This is for you if you want to send something home without adding to the toy pile (or spending $50 on plastic that breaks by bedtime).
Make sure you think about this as part of your party planning for birthday parties!
The Real Talk on Goody Bags
Many Plano parents are skipping goody bags entirely—and guests are relieved. But if you want to send something home, here are ideas that won’t end up in the trash by Tuesday.
Skip Them Completely
What to say on the invitation:
- “No gifts or goody bags—just come celebrate!”
- “Your presence is the only present we need”
- “We’re keeping it simple this year—no party favors”
Why parents love this: Less expense, less stress, less plastic waste
- Ideas for Babies and Toddlers
- For Big Kids (Ages 4-7)
- For Teens (Ages 13-17)
- Edible Favors (Always Appreciated)
- “Experience” Favors (No Stuff to Take Home)
One Quality Item Instead of a Bag of Junk
For Babies & Toddlers (Ages 0-3)
Books (always a winner):
- Board books from the dollar section at Target
- Used board books from Half Price Books ($1-2 each)
- “A book instead of a card” note on invitation
Useful stuff parents actually want:
- Bubbles (Costco sells bulk packs)
- Sidewalk chalk
- Play-Doh single containers
- Snack pouches or fruit snacks
For Big Kids (Ages 4-7)
Activity-based:
- Coloring books + crayons
- Small journals or notepads
- Sticker sheets (dollar store)
- Glow sticks or glow bracelets
Fun but not junk:
- Bouncy balls (the good quality kind)
- Mini flashlights
- Card games (Go Fish, Uno)
- Kinetic sand small containers
For Tweens (Ages 8-12)
Things they’ll actually use:
- Lip balm or lotion (cute designs)
- Phone accessories (pop sockets, ring holders)
- Candy in a reusable container
- Scrunchies or hair accessories
- Fidget toys (the nicer ones, not cheap spinners)
Experience-based:
- Movie theater gift cards ($5-10)
- Local ice cream shop gift cards
- Bookstore gift cards
- “One free slushie” coupon you make
For Teens (Ages 13-17)
Keep it simple:
- Starbucks gift cards ($5)
- Phone chargers or cables
- Reusable water bottles
- Face masks or skincare samples
- Candy + handwritten thank you note
Or just skip it: Teens honestly don’t expect party favors. A “thanks for coming” text or note is plenty.
Edible Favors (Always Appreciated)
Homemade Options:
- Cookies in a cellophane bag with ribbon
- Rice Krispie treats
- Brownies individually wrapped
- Puppy chow (muddy buddies) in small bags
Store-Bought:
- Full-size candy bars (way better than tiny mixed candy)
- Individual bags of popcorn or chips
- Juice boxes or Capri Suns
- Lollipops (DumDums are cheap in bulk)
Parent tip: Always ask about allergies first. Include an ingredient list if homemade.
Theme-Tied Favors (That Don’t Feel Forced)
If your party has a theme, go minimal:
Art Party:
- Small watercolor sets or colored pencils
Sports Party:
- Sports balls (soccer ball keychains, mini basketballs)
Science Party:
- Grow-a-crystal kits or slime ingredients
Movie/Gaming Party:
- Microwave popcorn + candy box = “movie night kit”
Outdoor/Nature Party:
- Seed packets or small plants
- Bug catcher kits
“Experience” Favors (No Stuff to Take Home)
During the party:
- Photo booth with instant prints (kids take home their photo)
- Face painting or temporary tattoos
- Craft they make and take (tie-dye shirt, decorated picture frame)
- Plant they pot themselves
Why this works: Kids leave with something, but YOU didn’t have to assemble 15 goody bags at 11 p.m.
Charitable Favors (Great for Older Kids)
Instead of favors, donate in guests’ honor:
“Instead of party favors, we donated to [local animal shelter/food bank/etc.] in honor of everyone who celebrated with us.”
Include a small note with each thank-you card explaining the donation
Best for: Ages 8+ who can understand and appreciate the gesture
Budget-Friendly Goody Bag Tips
If you’re doing traditional bags, save money:
Where to shop:
- Dollar Tree (seriously, everything is $1.25)
- Oriental Trading (bulk party supplies)
- Amazon bulk packs
- Target Dollar Spot
- Five Below
Cost-saving strategy:
- Set a per-child budget ($3-5 max)
- Buy in bulk, not individual wrapped sets
- Skip the bag itself—use paper lunch bags you already have
What to skip:
- Tiny toys that break immediately
- Whistles and noisemakers (other parents will not thank you)
- Anything with glitter
- Stickers that come in sheets of 100 (nobody needs that many)
- Cheap sunglasses that hurt to wear
Real Mom Advice
From Sarah, Plano: “I stopped doing goody bags at age 5. I put a note on the invitation: ‘No party favors—your kiddo is the gift!’ and literally not one parent complained. Saved me $40 and hours of assembly.”
From Jennifer, Frisco: “I do one nice thing instead of a bag of stuff. Last year: small succulents in tiny pots ($2 each at Trader Joe’s). Kids loved them, parents texted me photos of them still alive months later.”
From Michelle, Allen: “Books from the used bookstore. I spend $1-2 per book, write a birthday message inside, and the kids actually keep them. Way better than plastic toys.”
Sample Invitation Wording
If you’re skipping favors entirely:
- “No gifts or goody bags necessary—just bring your party spirit!”
- “We’re keeping things simple this year—no party favors”
If you’re doing books:
- “In place of a card, please bring a book! We’ll send everyone home with a book to enjoy.”
If you’re doing a charity donation:
- “Instead of party favors, we’re donating to [charity]. Come celebrate and help us give back!”
If you want to set gift expectations too:
- “Your presence is the present! No gifts or goody bags—just come ready to celebrate.”
The Bottom Line
You don’t owe anyone a goody bag.
If you want to do them, do one nice thing instead of five cheap things. If you don’t want to do them, skip them—other parents will understand (and probably be relieved they don’t have to find a home for more small plastic toys).
Quick Shopping List (If You’re Doing Favors)
| Option | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Classic and easy | ~ $4 |
| One quality item | $2-$3 |
| Edible only | ~$2.50 |
Budget: $3-5 per child
Option 1: Classic & Easy
- Bubbles ($1)
- Play-Doh ($1)
- Small candy ($1)
- Stickers ($1) Total per bag: $4
Option 2: One Quality Item
- Board book from used bookstore ($2) OR
- Activity book + crayons ($3) Total per child: $2-3
Option 3: Edible Only
- Full-size candy bar ($1)
- Popcorn bag ($1)
- Juice box ($0.50) Total per bag: $2.50
Where to find bulk party favor supplies in Plano:
- Dollar Tree (multiple locations)
- Target (Preston & Park, Legacy West)
- Five Below (Shops at Legacy)
- Michael’s (Plano Parkway)
- Party City (Central Expressway)
