15 Kids' Party Bag Alternatives That Aren't Cheap Plastic Toys
When planning a child's birthday party, many parents feel stuck with the same tradition: the party bag filled with lollies and small plastic toys.
While they're meant to be a fun treat, these bags often contain items that are used once — or not at all — before ending up in the bin. Multiply that by 15 or 20 children, and the waste adds up quickly.
The good news is that you don't have to skip party favours altogether. A simple, thoughtful item can often feel far more special than a bag of disposable trinkets — and children appreciate them just as much, if not more.
Here are 15 creative kids' party bag alternatives that children genuinely enjoy.
1. Books
A small book is one of the most meaningful party favours you can give — something children will return to again and again, long after the party is forgotten. Choose age-appropriate picture books or early readers, and consider writing a little message inside from the birthday child.
Children may even swap books with one another once they've read theirs — a lovely extension of the party fun. Browse our preloved children's books collection for affordable options that are just as wonderful as new.
2. Hair Ties or Scrunchies
Hair accessories are a practical gift many children will actually use — unlike most plastic party bag fillers. They're small, affordable, and easy to include as a party favour. For something truly unique, our Next Chapter collection includes handmade fabric hair ties and scrunchies made from preloved children's fabrics — no two are exactly the same.
3. Mini Craft Kits
Kids love making things. A small craft activity they can take home gives them something fun to do after the party — and keeps the excitement going for days. Good options include:
- Colouring cards or mini colouring books
- Sticker sets with a theme
- Small sewing or craft kits
- Bead bracelet kits
- Simple air-dry clay sets
These are widely available at discount stores and online, and they're far more engaging than plastic toys that break within minutes.
4. Seed Packets
Flower or herb seeds make a wonderful eco-friendly gift that teaches kids about growing plants. A small packet of sunflower, marigold, or herb seeds costs very little and can turn into something much bigger. Add a little card with planting instructions and the birthday child's name for a personal touch — parents love them too.
5. Small Notebooks
Children love having their own little notebook for drawing, writing stories, or keeping secrets. A small notebook is practical, reusable, and something children will genuinely use. Look for recycled paper or kraft paper options for an extra eco-friendly touch — add a pencil or a few stickers to complete the gift.
6. Reusable Fabric Pouches
Instead of a disposable plastic bag, give children a small fabric pouch they can reuse for treasures, toys, or craft supplies. Muslin drawstring bags are inexpensive, widely available, and can be personalised with stamps or fabric markers. The pouch itself becomes part of the gift.
7. Bookmarks
A bookmark is a small gift that encourages children to read — and fabric bookmarks are especially lovely because they're durable, colourful, and reusable. Our Next Chapter collection features handmade fabric corner bookmarks crafted from preloved children's clothing. Each one is completely unique, and children genuinely love them. They make beautiful party favours that tell a story — and start a new one.
8. Friendship Bracelets
Simple bracelets are fun, colourful, and easy for children to wear. You can buy ready-made friendship bracelets inexpensively, or make them yourself as a party activity — children can even make bracelets for each other during the party and swap them as they leave.
9. Temporary Tattoos
Temporary tattoos are always popular with kids and create far less long-term waste than plastic toys. They're inexpensive, easy to include in any party favour, and children love choosing their favourite designs. Look for non-toxic, skin-safe options.
10. Reusable Stickers
Sticker sheets or reusable sticker books can keep kids entertained long after the party ends. Unlike single-use stickers, reusable sticker sets can be used over and over — on windows, mirrors, or in activity books — making them far better value and far less wasteful.
11. Handmade Gifts
Handmade items make party favours feel genuinely special — and increasingly, parents are choosing upcycled or handmade gifts rather than mass-produced plastic items. A handmade gift has a warmth and uniqueness that no factory-produced toy can match, and children often treasure them more as a result.
12. Jigsaw Puzzles
Whether made from wood or cardboard, a small jigsaw puzzle is a wonderful alternative to cheap plastic toys — and can be enjoyed long after the party ends. Mini puzzles are widely available at low price points and make a thoughtful, screen-free activity for children to take home.
13. Nature-Themed Gifts
Small magnifying glasses, bug viewers, or nature scavenger hunt cards encourage outdoor play and curiosity about the natural world. These are particularly popular with children aged 4–8 and make a wonderful complement to a nature or garden-themed party.
14. Baking Mixes
A tiny jar or packet with pre-measured ingredients for cookies or cupcakes is a fun, interactive gift that children can enjoy at home with a parent. It extends the party fun into the following days — and the result is something delicious. Simple recipes like chocolate chip cookies or vanilla cupcakes work best.
15. Upcycled Fabric Accessories
One of the most meaningful trends in party favours is gifts made from upcycled materials — items that have been given a second life rather than created from new resources.
At Daisy Chain Clothing, some families are choosing small items from our Next Chapter collection, where preloved children's clothing is carefully repurposed into handmade accessories like bookmarks and hair ties. The fabrics may have once been part of a child's favourite dress or shirt — now beginning a new chapter as something useful and beautiful again.
Each piece is completely unique, which makes them feel particularly special as party favours — and a wonderful conversation starter about giving things a second life.
Why Many Parents Are Moving Away From Traditional Party Bags
Children's parties are meant to be joyful celebrations. But many parents are becoming more aware of the environmental impact of disposable party favours — and the reality that most plastic party bag contents end up in the bin within hours.
Choosing one thoughtful item instead of a bag of plastic toys can significantly reduce waste — while still giving children something fun to take home. And often, a single meaningful gift is more appreciated than a collection of disposable trinkets.
For more ideas on planning a sustainable celebration, see our complete guide to planning a more sustainable kids' birthday party. 🌿
🌿 Looking for unique, handmade party favours kids will actually love?
Our Next Chapter collection features beautiful handmade items crafted from preloved children's fabrics — fabric bookmarks, hair ties, scrunchies, and more. Each one is unique, sustainable, and something children will actually use. Browse our preloved children's books too — a wonderful alternative to plastic party bag fillers. Perfect for kids' parties across Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I put in a kids' party bag instead of plastic toys?
Books, bookmarks, hair accessories, seed packets, small notebooks, mini craft kits, reusable fabric pouches, friendship bracelets, and temporary tattoos are all excellent alternatives to plastic party bag fillers. Our Next Chapter collection offers handmade party favours made from preloved children's fabrics — unique, sustainable, and something children will actually use.
What are the best eco-friendly party bag ideas for kids in Australia?
Handmade bookmarks, fabric hair ties, seed packets, preloved books, and small notebooks are all popular eco-friendly party bag alternatives in Australia. Our Next Chapter collection and preloved children's books are particularly popular choices for sustainable kids' parties.
How much should I spend on kids' party bag alternatives?
Most parents spend $2–5 per child on party favours. Eco-friendly alternatives like seed packets, preloved books, small notebooks, or handmade bookmarks from our Next Chapter collection can all fit within this budget — and often feel more special than mass-produced plastic fillers.
Do kids need party bags at birthday parties?
No — party bags are a tradition, not a requirement. Many parents are now choosing a single small favour instead, and guests appreciate the thoughtfulness. A single meaningful item is often more memorable than a bag of disposable trinkets. See our guide to planning a sustainable kids' party for more ideas.
What are good party bag ideas for kids who love reading?
A preloved book paired with a handmade fabric bookmark from our Next Chapter collection makes a beautiful, sustainable party favour for kids who love reading. Browse our preloved children's books collection for classic titles at great prices — and pair with a unique handmade bookmark for a truly special gift.