Learn to Make Your Own Party Favor Bags

Everyone loves a party! There is no better way to make the memory of a party last, than by having a special "goodie" bag for each guest to take home as a souvenir. These can be very expensive when you buy them at party supply stores or specialty shops, so why not make some of your own for just pennies?

I came up with my own template for my party bags. They are approximately 4 inches wide by 6 inches tall and have a little window on the front that lets some of the goodies show through. I used pages from an old wallpaper book that I got for nothing. Most stores give these away when they are outdated. (Just make sure they don't have the "glue" on the back of the page!) I am sure you could use any sturdy paper you can find and it will work just as well.

Supplies Needed:

Glue Stick

Scissors

Pencil

8.5" x 11" piece of sturdy paper (decorative or solid color)

3.5" x 3.5" piece of clear plastic (I used a piece of shrink plastic, but any clear plastic will do)

Template for bag, you can download my template here

Optional - Rubberstamps, markers, stickers, compatible contrasting paper, etc...to decorate your goodie bag

First, use the template to trace the outline of the bag on your paper. Cut out the bag shape, and also cut out a 2 inch by 2 inch square on the front of the bag. Refer to template.

Next, run the glue stick around the window opening on the back side of the bag. Lay your square piece of clear plastic over the window and into the glued area. Lay aside to let dry.

While the glue is drying on the window part of the bag, cut out a 3 inch square piece of paper. Fold that square in half and on the folded edge, cut out another smaller square. Unfold this and you will have "frame" to glue on the outside of your little window. You can decorate this as you'd like or do it in a contrasting paper like I did in my examples.

After the window is dry, pre-fold your bag before gluing. Fold the side and bottom flaps toward the inside. Fold the bag in half. Adjust folds to make sure the bag fits together well. Using your glue stick, add glue to the flaps and fold the bag together. Press around firmly to make sure the glue will stick well. Then, add glue to the back of your "frame" and place it over the window on the front, in the same manner.

Once dry and all decorated, the fun really begins. You can put all sorts of goodies into your party bag favors, depending on the age of your guests or what type of party it is. Some ideas for children would include: balloons, small candies, gift certificates, or small toys. For adults, you might consider a delicate cookie, perhaps a small program about the party or a picture of the guest, taken at the party. What ever you decide, your guests will love these easy to make party favor bags.