45+ Amazing Party Bag Fillers for Kids

Want to ditch the plastic tat from your kid’s party bags? These eco-friendly and exciting party bag fillers are diverse and fun, plus they are also much better for the planet.

If you would rather fill your party bags with things kids will actually use, rather than stuff that will go into the trash within days, then this is the list you need!

There are so many cool ideas, and once I started looking to include eco toys, no-junk and fun things in our party bags I was amazed at home many cool and different options there are out there!

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No-junk party bag fillers

The key features to look for are:

Toys and items that will be long lasting – for example wildflower seeds to be planted in the garden
Something they can create with
Things made from recycled materials
Items that you can make yourself
There are lots of great retailers selling creative and fun sustainable party bag fillers for kids and then bring it all together yourself.

What are some fun party bag ideas?

Whether you have no time to put together your party bags or are happy to do a little DIY, these fun ideas will create a fantastic treat the kids will adore.

Here are a few items to look for when shopping to fill your kids party bags:

Books

You can order box sets of books from a popular series or by a popular author, such as Roald Dahl or the Mr Men books.

Split them up and you can give these as party favours.

I remember when my daughter attended a birthday party where they did this and I thought it was such a lovely idea! And she loved her new book, it stuck with her way longer than a bag of plastic stuff.

Wooden toys

From spinning toys to building toys, there’s a whole host of small toys made from wood that you could select and pop into your bags.

Toys made from wood are more environmentally friendly than plastic because they are biodegradable and can be recycled.

Wood items to be decorated

As well as toys you can also look for wooden shapes and other items that kids can personalise and paint after the party. Look for wood letters, peg dolls and people figures.

Baking kits

You can buy pre-made baking kits online or put them together yourself.

In order to put these together you just need to weigh out the dry ingredients – usually flour, baking powder and sugar, depending on what you are making – and place in a ziplock food bag. Try reusable paper food bags to keep it eco-friendly.

Seeds

Planting seeds is a fun activity for kids, so why not choose some wildflower, sunflower or other seeds and pop them into a paper envelope.

You can buy pre-packaged seed packs for kid’s parties, or have your child decorate the envelopes for their friends themselves.

Biodegradable balloons

Balloons made from latex are biodegradable. However a nice alternative to these if you want to avoid the material is some paper lanterns instead. These can be hung in children’s bedroom (and collapsed flat for handing out at the end of the party).

Craft kits

A fun craft kit is a fantastic addition to a party bag as it gives kids something to make and enjoy, then use afterwards!

Some ideas include:

Bee or insect hotel kit
Bird feeder kit
Bath bomb kit
Decorate your own wooden picture frame
Friendship bracelet kit
Sidewalk chalk – I love packs of giant chalk, kids can create their own works of art on the driveway or sidewalk outside

Art kits

Wrap up pens, pencils or paints with notebooks or a small canvas so that kids can make their very own work of art at home.

If you don’t want to DIY you own art kit then there are tons of sewing kits and art kits you can find on Etsy.

Play dough kit

Measure out the ingredients needed to make play dough and print off instructions for how to do it at home.

Alternatively, you can buy pre-made kits, or pre-made dough. You could also include a play dough play mat, these are great for younger kids, or some play dough cookie cutters.

Slime kit

Give kids pots of slime or a slime-making kit to mix their own.

You can also add some little confetti or tiny toys to mix into the slime.

Bubble tea kit

My children are obsessed with bubble tea right now, and they also like to make it at home. You can get kits at supermarkets, such as Tesco, at a fairly reasonable price.

If you are not sure about buying food/drink items, then some cute bubble tea key rings or bubble tea themed cups are a fun idea.

Pampering kits

Spa essentials are a lovely idea for kids aged eight and over. Try adding things like:

Claw clips
Lip balm
Face mask
Bath bomb
Headband
Kid-friendly nail polish – find the stuff that can be removed with water.
Hairbrush
Loofah

Key rings

A sweet key ring is a lovely gift that kids can put on their pre-school or school backpack.

My children love key rings featuring Kawaii style art, as well as anything cuddly and squishy.

These cute Squishmallow key rings are perfect.

DIY hot chocolate

A tasty hot chocolate gift is such a special treat! Include a mug – maybe saying “Thanks for being a great friend” – plus some mini marshmallows to make a perfect cosy mug of hot chocolate.