Birthday Party Favors

A birthday party favor is a nice little parting gift to thank the guests that took the time to join the celebration. The party host does not need to make this a stressful part of the party planning. There are many kinds of favors. Here are a few you can use or get inspiration from.

Decorated Clipboard This is appropriate for any age group. Clipboards are easily found at the dollar store. Guests will decorate their own clipboard at the party. Children can personalize them with stickers and markers. Stencils come in handy to write their names with. A teen or adult female can use paint, art paper, stencils and more to alter their clipboards for a genuine piece of art. What man can resist using duct tape. A guy can trim the edges with tape and use it to make a pocket on the back of the clipboard. I have found a camouflage duct tape which was really artsy. When the party goer leaves have a 'goodie packet' clipped onto their clipboard. Everyone can use paper, lined or plain white can be bought at a low price. Pencils, pens, crayons and other age appropriate writing or drawing items can be included. Add an eraser, sugar free gum and stickers for a nice package.

Girls only party What girl wouldn't love nail polish, emery boards, hair brush, hair accessories, and a mirror in a small cosmetic bag? Finger nail decals, perfume and make-up samples from your Avon lady will be good additions.

Boys only party Boys love anything noisy or gross. A paper lunch sack is a great birthday goody bag with stickers, fruit snack bugs, sugar free gum, a whistle, bandanna and a bouncy ball would be appreciated. They can always blow up the paper bag and smash it when they get home. If you have a larger budget a small tin pail from a craft store would be another good container for the birthday goodies. They can be decorated and personalized at the party with stickers and markers that go along with the theme. One of the best party favors I've seen was a dollar bill a birthday child's grandfather folded into an animal. He entertained the group while deftly folding several shapes. He kindly made me an elephant when he saw that an adult was as excited as the children. I've kept it for several years!

Candy or Cookie Party Have small boxes to pack a sampling of the confections from the party. Include a recipe card and cookie cutter tied on with a ribbon for a pretty presentation.

Movie Party Birthday party favors for a movie event should go along with the theme. Movie star sunglasses and packets of flavored popcorn or concession candies will be great. A movie poster will be unforgettable. Take a digital photo of the entire group at the beginning of the party. Zip it off to a one hour developer. With photos in hand quickly affix them to a previously prepared 8 1/2 x 11 or 12 x 12 piece of card stock "movie poster'. The poster would have been decorated with the title, the _____ family/friends productions presents Birthday Party for ____. The photo is the 'cast'. You can use stickers, handwriting, print or laser cut words for the title. Double stick tape will allow you to put this together in a snap. Of course you can word this any way you choose.

For the ladies, birthday party favors can include things you can buy at a dollar store and still look expensive. Fancy tea cups with tea light candles, a journal and nice pen or a framed poem would be special. Men would enjoy a small tin with gum, playing cards, key chains and snacks. It is always a nice thing to give a favor that will last longer than a couple of days.