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

These budget-friendly options suit hosts planning large-scale celebrations, such as joint class parties, where costs can quickly multiply. Use this selection when you need to stretch your budget without losing the sense of fun. A practical tip is to let the children choose their own combinations from a central basket at the end of the afternoon to add an interactive element to their departure.

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

£2 to £3 a bag

This mid-range selection suits hosts planning traditional primary school birthday parties where you want to offer a classic, satisfying mix. Use these combinations when you want to strike a balance between creative activities and small keepsakes. A practical tip is to buy your components in bulk and bundle them into small fabric pouches rather than plastic bags for a more premium finish.

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

£4 to £5, one good thing

This approach suits hosts of smaller, intimate gatherings where you want to offer a single, meaningful keepsake. Use this strategy when you prefer to avoid clutter and focus on quality rather than quantity. A practical tip is to wrap the single item beautifully in brown paper and colourful string, making the presentation feel like an extra birthday present in its own right.

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

What to leave out

This guide suits any host who wants to remain in the good books of the other parents after the event. Use this checklist during your planning stages to filter out potential hazards, messes, and irritations. A practical tip is to put yourself in the shoes of the parents driving the children home, ensuring your choices do not cause chaos in the back of the car.

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

How many to make

This logistical advice suits busy hosts trying to manage the final countdown to the party. Use these steps when calculating your shopping list and organising your assembly line to prevent last-minute stress. A practical tip is to use different-coloured ribbons to easily identify bags with special dietary requirements or age-appropriate alternatives without making them look different from the rest.

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

Key things to remember

• 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.

Frequently asked questions

What should you put in a party bag?

Three things: one that lasts (a pin 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.

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
• Shop birthday balloons
• Birthday bunting guide
• Party decorations
• Buy party supplies
• Birthday party ideas
• Happy birthday banners
• Bunting & banners
• Cake toppers
• Table confetti
• Party bag fillers
• Birthday badges & party pins
• Birthday cards
• Photo booth prop ideas
• Birthday cards for kids
• Pin badges
• All guides

Party bag fillers

Filler-sized items made in house and posted from the UK.

Birthday pin badges and party pins

A wearable filler that lasts longer than a plastic toy.

Birthday cards for the guests' thank yous

Thank you cards to send after the party.