Plastic-Free Party Bag Ideas Kids Actually Want

Right, let’s talk about party bags. Because they’re absolutely the worst part of kids’ parties. You spend ages (and money) filling little plastic bags with cheap plastic toys that break within 24 hours. The kids are vaguely pleased for about 30 seconds, then the parents take them home and immediately bin most of it.

I’ve lost count of how many party bag toys I’ve thrown away over the years. Plastic whistles, bouncy balls that bounce once and split, tiny plastic figures that snap immediately, stickers that peel off and get stuck to furniture, sweets in excessive plastic packaging. It’s wasteful, it’s expensive, and honestly, it feels a bit pointless.

Last year, I decided to stop doing traditional party bags entirely. Tried a few different plastic-free party bag ideas instead. Some worked brilliantly. Some were met with confused looks from five-year-olds. And one idea was so popular that kids were asking their parents if they could come to next year’s party already.

If you’re looking for plastic-free party bag ideas that kids actually want (not just worthy eco alternatives that’ll be ignored), here’s everything I’ve learned from several years of trial and error.

Why Party Bags Are the Worst

Let me break down the problem with standard party bags:

The Average Party Bag Contains:

• Plastic bag itself (goes straight in bin)
• 3-5 cheap plastic toys (break within hours, binned)
• Sweets in plastic wrappers (wrappers binned)
• Stickers (peel off, get lost, binned)
• Maybe a balloon (terrible for wildlife)
• Possibly a plastic whistle (immediately confiscated by parents)

Cost per bag: £2-5
Lifespan of contents: Hours to days
Destination: Bin

For a party of 15 kids, that’s £30-75 on stuff that goes to landfill within a week.

The Guilt Factor

Every parent I know feels a bit rubbish about party bags. We know they’re wasteful. We know the toys are pointless. But we keep doing them because:

• “Everyone else does them”
• “The kids expect them”
• “It’s tradition”

Spoiler: Kids don’t actually care as much as we think. And many parents are secretly relieved when you don’t give them.

The Radical Option: Skip Party Bags Entirely

Here’s a controversial thought: Just don’t do them.

I know, I know. But hear me out.

What Happened When I Skipped Party Bags:

Year 1: Didn’t mention party bags on invitation. Didn’t give them at pickup.

• Kids’ reaction: Nobody noticed in the chaos of pickup time
• Parents’ reaction: Not one comment or complaint
• My stress level: Massively reduced
• Waste created: Zero
• Money saved: £40

The kids had fun at the party. That was the point. They didn’t need a plastic bag of tat to validate the experience.

How to Skip Party Bags Without Awkwardness:

1. Don’t mention them on the invitation
2. Don’t display them at the party
3. At pickup time, thank guests for coming and send them on their way
4. If asked, “We decided to skip party bags this year” (said cheerfully, no big explanation needed)

Most parents are actually relieved. They’re not adding more plastic rubbish to their homes.

When Skipping Doesn’t Work:

If you feel you must do something:

• Very formal party setting (where it’s expected)
• Family tradition that matters to you
• Your child specifically requests them
• You want to acknowledge guests in some way

Fair enough. That’s where plastic-free party bag ideas come in.

Plastic-Free Party Bag Ideas That Actually Work

Right, if you’re doing party bags, here’s what’s worked for me and other parents I know.

1. Books (Secondhand)

Why it works:

• Actually useful (not thrown away)
• Kids love books
• Can be age-appropriate
• Last forever

Where to get them:

• Charity shops (50p-£1 each)
• Car boot sales (cheaper)
• Book People (discounted new books)
• Bookstart (free books from libraries sometimes)

What to buy:

• Picture books for younger kids (under 5)
• Early readers for 5-7 year olds
• Chapter books for 8+
• Activity books for all ages

I bought 12 books from a charity shop for £6. Each guest got a book. Parents were genuinely pleased. Kids were happy. Zero waste (books can be read indefinitely or passed on).

How to make it special: Write a little message inside: “Thanks for celebrating with [child’s name]!” Makes it feel more gift-like.

2. Seeds to Plant

Why it works:

• Kids love planting things
• Educational
• Gives them an activity at home
• Parents appreciate it
• Completely natural

What to use:

• Sunflower seeds (grow quickly, impressive)
• Cress seeds (grow super fast)
• Wildflower seeds (help bees)
• Herb seeds (basil, parsley)

Where to buy:

• Garden centres (bulk packets)
• Wilko, Poundland (cheap seed packets)
• Online seed companies

How to package:

• Small paper envelopes (make your own or buy)
• Write planting instructions on envelope
• Decorate envelopes (kids can help)

Cost: About 20-50p per child. Popular with parents. Actually gets used.

Pro tip: Include a lolly stick as a plant marker. Kids can write the plant name on it.

3. Homemade Biscuits or Cake

Why it works:

• Eaten, not thrown away
• Can be allergen-friendly
• Personal touch
• Kids love food

What to make:

• Simple biscuits (cookie cutter shapes)
• Flapjacks (easy, no special equipment)
• Rice crispy cakes (quick, kids can help make)
• Shortbread (keeps well)

How to package:

• Paper bags (buy in bulk)
• Grease-proof paper
• Tie with string
• Add a label

Cost: About 50p-£1 per child depending on recipe.

Important: Check for allergies beforehand. Include ingredient list.

I made dinosaur-shaped biscuits for my son’s party (he was really into dinosaurs). Kids thought they were brilliant. Cost about £8 for ingredients, made 15 portions.

4. Craft Kits in Paper Bags

Why it works:

• Activity to do at home
• Minimal plastic
• Can be themed
• Kids enjoy making things

Kit ideas:

• Colouring pages + pencils
• Friendship bracelet materials
• Origami paper + instructions
• Nature craft supplies
• Painting rocks kit

What to include:

• Paper bags or cardboard boxes
• Activity materials (paper, string, crayons)
• Instructions
• Everything needed to complete activity

Where to buy supplies:

• The Range (cheap craft supplies)
• Hobbycraft (more variety)
• Poundland (basics)
• Baker Ross (bulk craft supplies)

Cost: £1-2 per child depending on activity.

Made friendship bracelet kits for a 7-year-old’s party. Each bag had embroidery threads, instructions, and safety pin. Total cost: £12 for 15 kits. Kids loved them.

5. Small Potted Plants

Why it works:

• Living thing to care for
• Educational
• Looks nice
• Parents appreciate plants

Options:

• Succulents (hardy, cheap, easy care)
• Herbs in small pots (useful)
• Sunflower seedlings (grow fast)
• Small cacti (nearly indestructible)

Where to buy:

• IKEA (cheap small plants)
• Garden centres (sometimes have deals)
• Grow from seed yourself (cheapest)
• B&M, Home Bargain (budget plant options)

How to present:

• Wrap pot in brown paper
• Tie with string
• Attach care instructions

Cost: £1-3 per plant.

Did this for an 8-year-old’s party. Bought small succulents from IKEA (£1 each). Wrapped in brown paper. Kids thought it was cool. Parents loved it.

6. Pencils, Notebooks, and Stationery

Why it works:

• Actually useful for school
• Long-lasting
• No plastic packaging available
• Kids use them

What to include:

• Wooden pencils
• Small notebooks
• Rubber (eraser)
• Sharpener
• Washi tape (decorative)

Where to buy:

• Tiger (cheap stationery)
• Flying Tiger Copenhagen (fun designs)
• IKEA (basics)
• Wilko (budget-friendly)

How to package:

• Paper bags
• Tie with string
• Can personalize with each child’s name

Cost: £1-2 per child.

7. Bubbles

Why it works:

• Kids love bubbles
• Gets used (not thrown away)
• Can be outdoor fun
• Relatively waste-free

What to buy:

• Glass bubble bottles (reusable)
• Large refillable bottles (less packaging)
• Make your own (washing-up liquid + water + glycerine)

Where to buy:

• Poundland (cheap bottles)
• Amazon (bulk buys)
• Make yourself (cheapest)

How to package:

• Buy bottles with minimal packaging
• Or make your own and put in small glass jars

Cost: 50p-£1 per child.

DIY bubble solution:

• 6 cups water
• 1 cup washing-up liquid
• 1/4 cup glycerine (from chemist)

Makes loads, costs about £2 total.

8. One Better Gift Instead

Why it works:

• Quality over quantity
• Actually useful
• More meaningful
• Less overwhelming

Ideas:

• Nice book (new, not secondhand)
• Small game (travel size)
• Art supplies set
• Sports equipment (small ball, skipping rope)

Cost: £3-5 per child (similar to filled party bag)

Give each child one decent item instead of bag of tat. They’ll actually use it.

9. Edible Gifts (Not Just Sweets)

Why it works:

• Gets eaten (zero long-term waste)
• Can be healthier options
• Special treat
• Easy to source

Ideas:

• Hot chocolate kit (cocoa powder, marshmallows, sprinkles in jar)
• Popcorn kernels with flavouring ideas
• Cookie mix in a jar (layered ingredients)
• Homemade granola bars
• Fruit kebabs (make at party, give as they leave)

Packaging:

• Glass jars (charity shops)
• Paper bags
• Grease-proof paper

Cost: £1-2 per child.

10. Charity Donation

Why it works:

• Zero waste
• Teaches giving
• Meaningful
• Parents appreciate it

How to do it:

• Choose age-appropriate charity (animal charity, environmental, children’s)
• Donate £1-2 per guest (same as party bag cost)
• Give each child a card explaining donation in their name
• Include sticker or bookmark as tangible item

Good charities:

• WWF (kids like animals)
• Local animal rescue
• Tree planting charities
• Children’s hospital

We did this for my son’s 6th birthday. Donated to local animal rescue (£20 for 10 guests). Each child got a card with photo of rescue animals saying “Thank you for helping us!” with their name. Kids thought it was cool. Parents loved it.

Plastic-Free Party Bag Containers

If you’re giving something, what do you put it in?

Alternatives to Plastic Party Bags:

Paper bags:

• Brown paper bags (bulk from Amazon, very cheap)
• Decorated paper bags (kids can help decorate)
• Lunch bags (from supermarkets)

Cost: 5-20p per bag

Fabric drawstring bags:

• Become part of the gift (kids use for toys, school, whatever)
• Can be homemade from old t-shirts
• Available cheap online

Cost: 50p-£2 per bag (but reusable)

Cardboard boxes:

• Small gift boxes
• Cake boxes (fold flat, cheap)
• Homemade from cereal boxes

Cost: 10-30p per box

No bag:

• Just hand items to kids
• Wrap in brown paper and string
• Put in child’s coat pocket

Cost: £0

Borrowed bags:

• Ask parents to bring bags
• Kids return them next time
• More faff but zero waste

I usually use brown paper bags (bulk buy from Amazon). Cheap, recyclable, can be decorated. Job done.

Age-Appropriate Plastic-Free Party Bag Ideas

What works varies by age:

Toddlers (1-3 years)

What works:

• Board books (indestructible)
• Bubbles (supervised)
• Homemade playdough in jar
• Wooden toy from charity shop
• Snacks (raisins, rice cakes)

What doesn’t work:

• Seeds (too young to understand)
• Small items (choking hazard)
• Craft kits (too advanced)

Young Kids (4-6 years)

What works:

• Picture books
• Seeds to plant
• Homemade biscuits
• Bubbles
• Colouring supplies
• Small plants
• Stickers (on recycled paper)

What doesn’t work:

• Chapter books (can’t read yet)
• Complex craft kits
• Things requiring parental help

Older Kids (7-10 years)

What works:

• Chapter books
• Craft kits
• Seeds
• Stationery
• Small games
• Plants
• Friendship bracelet kits

What doesn’t work:

• Picture books (too babyish)
• Very simple activities

Tweens (11-13 years)

What works:

• Books
• Bath products (homemade bath bombs)
• Stationery
• Charity donation
• Gift card (digital)
• Nothing (they’re often beyond party bags)

What doesn’t work:

• Toys
• Childish activities

What About Sweets?

Sweets are traditional party bag items, but they usually come in loads of plastic.

Lower-Waste Sweet Options:

Better choices:

• Pick ‘n’ mix (put in paper bags)
• Sweets from sweet shop (paper bags)
• Homemade fudge or tablet
• Chocolate bars in paper/foil wrappers
• Love Hearts (recyclable paper rolls)

Avoid:

• Individual sweet packets
• Lollipops (plastic sticks)
• Excessive plastic packaging

Reality check: Most parents don’t want their kids having loads of sweets anyway. If you skip sweets entirely and do books or seeds, nobody complains.

DIY Plastic-Free Party Bag Ideas

If you’re crafty (or want to involve your kids), make party bag items:

Homemade Bath Bombs

Ingredients:

• Bicarbonate of soda
• Citric acid
• Essential oils
• Natural food colouring

Method: Mix, press into moulds, let dry. Package in paper bags.

Kids can help make them. Fun activity, useful gift.

Homemade Playdough

Recipe:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup salt
• 2 tbsp cream of tartar
• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 cups water
• Food colouring

Cook, cool, knead. Put in small jars.

Homemade Crayons

Melt old broken crayons in moulds. Create new shapes. Package in paper.

Painted Rocks

Collect smooth rocks. Paint designs. Give as paperweights or garden decorations.

Seed Bombs

Mix clay, compost, seeds. Roll into balls. Dry. Give in paper bags with instructions to throw in garden.

Budget: Are Plastic-Free Party Bags More Expensive?

Honest answer: Can be similar or cheaper.

Cost Comparison:

Traditional party bags (10 kids):

• Plastic bags: £2
• Cheap toys: £10-15
• Sweets: £5-10
• Stickers: £3
• Total: £20-30

Plastic-free alternatives:

Secondhand books:

• Books: £10
• Paper bags: £1
• Total: £11

Seeds:

• Seeds: £5
• Paper envelopes: £1
• Total: £6

Homemade biscuits:

• Ingredients: £8
• Paper bags: £1
• Total: £9

Small plants:

• Plants: £15
• Brown paper: £1
• Total: £16

Most plastic-free party bag ideas are actually cheaper than traditional party bags, and they’re better quality.

What Kids Actually Said

I asked several kids (ages 4-10) what party bag items they liked best:

Most popular:

1. Books (mentioned by all ages)
2. Bubbles (especially younger kids)
3. Sweets (obviously)
4. “The cake from [name]’s party” (homemade biscuits)
5. Craft kits

Least popular:

1. Plastic toys that broke
2. Stickers (unless really cool characters)
3. “Those whistles that mum took away”

Surprising: None mentioned missing party bags when they didn’t get them. They remembered the party, games, and cake. Not the party bag.

How to Handle Expectations

On the Invitation:

Option 1: Say nothing (Most people won’t notice or care)

Option 2: Gentle mention “We’re doing things a bit differently this year – no party bags, but we’ll have a special goodbye gift”

Option 3: Be clear “We’re skipping party bags to reduce waste, but each child will receive a book/seeds/[whatever]”

At Pickup:

If parents ask about party bags:

• “We decided to skip them this year”
• “We gave books/seeds/[whatever] instead”
• Keep it brief, cheerful, no justification needed

Most parents are secretly relieved.

If Your Child Is Anxious:

Talk to them before:

• Explain why you’re doing it differently
• Show them what you’re giving instead
• Emphasize guests will still get something
• Remind them the party itself is the fun part

My son was worried nobody would come if there weren’t party bags. Nobody mentioned it. He stopped worrying.

The Bottom Line on Plastic-Free Party Bags

Party bags are not mandatory. Kids don’t need them. Parents don’t want more plastic tat in their homes.

If you do party bags:

• Books are brilliant (secondhand for budget)
• Seeds work well
• Homemade food is popular
• One good item beats bag of rubbish

If you skip them:

• Kids genuinely won’t care
• Parents will be relieved
• Save money and waste
• Focus on making party itself fun

Remember: The party is about celebrating your child and having fun. Not about giving guests plastic toys they’ll bin within a day.

Give something meaningful, or give nothing. Both are fine. Just stop giving plastic rubbish nobody wants.

Your conscience will be clearer. Your bin will be emptier. Your bank account will be happier. And the kids will have just as much fun.

FAQs About Plastic-Free Party Bags

What can I put in party bags instead of plastic toys?

Put secondhand books (50p from charity shops), seeds to plant, homemade biscuits, small potted plants, pencils and notebooks, bubbles, or craft kits in party bags instead of plastic toys. These items are actually useful, longer-lasting, and often cheaper than plastic toys. Books are the most popular option with both kids and parents. Seeds cost 20-50p per child and give kids a planting activity. Homemade biscuits are eaten rather than thrown away, costing about £8 for 15 portions.

Do kids care if you don’t give party bags?

No, kids genuinely don’t care about party bags as much as adults think. When I skipped party bags entirely, not one child mentioned it at pickup time. Kids remember the party, games, cake, and time with friends – not whether they got a plastic bag of toys. The expectation exists more among parents than children. If you give nothing, explain nothing, most won’t notice in the chaos of pickup. Focus on making the party itself fun rather than worrying about party bags.

What are good plastic-free party bag ideas for toddlers?

For toddlers (1-3 years), give board books (indestructible), bubbles (supervised use), homemade playdough in small jars, wooden toys from charity shops, or simple snacks like raisins. Avoid seeds (too young), small items (choking hazard), or complex craft kits. Toddlers are too young to care about party bags, so parents appreciate practical items. Board books from charity shops cost £1-2 each. Homemade playdough in small glass jars costs pennies and provides sensory play.

Where can I buy plastic-free party bag fillers UK?

Buy secondhand books from charity shops (50p-£1), seeds from Wilko or garden centres (bulk packets), craft supplies from The Range or Hobbycraft, small plants from IKEA (£1 each), stationery from Tiger or Flying Tiger Copenhagen, and bubbles from Poundland. For packaging, buy brown paper bags in bulk from Amazon (very cheap). Baker Ross sells bulk craft supplies. Book People offers discounted new books. Most high street shops now stock eco-friendly party options if you look.

Are plastic-free party bags more expensive?

Plastic-free party bags can be cheaper than traditional party bags. Secondhand books cost £1 each versus £2-3 per bag of plastic toys. Seeds cost 20-50p per child. Homemade biscuits cost about 50p-£1 per portion. Traditional party bags with plastic toys, sweets, and plastic bags cost £2-5 per child. Quality plastic-free alternatives cost £1-3 per child and are more useful. Initial planning takes longer, but actual cost is often lower while creating less waste.

Can you skip party bags entirely?

Yes, you can absolutely skip party bags. I’ve done this multiple times – not mentioned them on invitations, not given them at pickup, and not one child or parent complained. Kids had fun at the party and that was enough. Most parents are secretly relieved not receiving bags of plastic toys they’ll throw away. If you’re worried about expectations, just don’t mention it. Nobody will notice in the chaos of pickup time. The party itself is the experience, not a bag of cheap toys.

What do you put plastic-free party bag items in?

Use brown paper bags (5-20p each from Amazon), fabric drawstring bags (reusable, become part of gift), small cardboard boxes, or no bag at all – just hand items to kids or wrap in brown paper with string. Paper bags are cheapest and recyclable. Fabric bags cost more (50p-£2) but kids can reuse them for toys or school. You can also decorate plain paper bags together as a pre-party activity. Avoid plastic party bags which go straight in bin.

What are good alternatives to sweets in party bags?

Instead of sweets in plastic packaging, try homemade biscuits, flapjacks, or rice crispy cakes wrapped in paper. If including sweets, buy pick ‘n’ mix or from sweet shops in paper bags, choose chocolate bars with paper/foil wrappers, or Love Hearts in paper rolls. Many parents appreciate party bags without sweets entirely – books, seeds, or craft kits are healthier alternatives that don’t create sugar-high chaos at pickup time. Homemade treats cost less and have minimal packaging.

What plastic-free party bag ideas work for older kids?

For older kids (7-13 years), give chapter books, craft kits (friendship bracelets, origami), stationery sets, bath products (homemade bath bombs), charity donations in their name, or nothing (tweens often don’t expect party bags). Avoid plastic toys or childish items. Books remain popular across all ages. Craft kits costing £1-2 provide activities. For tweens, a card explaining charity donation (£1-2 per guest) is meaningful. Some older kids’ parties skip party bags entirely without issue.

How do I make homemade party bag fillers?

Make homemade playdough (flour, salt, cream of tartar, oil, water, food colouring) and package in jars. Bake simple biscuits or flapjacks and wrap in paper bags. Create bath bombs (bicarbonate of soda, citric acid, essential oils) and package in paper. Make seed bombs (clay, compost, seeds) for gardens. Craft painted rocks or recycled crayons from old crayon pieces. Most homemade items cost less than buying plastic toys and kids can help make them, turning it into a pre-party activity.

Related posts:

• How to Throw an Eco Friendly Kids Party
• Sustainable Party Decorations You Can Reuse
• Zero Waste Birthday Cake: Recipes and Packaging