What to put in a party bag

The question behind this one is usually how much is enough. The honest answer: three items, one of which lasts longer than the day, at £2 to £3 a bag.

This page is the filler list — by budget rather than by age — plus the things worth leaving out, and how many bags to actually make.

For a full breakdown by age group, the kids' party bag guide goes further; for a grown-up party, the adult version covers favours that don't feel like a school disco.

Under £1 a bag

• A sticker sheet. Shop this card
• A bubble wand. Shop this card
• A pencil and a rubber. Shop this card
• One wrapped biscuit or a slice of cake. Shop this card
• A paper puzzle or joke sheet printed at home. Shop this card
• A packet of seeds. Shop this card
• A balloon, un-inflated, with a ribbon. Shop this card

£2 to £3 a bag

• A pin badge or enamel pin plus a sticker sheet. Shop this card
• A mini notebook and a gel pen. Shop this card
• Play dough, a cutter and a small sweet. Shop this card
• A bouncy ball, a bubble wand and a biscuit. Shop this card
• Temporary tattoos and a keyring. Shop this card
• A wooden puzzle and a packet of seeds. Shop this card
• A hair scrunchie or wristband in the party colours. Shop this card

£4 to £5, one good thing

• A book chosen roughly by age. Shop this card
• An enamel pin with a backing card. Shop this card
• A small plant or bulb in a pot. Shop this card
• A proper colouring set rather than four loose crayons. Shop this card
• A craft kit they can finish at home. Shop this card
• A printed photo from the party, sent afterwards. Shop this card

What to leave out

• Anything that breaks before the car journey ends. Shop this card
• Loose small parts for a party with under-threes. Shop this card
• A pile of assorted sweets nobody chose. Shop this card
• Slime, unless you enjoy the parents' messages afterwards. Shop this card
• Whistles and anything else that makes noise in a car. Shop this card
• Nuts, and anything you can't check against the allergy list. Shop this card
• More than one edible item; the cake has already done that job. Shop this card

How many to make

• One per invited child, plus two spares for siblings. Shop this card
• Count the RSVPs, not the invitations, then add the two spares anyway. Shop this card
• For an adult party, favours are optional — half the guests won't take one. Shop this card
• Fill them the night before; it takes longer than you think. Shop this card
• Write names on them if the fillers differ by age. Shop this card
• Keep them out of sight until the guests are leaving. Shop this card

Birthday cards for the guests' thank yous

Thank you cards to send after the party.

How to write it so it lands

• Three items, one of which lasts. That's the whole formula.
• Fill the bags the night before.
• Keep them hidden until people are actually leaving.

Where to shop next

• Balloon arch ideas
• How to make a balloon arch
• How to use a balloon arch kit
• How much helium for balloons
• How to make bunting
• How to hang bunting
• Party bag ideas for kids
• Party bag ideas for adults
• Birthday balloons guide
• Birthday bunting guide
• Party decorations
• Buy party supplies
• Birthday party ideas
• Happy birthday banners
• Cake toppers
• Table confetti
• Party bag fillers
• Birthday badges & party pins
• Birthday cards
• Photo booth prop ideas

Frequently asked questions

What should you put in a party bag?

Three things: one that lasts (a badge, book or notebook), one to do (stickers, bubbles, a puzzle) and one to eat. That covers it at £2 to £3 a bag.

What should you not put in a party bag?

Anything with loose small parts at a party with under-threes, noisy items, slime, nuts, and more than one edible. Assorted sweets nobody chose are the least-appreciated filler.

How many party bags do you need?

One per invited child plus two spares. Siblings arrive unannounced and a spare bag avoids the awkward moment.

Do adults get party bags?

Favours rather than bags — a pin, a small candle or a biscuit on the table setting. Expect around half of guests to take one.