Magic Bath Crackles
Animal Birthday Party Play Dough Favor Jars (above) from ArcoirisBox
Fruit Pouch Fidget Toy Characters (above) via Pinterest (You’ll find similar finger fidget toys here to make your own).
Mini Pour & Play Sensory Kits (above) from TheArtyCraftyMum
Party Fidget Favor Pack (above) from BackyardBumble
Art party bag fillers
- Colouring/Activity Books: Make an activity of this at the party.
- Magic Water Paint Books
- DIY Plaster Painting Kits: You can find these in many different styles to suit your party theme.
- Colouring & Activity Pages: Use these as placements and an activity at your party. There are heaps of last-minute printables you could download. Or check out my free printable Happy Birthday colouring mat.
- Washable Markers: Include with an activity book or printable
- Crayons: I made these Christmas-shaped crayons that could easily be substituted for any shape to suit your theme!
- Non-Toxic Bath Crayons or Paints
Printable Color & Cut Paper Shapes (above) from KIKACreativeCrafts (gift with pencils or crayons!)
Insect Ceramic Paint Kits (above) from CraftCabinPartyShop
Personalized Alphabet Crayons (above) from VelvetSuds or check out my DIY crayon tutorial to make any shape you would like!
Craft goodie bag ideas for toddlers
- DIY Foam Sticker Kits
- DIY Your Own Craft Kits: Add your own kits with craft supplies such as felt/paper shapes, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, gems, ribbons, stickers, glue etc.
- Stickers: Pick some to suit your theme or have personalised stickers made.
- Small Self-Inking Stamps: You could also split up a larger stamp set and provide washable ink pads.
- Friendship bracelets: You can provide a beaded bracelet kit (ensure the beads are larger and suited to toddlers) or you can pre-make name bracelets/keychains to take home.
Beaded Friendship Bracelet DIY (above) from Damask Love
Pop Stick Monster Book Mark DIY (above) from Darcy and Brian
DIY Princess Bubble Wands (above) from See Vanessa Craft
Active/Outdoor toddler party bag ideas
- Bouncy Ball
- Skipping Rope
- Bubble Wands
- Sidewalk Chalk
- Seed Packets: You can even create your own packaging or personalised sticker. Kids will love planting these and watching them grow.
- Frisbees
- Beach Balls and Toys
- Water Squirters or Pistols
- Kites
- Pinwheels
Plantable Seed Paper (more shapes available) from RecyledIdeas (above)
Bucket & Spade Party Favor (above) from Not Another Party Bag
Beach Bash Party Bag (above) from Kara’s Party Ideas
Just for Fun party bag fillers
- Books: Buy a set and share them out. Extra points for matching them to your theme!
- Hair Accessories: Think scrunchies, hair clips and more
- Toy Cars: Use construction vehicles or mini Monster Trucks too.
- Adopt a Pet/Animal: Add a small plushie cat or dog teddy to your favors. The Adopt a Pet party theme is very popular, I threw a Dog Pawty for my son. I wish I had made cute adopt a puppy favors!
- Magnets
- Small Puzzles
- Fairy Wand
- Toy Cars & Trucks
- Novelty Straws
- Stickers: Matched to your theme
- Figurines & Squishies: Match based on your theme – dinosaurs, fairies, mermaids, butterflies, safari animals etc
- Puppets or Finger Puppets
- Temporary Tattoos
- Photo Props: Match your theme with hats, masks, capes, wands, sunglasses and more
- Dressups
Sparkle Shaker Hair Clips (above) from MissPrincessStore
Toy Car & Personalised Keychain Favors (above) from Ellousia Cooking
DIY Kitty Bed Party Favors (above) from Making Things is Awesome
Snack & treats for goodie bags
You will need to choose if it’s appropriate to include treats in your party bags. If you don’t want to include sugar, there are still some yummy treats you can include.
- Wrapped Fruit Skewers: You could even make these (or something similar) to suit your theme eg. green grape skewers for a Hungry Caterpillar party or stop sign skewers for a race car party.
- Cookie Dough & Cutter: Encourage baking post-party and include a cookie cutter to match your theme.
- Fruit/Vegetable and Yoghurt Pouches
- Themed Cookies
- Homemade Fruit Rollups
- Mini Bags of Crackers: Other mini snack bags work too!
- Shaped Treats: Use a cookie cutter that matches your theme to cut shapes from food such as fruit, brownies, cheese, pancakes etc.
Build a Snowman Favor Kit from Smashed Peas & Carrots
Personalised Touches
With the internet at your fingertips, there are so many ways that you can add a personal touch to your party and the favors. Have custom stickers printed (or make your own if you have a Cricut!). Stickers can be placed on many things such as party bags, drinks, bubble wands or simply as a gift.
Editable printables are a cost-effective way to add to your toddler party favors. You can find fruit pouch labels, drink or juice box labels, cookie labels, gift tags, various sticker sizes, candy bar wrappers and so many more different types of printables.
Add your own personalization to them and use them not only as party decor but also a parting party gift for your guests! I have both graphic and editable printables in the freebies library. I also sell more extensive printable party lines over in my Etsy store.
There are so many themes available online (Etsy is a great place to look), that you’re bound to find something that suits your party.
Aside from being cost-effective, these are also great at the last minute and you can print them at home or your local print store.
Planning Your Toddler Party Favors
What do you need to consider when putting your toddler party favors together?
- List all of the children receiving a party bag.
- Are they all the same age or varying in age? Remember age-appropriate fillers.
- Will you be tying your goodie bags into your party theme?
- How will you hold your party favor fillers (I have suggestions above!)?
- Do you want to consider eco-friendly options to minimize waste?
- Consider choosing party favors that aren’t junk and won’t be forgotten or broken.
- Is there any aspect of your goodies bags that you want to craft or DIY?
- Will the party guests be creating their favor to take home (doubles as an activity!)?
You will need to consider the age of your recipients. For babies and younger toddlers around the age of one try to incorporate fillers that are not just practical but are safe and won’t be a choking hazard.
You may also like to exclude noisy toys. Personally, I’m not that nice to my friends and family! It’s a party so the louder the better!
When creating your toddler party favor bags you may want to make the bags specific to each child. Select fillers specific to each child based either on their personality or age.
You’ll need to include each child’s name on the bag. This is usually helpful with parties for younger kids as fillers for 3-year-olds aren’t always suitable for 1-year-olds.
Safety considerations for toddler party favors
Below I’ve created a list of things to be aware of when organising your party bag fillers. Some of these things may not apply to you.
It is always important to remember that adult supervision may be required for some items and some will be choking hazards.
- Food: Consider allergies and choking hazards
- Small Objects: Choking hazards
- Loud Items: Can frighten/irritate children (particularly those with sensory issues) and may not be appreciated by parents
- Messy Items: Unnecessary cleanup, may stain and may not be appreciated by parents
- Touch: Be aware of skin sensitivities, sensory concerns and allergies. Choose non-toxic items
Final Thoughts: Toddler Party Bag Ideas
Party bag filler ideas are so much fun! It’s not just about what’s included in the bags either, the fun is also in the way you get to coordinate them to your theme and package them up!
There are some amazing mamas out there dreaming up these truly awesome toddler party favors. I would also love to break it down further (with a heap more ideas!).
It could be party bags for boys or girls; toddler party favor ideas by theme or even by category (crayons, bookmarks, eco-friendly etc). There are just so many possibilities! Drop a note in the comments to let me know which I should be getting onto first!
Other Resources You May Like:
FREE PRINTABLE: Happy Birthday Activity Mat
FREE PRINTABLE: Set of 3 Adventure Puzzles
ARTICLE: The Ultimate Toddler Party Games & Activities Guide
ARTICLE: 42 Easy Birthday Cakes for Kids
ARTICLE: Unique Birthday Party Goodie Bag Ideas for Fillers
FROM MY SHOP: Printable Party Decor & Activities
