How to Throw an Eco Friendly Kids Party (Without Losing Your Mind)

Right, I need to talk about kids’ parties. Because last year, after my son’s fourth birthday, I looked at the absolute mountain of single-use plastic rubbish we’d created and felt properly guilty. Disposable plates, plastic cups, party bags full of tat that broke within hours, balloons everywhere, wrapping paper torn off in seconds – it was an environmental disaster zone.

So this year, I decided to try throwing an eco-friendly children’s party. Not a Pinterest-perfect, zero-waste, make-everything-from-scratch affair (because who has time for that?), but something more sustainable that wouldn’t make me want to cry at the bin afterwards.

Turns out, learning how to have an eco-friendly birthday party is actually doable. You don’t need to be a sustainability warrior or spend a fortune. You just need to think about a few things differently and make some simple swaps.

If you’re wondering how to throw a zero-waste party (or at least a lot less wasteful party) for your kid, here’s everything I’ve learned from trial, error, and one slightly chaotic but much greener fifth birthday.

Why Bother With Eco Friendly Child’s Party Ideas?

Let’s be honest – kids’ parties create absolute mountains of waste. And most of it is completely unnecessary.

The Average Kids’ Party Waste:

• Disposable plates, cups, and cutlery (all binned after one use)
• Plastic tablecloths
• Balloons (terrible for wildlife)
• Plastic party bags
• Cheap plastic toys (party bag fillers that break immediately)
• Single-use decorations
• Mountains of wrapping paper
• Food waste (kids never eat as much as you prepare)

Multiply this by every birthday party in the UK, and it’s a staggering amount of rubbish going to landfill.

The Cost

Here’s the thing nobody mentions: eco friendly child’s party ideas can actually save you money. All that disposable stuff adds up. Reusable items cost more upfront but last for years.

Plus, kids don’t actually care about most of the stuff we waste money on. They want cake, games with their mates, and maybe a decent present. The rest is just us trying to compete with other parents or fulfil some Instagram party fantasy.

How to Have an Eco Friendly Birthday Party: The Basics

Before we get into specific eco friendly child’s party ideas, let’s cover the fundamentals of throwing a more sustainable party.

Start With the Guest List

Smaller = More Sustainable

I know the pressure to invite the whole class. But a smaller party means:

• Less food waste
• Fewer party bags to fill
• Less overall consumption
• More manageable (and honestly more fun)
• Lower carbon footprint

We went from 20 kids last year to 8 this year. It was so much better. The kids actually played together instead of running around like feral animals, and I didn’t have a nervous breakdown.

Choose the Venue Carefully

Home Parties:

• Lower carbon footprint (no travel)
• More control over waste
• Can use your own plates, cups, etc.
• Free (huge plus)

Outdoor Venues:

• Parks (free, kids can run around)
• Gardens (if you have one)
• Local play areas
• Nature reserves

Avoid if possible:

• Commercial party venues (loads of disposable stuff, less control)
• Indoor play centres (convenient but very wasteful)

I get it – sometimes you need a venue because your flat’s tiny or the weather’s rubbish. But if you can manage a home or outdoor party, it’s much easier to make it eco-friendly.

Eco Friendly Child’s Party Ideas: Invitations

Ditch paper invitations entirely.

Seriously, nobody needs them. They get binned immediately anyway.

Digital Invitations:

• WhatsApp group
• Email
• Evite or similar platforms
• Facebook event

If you must have physical invitations:

• Use recycled paper
• Make them from card you already have
• Seed paper (can be planted after)
• Reusable invitations (laminated, guests return them)

We did a WhatsApp group. Sent a message with date, time, location, done. Saved paper, saved money, far less faff.

Decorations: How to Throw a Zero Waste Party That Still Looks Fun

This is where eco friendly child’s party ideas can feel limiting. Kids want colourful, fun decorations. Here’s how to achieve that without loads of single-use plastic:

Reusable Decorations

Invest in these once, use for years:

• Fabric bunting (homemade or bought)
• Paper bunting (can be folded and stored)
• Reusable happy birthday banners
• Fabric tablecloths (wash and reuse)
• Real plates, cups, and cutlery

I bought fabric bunting three years ago. Used it for every party since, plus other occasions. Cost £15, saved probably £50+ in disposable decorations.

Natural Decorations

Free and biodegradable:

• Flowers from the garden
• Leaves and branches
• Pine cones
• Stones (spray painted if you want colour)
• Seasonal items (pumpkins, conkers, etc.)

We did a nature-themed party. Collected leaves and pine cones on a walk, arranged them on the table. The kids thought it was brilliant and it cost nothing.

DIY Decorations from What You Have

Use stuff you already own:

• Coloured paper chains (made from old magazines or scrap paper)
• Origami decorations
• Painted cardboard shapes
• Potato print banners

My son and I made decorations together the week before. He loved it, and it felt more personal than shop-bought stuff.

What to Avoid

Skip these completely:

• Balloons (terrible for wildlife when they escape, animals eat them and die)
• Plastic tablecloths (use fabric or just a bare table)
• Foil banners (can’t be recycled, single-use)
• Plastic confetti (microplastics nightmare)
• Disposable decorations (anything you’ll bin straight after)

Balloons are the big one. I know kids love them, but they’re genuinely harmful. Foil balloons especially – they don’t biodegrade and kill wildlife. Just skip them entirely.

Tableware: Eco Friendly Child’s Party Ideas for Less Waste

This is where people panic. “But I don’t have 15 plates!” I hear you. Here are your options:

Best Option: Use Real Plates and Cutlery

Borrow from:

• Friends and family
• Neighbours
• Community centres (sometimes loan equipment)
• Buy cheap secondhand sets from charity shops

We borrowed plates and cups from my parents and sister. Washed them after, gave them back. Zero waste, zero cost.

If you need to buy:

• Charity shop crockery (cheap, reusable)
• Camping ware (lightweight, reusable, nearly indestructible)
• IKEA basics (affordable reusable option)

Second Best: Compostable Disposables

If you absolutely must use disposables:

• Palm leaf plates (compostable)
• Bamboo plates (compostable)
• Wooden cutlery (compostable)
• Paper cups (recyclable, or compostable options available)

Important: Check they’re actually compostable, not just “biodegradable” (which is meaningless). And check if your council’s food waste accepts them.

These cost more than plastic disposables but less than buying reusable items you don’t have.

Avoid

• Plastic plates, cups, cutlery (obvious)
• “Eco” plastic that isn’t actually compostable
• Anything with mixed materials (can’t be recycled)

Food: How to Have an Eco Friendly Birthday Party Without Food Waste

Kids’ party food is notoriously wasteful. Here’s how to improve it:

Plan Better

Reality check on quantities:

• Kids eat WAY less at parties than you think
• They’re too excited to eat much
• They fill up on cake and crisps
• Don’t make loads of fancy food they’ll ignore

I made about 40% less food than last year. Still had leftovers, but far less waste.

Eco Friendly Child’s Party Ideas for Food

Focus on:

• Homemade food (less packaging)
• Whole foods (fruit, veg sticks, cheese)
• Bulk items (big bag of crisps portioned out, not individual packets)
• Local and seasonal where possible
• Things that keep (can be eaten later if not finished)

Menu that worked for us:

• Sandwiches (made fresh that morning)
• Fruit (cut up, no packaging)
• Veggie sticks with hummus
• Cheese cubes
• One bag of crisps (portioned into bowls)
• Birthday cake (homemade)

Simple, not much packaging, very little waste.

Drinks

Sustainable options:

• Tap water in jugs (free, zero waste)
• Squash made in jugs
• Milk (if age-appropriate)

Avoid:

• Individual juice boxes (so much packaging)
• Plastic bottles
• Capri Suns (impossible to recycle properly)

We did water and squash. Some kids complained (they’re used to juice boxes), but they drank it anyway.

Dealing with Leftovers

Plan ahead:

• Send leftovers home with kids (in reusable containers if possible)
• Freeze surplus food
• Compost suitable scraps
• Share with neighbours

I portioned leftover sandwiches and sent them home with a few kids. Parents were grateful (less dinner to make).

Birthday Cake: Eco Friendly Options

Homemade is most eco friendly:

• Less packaging
• Control over ingredients
• Can be as fancy or simple as you like
• Often cheaper

I’m not a baker, but even I managed a basic chocolate cake with buttercream and sprinkles. It looked homemade (read: wonky) but tasted good and the kids were delighted.

If buying:

• Local bakery (less packaging than supermarket)
• Specify minimal packaging
• Avoid plastic cake toppers

Alternatives to birthday candles:

• Reusable number candles (metal or wood)
• Beeswax candles (more eco than paraffin)
• Skip candles entirely (controversial, but the singing is the main event)

How to Throw a Zero Waste Party: Entertainment

Entertainment doesn’t need to create waste. Traditional party games are actually quite sustainable.

Zero Waste Party Games

Classic games that need nothing:

• Pass the parcel (use newspaper, see below)
• Musical statues
• Musical chairs
• Duck duck goose
• What’s the time Mr Wolf?
• Hide and seek
• Treasure hunt (hide items they can keep or eat)

Games needing minimal equipment:

• Pin the tail on the donkey (homemade version)
• Egg and spoon race (use actual spoons and eggs or balls)
• Sack races (use pillowcases)
• Three-legged race (use old tights or scarves)

Nature-based activities (outdoor parties):

• Scavenger hunt (collecting natural items)
• Bug hunting
• Nature art (making pictures from leaves, sticks, etc.)
• Planting seeds (each kid plants something to take home)

Pass the Parcel: Eco Friendly Version

Traditional pass the parcel creates mountains of wrapping paper waste. Here’s how to make it more sustainable:

Use:

• Newspaper (can be recycled)
• Fabric squares (reusable – rewrap for next party)
• Brown paper (recyclable)

Prizes between layers:

• Sweets (eaten, not thrown away)
• Temporary tattoos (biodegradable options exist)
• Bookmarks
• Seeds
• Nothing (kids don’t actually need prizes every layer)

We did newspaper with a sweet between each layer. Worked fine, way less waste.

Entertainment to Avoid

• Entertainer with loads of disposable props
• Craft activities using single-use plastic (unless you keep finished items)
• Water balloon fights (plastic pollution)
• Piñatas full of plastic toys

Party Bags: The Biggest Waste Culprit

Right, let’s talk about party bags. They’re the worst. Plastic bag full of plastic toys that break within 24 hours, everyone bins them, total waste.

How to Have an Eco Friendly Birthday Party: Skip Party Bags

Radical option: Don’t do them at all.

I know, controversial. But hear me out – kids survived for decades without party bags. They’re a relatively recent thing that’s gotten completely out of hand.

We didn’t do party bags this year. Not one parent complained. Not one kid seemed bothered. They’d had fun at the party, that was enough.

If you’re worried about social expectations, just… don’t mention it. Nobody will notice in the chaos of pickup time.

If You Must Do Party Bags: Eco Friendly Child’s Party Ideas

Use:

• Paper bags (recyclable)
• Fabric drawstring bags (reusable – kids can use for school/toys)
• Cardboard boxes (recyclable)
• No bag at all (hand items loose)

Fill with:

• Seeds to plant (gives kids an activity, grows into something)
• Books from charity shops (50p each, way better than plastic tat)
• Homemade biscuits or cake (individually wrapped in paper)
• Pencils and notebook (useful, not just rubbish)
• Bubbles (in glass or biodegradable bottles)
• Small potted plants (succulents are cheap)
• Secondhand toys (washed and in good condition)
• Edible items (eaten, not thrown away)

Avoid:

• Plastic toys that’ll break immediately
• Sweets in excessive plastic packaging
• Single-use plastics
• Anything that’s going straight in the bin

Alternative to Party Bags

One better gift instead:

• Small book for each child (secondhand)
• Plant pot they decorated at the party
• Something they made during the party
• Charitable donation in their names (to animal charity, etc.)

Presents: Eco Friendly Approach

You can’t control what gifts your child receives, but you can make it easier for guests to give sustainably.

On the Invitation, Include:

Option 1: “No gifts please”

• Reduces consumption
• Less waste
• Honestly liberating

Option 2: Specify preferences

• “Books welcome” (secondhand is fine)
• “Outdoor toys preferred”
• “Experiences over things” (contribute to trip, activity, membership)

Option 3: Charity donations

• “Please donate to [charity] instead of gifts”
• Works well for kids who have everything

We said “Books or experiences welcome, no plastic toys please.” Most people respected it. A few didn’t (you can’t control everyone), but overall it worked.

Wrapping Paper

Most eco friendly:

• No wrapping (controversial but zero waste)
• Fabric wraps (reusable – look up furoshiki)
• Brown paper and string (recyclable)
• Newspaper or old maps (free, recyclable)
• Old fabric scraps

Avoid:

• Shiny/metallic wrapping paper (can’t be recycled)
• Excessive tape
• Plastic ribbons and bows

We asked people to use brown paper or newspaper. About half did. The others used standard wrapping paper, which we recycled what we could and binned the rest. Can’t win everything.

How to Throw a Zero Waste Party: The Reality Check

Let me be honest: throwing a completely zero waste party is virtually impossible unless you’re extremely committed and have loads of time.

What IS possible: drastically reducing waste compared to a standard party.

Our Results:

Waste from this year’s party:

• One small bag of general rubbish (mostly wrapping paper scraps)
• Recycling mostly from gifts (cardboard boxes)
• Food waste (composted)

Compare to last year:

• Three large bags of rubbish
• Mountains of plastic plates, cups, cutlery
• Dozens of party bag toys binned within days
• Loads of uneaten food thrown away

Even with compromises, this year was massively better.

Where I Compromised:

• Used some disposable serviettes (paper, recyclable)
• Didn’t make all food from scratch (bought some hummus)
• Couldn’t stop people using standard wrapping paper
• One guest brought plastic party bag toys as a gift (can’t control that)

And that’s fine. Progress, not perfection.

Budget: Do Eco Friendly Child’s Party Ideas Cost More?

Initial impression: Yes, reusable items cost more upfront.

Reality: You save money long-term, and some eco swaps are actually cheaper.

Where we saved money:

• No venue hire (home party)
• No disposable plates/cups (borrowed)
• No party bags (saved £20-30 easily)
• Less food waste (saved £10-15)
• Digital invitations (saved £5)
• Homemade decorations (saved £15)

Where we spent more:

• Fabric bunting (£15, but will use for years)
• Better quality food (£10 more)

Overall: Roughly the same cost as last year, but with far less waste and items we’ll use again.

What People Think: Addressing Concerns

“But the kids will be disappointed!”

No, they won’t. Kids want to have fun with their friends. They don’t care about disposable plates or plastic party bag toys.

Mine had the best time. Didn’t once mention lack of balloons or party bags.

“Other parents will judge me”

Some might. Most won’t care or will actually be relieved (less plastic tat to deal with).

If anyone does judge, that’s their problem. You’re making a better environmental choice.

“It’s too much effort”

Some eco friendly child’s party ideas take more effort. Others (like skipping party bags) take less.

Overall, it’s about the same effort as a standard party, just directed differently.

“I don’t want to be preachy”

Then don’t be. Just throw your party the way you want to. You don’t need to give everyone a lecture about sustainability.

People will notice you’re doing things differently, but you don’t need to make a big deal about it.

Top 10 Eco Friendly Child’s Party Ideas: Quick Summary

If you’re wondering how to have an eco friendly birthday party but don’t want to read this whole guide, here’s the quick version:

1. Smaller guest list (less waste, more manageable)
2. Digital invitations (skip paper entirely)
3. Reusable decorations (fabric bunting, no balloons)
4. Real plates and cutlery (borrow if needed)
5. Less food, better planned (reduce waste)
6. Homemade cake (less packaging)
7. Traditional party games (zero waste entertainment)
8. Skip party bags (or do eco alternatives)
9. Home or outdoor venue (better control over waste)
10. Guide gift choices (books, experiences, less plastic)

The Bottom Line on How to Throw a Zero Waste Party

You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to make everything from scratch or spend a fortune on eco alternatives.

Just think about each element of the party and ask: “Is there a less wasteful way to do this?”

Often the answer is yes, and it’s simpler than you think.

Kids’ parties don’t need to create mountains of rubbish. With some planning and a few simple swaps, you can throw an eco friendly children’s party that’s fun, memorable, and doesn’t trash the planet.

Your kid will have a brilliant time. The planet will thank you. And you won’t feel guilty looking at the bins afterwards.

And honestly? That’s a win all round.

FAQs About Eco Friendly Children’s Parties

How do you throw an eco friendly birthday party for kids?

To throw an eco friendly birthday party, use reusable plates and cutlery instead of disposables, skip balloons and single-use decorations, plan food carefully to reduce waste, use digital invitations, and either skip party bags or fill them with useful items like books or seeds instead of plastic toys. Borrow extra plates from family, choose traditional party games that need no equipment, and keep the guest list smaller to reduce overall consumption. It’s easier to control waste at home or outdoor venues versus commercial party places.

What are good eco friendly party bag alternatives?

The best option is skipping party bags entirely – kids don’t actually need them. If you must do something, give each child one better item like a secondhand book (50p from charity shops), a small potted plant, seeds to plant at home, or homemade biscuits wrapped in paper. You could also do a craft activity where kids make something to take home, or plant sunflower seeds during the party and let them take the pot home. Avoid cheap plastic toys that break immediately and just create waste.

How can I reduce food waste at a children’s party?

Plan less food than you think – kids eat way less at parties because they’re excited and fill up on cake. Focus on simple foods like sandwiches, fruit, veggie sticks, and cheese rather than elaborate spreads they’ll ignore. Buy in bulk (one large bag of crisps portioned out) instead of individual packets. Send leftovers home with guests in reusable containers, freeze surplus food, or compost scraps. Making food from scratch also reduces packaging waste and you can control portions better.

Are balloons really that bad for the environment?

Yes, balloons are terrible for the environment. When they escape (and they do), they end up in oceans and countryside where animals mistake them for food and die. Foil balloons especially don’t biodegrade and cause lasting harm. Even latex balloons take years to break down and harm wildlife. They’re also a choking hazard and not actually necessary for a fun party – kids have brilliant parties without them. Use fabric bunting, paper decorations, or natural items instead. Just skip balloons entirely.

How do you throw a zero waste children’s party on a budget?

Throw the party at home or a free outdoor venue, borrow plates and cutlery instead of buying disposables, use decorations you already own or make from natural materials (leaves, pine cones), play traditional games that need no equipment, serve simple homemade food, and skip party bags entirely. Digital invitations are free. Ask guests to use brown paper or newspaper for gift wrapping. These choices actually save money compared to buying all disposable items and party bags. Eco friendly often means less consumption, which means lower cost.

What entertainment works for eco friendly children’s parties?

Traditional party games are perfect zero waste entertainment: musical statues, musical chairs, pass the parcel (using newspaper), duck duck goose, treasure hunts, hide and seek, egg and spoon races (use actual spoons), and sack races (use pillowcases). For outdoor parties, do nature scavenger hunts, bug hunting, or let kids make art from natural materials. Simple games kids have played for generations don’t need any single-use items or plastic equipment. They’re more fun than electronic entertainment anyway.

Can you have an eco friendly party at a venue?

It’s harder to control waste at commercial venues because they usually provide all the disposables, but you can make it more eco friendly by: choosing venues that offer reusable tableware, bringing your own decorations instead of using their disposables, skipping party bags, bringing a reusable container for leftover cake, and choosing the food option with least packaging. Home or outdoor parties give you more control, but if you need a venue (weather, space issues), choose one that’s flexible about letting you reduce waste.

What should I put in eco friendly party bags?

Fill fabric or paper bags with: secondhand books (50p each from charity shops and way better than plastic toys), seeds to plant, homemade biscuits wrapped in paper, pencils and small notebooks, bubbles, temporary tattoos, or small potted plants. Everything should be either useful, edible, or plantable – nothing that’ll be binned within 24 hours. Or do one better gift instead of a bag of items. Honestly though, skipping party bags entirely is the most eco friendly option and kids genuinely don’t care as much as you think.

How do I ask guests not to bring plastic gifts?

Include a polite note on invitations: “Books or experiences welcome” or “Please consider secondhand gifts or charitable donations.” You can’t control what people bring, but most will respect your wishes. Some won’t – there’ll always be that one guest who brings a massive plastic toy. Accept it gracefully and don’t make a fuss. You’re doing your best to reduce waste overall, and that’s what matters. Suggesting specific preferences makes it easier for guests anyway.

Is it rude not to give party bags?

No, it’s not rude. Party bags are a relatively recent tradition that’s gotten out of hand. Kids survived for decades without them. Most parents actually appreciate not receiving bags of plastic tat they’ll have to bin. If you’re worried, just don’t mention it – nobody will notice or complain in the chaos of pickup time. The party itself is the experience, not a bag of cheap toys. If you feel you must do something, one small book or edible item as they leave is plenty.

Related posts:

• Sustainable Party Decorations You Can Reuse
• Zero Waste Birthday Cake: Recipes and Packaging-Free Options
• Plastic-Free Party Bag Ideas