Since starting my eco journey I am always asked about what we do for birthdays. More particular the eco friendly party bag fillers, I had no clue. So it has prompted me to make this blog post to share some ideas on what you can include in your party bags. Of course, the most environmentally friendly option is just not to have them. There shouldn’t be an expectation to give gifts to thank people for attending parties, their presence there should just be enough. However I have children, I know they love receiving party bags and in all honesty I like making them and gifting them.
Eco Friendly Party Bag Fillers
When thinking of party bags it’s easy to just think of convenience. Many supermarkets now have a party bag section with cheap toys in multiples. Often these are brought because its cheap and easy. In reality though they are cheaply made using thin brittle plastic and they break easily. Children don’t often play with them meaning they just accumulate in a drawer or cupboard collecting dust. So whenever I come to prepare party bags I always try to think of items I think will get played with.
This is where I tend to differ with others on their eco journey. I am not 100% against plastic or plastic toys for that matter. I think plastic has a part to play and if the item is going to be loved and well played with, then what’s the problem? Think of Lego. You can literally get years out of Lego and it is loved by generations of all ages. We have Lego that has been passed down and gifted to us that once our children no longer play with, will be stored away for others. So when thinking of Eco friendly party bag fillers don’t automatically dismiss plastic items.
Packaging
It’s also important to think about what the items will eventually go into. The small plastic party bags to me are a no go. There is no use for these after the initial party bag use so becomes a single use bag. We all know how damaging they can be for the environment. There are so many alternatives available that don’t have to cost a lot either. Such as brown paper bags that can be recycled once used, or reuse takeaway tubs that then becomes a storage container for whatever is inside.
My nephew at his party gave out small drawstring bags in different designs that were perfect for little trips out and about. Or like us if your family enjoys camping, they become washbags or a bag to store dirty clothes in. Giving it an alternative use means it doesn’t get thrown away and forgotten about. It becomes useful and gives it another purpose.
Packaging suggestions
Brown paper bags
Cotton Tote Bag (could be a party activity to design their own bag)
Drawstring Bag
Compostable Bags
Cardboard Box
Small Gift Bag
Party Bag Filler Ideas
From animals made from wood to homemade Make your own kits there are plenty of eco friendly party bag fillers you could use. Depending on the type of party you are hosting you could incorporate your party bag into it. For example if you are having a sports party or maybe a dance party where the children are going to be really active, then maybe you could gift them a personalised drinks bottle? Having an arts and craft party you could use the items they make as the items in their bags.
There are lots of suggestions below –
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