A goodie bag is the last thing a guest sees at a birthday party, and it is the one thing that goes home. Too many of them end up half empty on the kitchen counter by dinner time. This guide covers what kids from 2 to 9 actually use, what to skip, and how to keep the cost and the effort reasonable.
What makes a goodie bag worth giving
The best bags hold two or three small things a child will use the same week. Think of the bag as a thank-you, not a second present. A child who gets a notebook and a pencil will draw in the car. A child who gets a handful of tiny plastic toys will lose them before the weekend is over.
Before you shop, ask three questions. Will a 3-year-old and a 9-year-old both enjoy it? Is it safe for the youngest guest? Does it fit in a small bag without spilling? If the answer to all three is yes, it earns a spot.
Ideas that get used
Creative items
- A small colouring book with two or three crayons or a short pencil.
- A mini notebook or a sticker sheet with a theme that matches the party.
- A blank card the child can colour and give to someone at home.
Active items
- A bottle of bubbles with a wand. These are popular from age 2 up.
- A small bouncy ball or a skipping rope for older guests.
- A pack of seeds with a simple note on how to plant them.
Small treats
- One wrapped treat rather than five. Parents appreciate the restraint.
- A fruit snack pack or a small cookie in a sealed wrapper.
What to skip
Skip anything with small parts if toddlers are on the guest list. Skip loud toys, because the parents in the car will remember who gave them out. Skip loose glitter and confetti inside the bag, since they spill everywhere and most venues, including Kart Town, only allow light decorations. A bag packed with candy also tends to land badly with parents who are watching sugar.
Allergies matter too. If you include food, choose sealed items and keep a note of the main ingredients on a small tag. When in doubt, a sticker sheet is always safe.
Match the bag to the age group
For ages 2 to 3, keep it simple and chunky: a board book, a big crayon, a bottle of bubbles. For ages 4 to 6, add a sticker sheet, a mini puzzle or a small figure. For ages 7 to 9, a notebook, a puzzle book or a card game fits better than a toy.
If your guest list spans a wide range, build one bag for everyone and add one extra item for the older kids. That keeps the cost down and avoids hurt feelings.
Keep the budget and the effort low
Buy in bulk, pick one theme colour and use plain paper bags. A paper bag with a sticker and the child’s name looks finished and costs very little. Prepare the bags the evening before so you are not stuffing them while guests arrive.
Decide when the bags go home. Handing them out at pickup keeps them from being lost in the playground or the party room. If you are celebrating somewhere with a lot to do, guests will be busy and the bags can wait by the door.
What you can skip when the party includes food
If the venue provides pizza and juice, you do not need snacks in the bag. That is one less item to buy, wrap and check for allergies. At Kart Town, every party package includes pizza and juice boxes, a playground, a bouncy castle and a toy car area, so guests are already full and tired by the time they leave. A small bag with something creative is plenty. For more ideas on what is covered at the party, read our guide to kids’ birthday party food ideas, and see how mess-free decorations pair well with simple bags.
Planning the rest of the day? Our guides to planning a kids’ birthday party in Toronto, choosing a birthday party venue and last-minute birthday ideas cover the rest of the checklist.
Book a party at Kart Town
Kart Town is inside Parkway Mall at 85 Ellesmere Rd Unit 102, Scarborough. Party packages start at $328 plus HST for 8 kids and run for 2 hours, with a party room, 2 XL cheese pizzas and juice boxes included. See the options and pick a package on our birthday packages page.
Goodie bag FAQ
How much should I spend per goodie bag?
Most parents spend a few dollars per child. Two or three useful items in a simple bag is better than a bag stuffed with filler.
Do I have to give goodie bags at all?
No. They are a nice gesture, not a rule. A simple thank-you at the door works well if you prefer to skip them.
What is a safe goodie bag item for a 2-year-old?
Choose large, soft or chunky items: a board book, a big crayon, bubbles or a sticker sheet. Avoid anything small enough to fit in a toddler’s mouth.
Should I put food in the bag?
Only if it is sealed and you know the guests’ allergies. If the party already includes pizza and juice, you can leave food out entirely.
When should I hand out the bags?
At pickup. That way the bags do not get lost or opened during the party.
