How do you stuff Halloween party goodie bags for 50+ kids without breaking the bank? If you have an annual party like I do you shop the after Halloween sales. Just like you do at Christmas for ornaments, I do the same for goodie bags. TIP 1: SHOP THE AFTER HALLOWEEN SALES the adorable felt baskets I gave away last year had been sitting in my attic for almost a year. I bought them for 75% off.
TIP #2 – GO THRIFTING One year I hit the thrift stores for a few months before the big party gathering various Halloween books. I put the books and sticker filled “bookmark” kits on the porch after all the guests had arrived. Kids could grab a kit and select a book of their choosing on their way out. Many thrift stores have a buy 2 books, get the 3rd free policy!
TIP #3 – GIVE CRAFTS NOT CANDY – My above tip about shopping the after Halloween sales rings especially true here. Candy won’t keep in a Texas attic for a year, but crafts will. Socks too! Shop the after Halloween sales for things that will keep all year long. As a mother of a child with food allergies I love candy-less goodie bags.
TIP #4 – MAKE YOUR OWN FAVORS – When the guest list for my Halloween party was smaller I often handmade things for the goody bags. I love making colorful custom crayons from all the little bits of Crayola at the bottoms of my kids craft cabinet. Check out my full tutorial for making these here.
TIP #5 – SKIP THE FAVOR BAG – Did I just hear a gasp? I have been to plenty of parties where there were none and it was fine by me. I was going to throw away those cheap toys and empty mini container of bubbles in less than 24 hours anyway. If you MUST give something think of an activity the kids can do while they are at the party to take home with them. Crafts are always favorite. Perhaps encourage the kids to decorate a mask or color a Halloween picture while they are there.
In the end just don’t get caught up in party comparison madness. Parties are like snowflakes and no two are alike. You don’t have to throw a Pinterest perfect party every time. Your kids will not be the laughing stock of the playground if the goodie bags are not filled with $100 bills. Throwing parties is supposed to be fun for the guests and for YOU.
How do you save money on goodie bags for parties? Any favorite favor bag stuffers?
P.S. Thanks Jennifer Ramos my lovely Halloween party photographer.
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