Party Bag Filling Ideas
The party bag is the last thing a child holds on the way out, so it is worth a little thought, but it does not need to cost the earth. Here is what to put in by age, how to keep it to a sensible budget, and a few plastic-free swaps.
What to put in, by age
- Under 5: a bubble tub, a chunky sticker sheet, a soft foam ball and one small sweet. Skip tiny parts.
- 5 to 8: a bouncy ball, a mini puzzle or notebook, a temporary tattoo, a lolly and a sticker sheet.
- 9 and over: a keyring, a pocket-money toy or gadget, a fun pen and a couple of sweets they actually like.
A tidy formula for any age is one small toy, one activity item, one sweet and a little extra like stickers or a tattoo. Four things feels generous without becoming a bin-bound pile of plastic.
Keeping it to budget
Aim for £1 to £3 per bag and buy fillers in multipacks, which brings the per-child cost right down. Work out your total early by multiplying your budget per bag by the number of guests, so there are no surprises. If you would rather skip plastic, a book, a wooden toy, seeds to grow, a colouring set or a paper bag of pick-and-mix all make lovely plastic-free bags.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I spend per bag?
£1 to £3 a bag is normal and plenty. Buying fillers in multipacks is the single easiest way to keep the cost down while still making each bag feel full.
Do I need a bag for every child?
Give one to every invited child, and keep a couple of spares for siblings who tag along. It saves an awkward moment at the door when numbers do not quite match.
Start with kids party bags, load them from party bag fillers and pocket money toys, or read our full party bag guide.