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22 Fantastic Party Favors Kids Will Actually Use

DIY gumball dispensers are fun party favors for kids

Party favors that don’t end up in the trash are a huge win in our book

If you want to take your kid’s birthday party from fun to fantastic, the secret ingredient is creative party favor ideas for kids that won’t get tossed aside. Whether your little one digs sports, crafts, or princesses, there’s something just right for your celebration. We’ve found 21 amazing party favors for kids that are sure to put a smile on your guests’ faces. These affordable ideas include easy DIY options and a few that even double as party activities. Just add a birthday cake, and you’ll be ready to party in no time!

DIY Seed Bombs

One Little Project

Check out these DIY seed bombs from One Little Project. They will have your kids' thumbs turning green!

Bubble Gum Dispensers

Kelli Hall for Minted Julep

Bubble gum lovers will pop over these mini bubble gum dispensers. The tiny treat holders add a bright touch to any festivities and can be customized with gumballs that match your party decorations. Minted Julep will tell you how to make your own sweet rainbow-colored favors.

Personalized Sand Buckets

Canva

You can never have enough sand buckets, especially in the summer months! This is one of the easiest party favor ideas for kids we've seen because it only requires a few colorful buckets, a market, and, if you're feeling up to it, sunglasses, a shovel, or any other warm-weather accessories. 

Snack Bag

Catch My Party

Complete your camping party with a to-go bag of s'mores ingredients, like mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and graham crackers. Spotted at Catch My Party, this delicious snack bag adds a yummy touch to post-party goodbyes. Plus, snack bags like these make for an affordable kids' party favor option.

Related: Score Party Points with 11 Activities That Double as Favors

DIY Cup & Ball Game

Hello Wonderful

We love party favors that double as a party activity—and they're even better when they rely on stuff that you already have around the house. These affordable, fun cup and ball game party favors use paper towel rolls or toilet paper tubes that can be customized by your party guests. Check out all the step-by-step directions at Hello Wonderful.

Sweet Party Favor Box

Amy Perotti via Etsy

You'll win big points with this printable party favor box. Perfect for sports-loving kids, this treat box can be customized with your favorite take-home treat. Just add candy, gum, or bouncy balls. She shoots she scores!

Available from Etsy seller Amy Perotti, $3.

Tattoo Soap Bar

Gluesticks

Pass out a squeaky clean favor with these DIY Tattoo Soap Bars that are a solid choice for good, clean fun. This easy party favor can be customized with your kids' favorite temporary tattoos. Slide over to Gluesticks to learn how you can make your own.

Flower Seeds

Catch My Party

Seed packets like these eco-friendly favors are perfect for garden-themed parties or tea parties. You can pick up a batch of flower seeds for under a dollar each, and add your own custom labels. Grow on!

Mouse Candy Holder

Kathleen Ballas for Minted Julep

Nothing could be sweeter than a pastel mouse filled with your guests' favorite candies. These adorable felt mice are perfect take-home gifts for an animal lovers party. Find out all the DIY tips at Minted Julep.

Candy Kabobs

Catch My Party

Send your guests home with a stack of sweets. These eye-catching candy kabobs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Head on over to Catch My Party to find out how to make your own, and don't miss the money-saving DIY tips! Bonus: there might be a little candy leftover to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Related: What an Awesome 3-Year-Old Birthday Party Looks Like

Crayons + Clipboards

Something Turquoise

Kids love to color, so send guests home with these adorable coloring pages from Something Turquoise. Cleverly packaged with a set of crayons and a sturdy coloring surface, head over to the blog for the free printable and assembly instructions.

Minifig Snowglobe

Mini Eco

These LEGO Minifig snowglobes from Mini Eco are double the fun. They're a party activity and favor in one! Your master builders can put together a tiny scene with a few bricks and a Minifigure. Then you can follow Minieco's instructions and turn their creations into a winter wonderland.

Recycled Crayon Hearts

My Frugal Adventures

We heart these DIY crayons from My Frugal Adventures. Save broken or worn down crayon pieces and fill a heart-shaped mold with the colors of your choice. Make solid hearts or mix colors together to create swirling designs.

Flower Pens

Living Well Mom

How does your garden grow? With ballpoint pens and faux flowers! These adorable pens are so easy to make, Musings From a Stay at Home Mom turned this craft into a project for the whole family. Pair with a fun notepad or place them in a bouquet by the door for guests to take as they leave the party.

A New Book

Kayla Hernandez Photography

Charlotte’s Web, Harold and the Purple Crayon, the Olivia series, and more. Whether you decide to personalize a custom book or choose one of the classics, books make great favors and welcome additions to your guest’s libraries.

Related: How to Throw a Sensory-Inclusive Birthday Party for Neurodiverse Kids

Ballerina Bubbles

A Bubbly Life

Guests will burst with excitement over these bubbly favors. Upcycled baby food jars topped with figurines that reflect the party theme make this idea easy and customizable. Pop over to A Bubbly Life for the how-to and a bubble solution recipe.

Edible Play Dough

Momtastic

This favor from Momtastic breaks the mold. Packaged in personalized containers, this edible play dough is super easy to make and fun to play with. What a delicious idea!

Party Playlist

Catch My Party

Get ready to boogie with a mix of your tiny dancer’s favorite tunes. Choose a selection of kid-friendly hits and create your own labels for a playlist guests will be listening to on repeat. Head over to Catch My Party to see all the celebratory details.

Personalized Chalkboards

Maison de Pax

Earning an A for creativity, Rachel at Maison de Pax created personalized chalkboards for each guest at her son’s birthday party using pre-cut letters and chalkboard paint. Colorful chalk wrapped in twine were the perfect finishing touch.

Crazy Party Sunglasses

By Wilma

We adore this bright idea from By Wilma. Ordinary sunglasses get a high-fashion makeover with a little cardboard, glue and creativity. Get the camera ready! These shades make for adorable photo ops.

Related: How to Plan a Kid’s Birthday Party on a Budget

Superhero Capes

Susie Here Only

Custom capes are a super favor idea! Plan a little extra crafting time, and find instructions to make a custom set for your superheroes-in-training here. Psst! It’s not as hard as you think to make a few capes for your superhero and her sidekicks.

Wonderful Wands

Aesthetic Nest

Cast a spell on your party princesses with these affordable wands. We love that Aesthetic Nest's wands are both easy to make and full of magic. They make the perfect finishing touch for Frozen superfans.

—with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton and Lauren Hill