Birthday Party Favors for All Ages

Although kids won't complain about basic party favors such as candy in a themed bag, many parents want something more original, creative, or healthy. Here is a list of possibilities, based on party themes, that are appropriate for all ages.

Themed parties
For parties that have a character theme, try character-themed plastic cups (ages 2-10),
Dress-up props are also possibilities. (2-8) Try a whistle for Thomas the Tank Engine conductors or sports party refs or tiaras and stick-on earrings for princess parties.
Glitter gel is appropriate for wizard parties or princess parties (4-12, more appropriate for girls).
Oobleck www.kinderteacher.com/oobleck.htm or Gloop www.stevespanglerscience.com/experiment/00000039 can be made for wizard parties, monster parties, and more (5-14, more appropriate for boys).
Many stores sell small plastic or rubber toys (5-10) such as dinosaurs, army men, animals, and more.
Hot Wheels cars come in large packs and can be broken up to give each child a car.
Stickers and washable tattoos fit any theme (3-8).

Seasonal themes
Springtime parties could have seeds, flower bulbs, or pots with seedlings (4-10). Small stuffed animals, such as bunnies or chicks, fit springtime as well (4-10).
Summer parties can include sand shovels, pails, or other beach toys (2-10). Leis, coconut cups, brightly flowered straws, and colorful sunglasses are also appropriate (4-12).
Fall parties could go with a back-to-school theme, such as a new box of crayons for younger kids (2-7).
For winter parties, have kids make their own cookie-cutter ornaments (4-12).
Several ideas overlap for fall and winter. Hot cocoa is a possibility (4+). Send them home with homemade hot cocoa or hot cocoa packets with inexpensive mugs - you can buy a set of 12 mugs and then break it up so each kid gets one with a few packets of gourmet hot cocoa. Kids can also make their own non-skid slipper socks (4+). Buy high-quality plain socks and have them decorate with puffy fabric paint.

Generic themes (adaptable to any party, or fit for non-themed parties)
Arcade tokens for nearby attractions (5+)
Soap crayons, rubber duckies, or other bath toys (1-5) - especially appropriate for Sponge Bob parties.
Books found at dollar stores or used book shops (2-10)
Key chains (10+) and bookmarks (6+) are only a few dollars each, and can be found for any theme.
Super balls (5-12) are the really big bouncy balls found in 50-cent vending machines and are inexpensive at toy stores.
Play-Doh multi-packs can be broken up to give each child 1-3 tubs (4-8).
Yo-yos, mini slinkies, and paper airplane kits are inexpensive to buy as well (3-12).
Origami kits or origami figures made during a party activity (6-12).

There are also a variety of sources for purchases inexpensive theme party favors that stay away from candy bags. Good luck planning your party!