When planning a birthday party, one of the final details to consider is the party favors. While small toys and trinkets might seem like a good idea, they often end up forgotten, broken, or thrown away soon after the party. Instead of giving out items that won’t last, why not create DIY birthday party favors that kids will actually use and enjoy? Thoughtful, practical, and fun, these favors are a great way to send guests home with something special. Below are five creative DIY party favor ideas that match any party theme and will leave a lasting impression.

Personalized Craft Kits

A craft kit is a perfect way to give kids something creative to do at home. Instead of a generic goody bag, a craft kit provides an engaging activity they can enjoy after the party.

Start by choosing a craft that matches your party theme. For example, if you’re hosting a princess party, create DIY friendship bracelet kits with colorful beads and string. For a video game-themed party, include pixel art sheets or mini LEGO building sets. Gather the necessary materials and package them in small gift bags or boxes. Adding a personalized tag with each child’s name makes it even more special.

Craft kits encourage creativity and keep kids entertained long after the party is over. Parents will also appreciate a party favor that sparks imagination instead of cluttering their homes with more plastic toys.

Custom DIY Snack Packs

Snacks are always a hit, and creating a custom treat bag is a fun and easy way to make party favors both exciting and practical. Instead of giving out sugary candy, consider putting together a mix of fun and healthier snacks.

Some great ideas include DIY trail mix kits where kids can combine nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate chips or themed popcorn bags with different flavors. Another option is a mini cookie decorating kit with small cookies, a tiny piping bag of icing, and sprinkles. Letting kids decorate their own snack bags before filling them adds a fun, interactive element to the party.

Snack-based DIY birthday party favors ensure that nothing goes to waste, and they provide a delicious treat kids can enjoy later.

Decorated Reusable Water Bottles or Cups

Instead of handing out disposable trinkets, consider giving kids something they can use every day. A personalized water bottle or reusable cup is a great eco-friendly option that kids will actually enjoy.

To make them unique, buy plain reusable bottles or tumblers and let kids decorate them at the party with stickers, paint pens, or vinyl decals. If you prefer a pre-made favor, customize each bottle with the child’s name or a design that matches the party theme.

This is a great favor for any type of party, from superhero to video game themes. Kids will love taking home a custom item, and parents will appreciate a useful gift instead of another plastic toy.

DIY Playdough or Slime Jars

Playdough and slime are always a favorite among kids, making them a fantastic party favor option. Instead of buying pre-packaged versions, you can easily make your own and match them to your party theme.

For a Minecraft party, create green “Creeper” slime and package it in small containers with fun labels. A Princess Peach party could feature pink, glittery playdough in decorative jars. Kids will love playing with a fun, squishy party favor, and parents will appreciate that it’s an activity rather than a throwaway toy.

You can also include small add-ins like mini figurines, scented oils, or glow-in-the-dark powder to make the slime or playdough even more exciting. These DIY gifts are a fun, hands-on way to send kids home with something they’ll actually use.

Themed Bookmark & Mini Book Set

If you’re looking for a unique and practical party favor, consider giving kids a themed bookmark paired with a mini book or activity booklet. Reading-related party favors are great for all ages and encourage kids to develop a love for books.

To make them extra special, create custom bookmarks using cardstock, stickers, and ribbons. You can match them to the party theme, such as superhero designs, princess crowns, or video game characters. Pair them with a small book, a coloring booklet, or a word search related to the party theme.

This favor is a wonderful way to make party gifts both fun and educational. It’s also an excellent alternative to candy or plastic toys, and it’s something kids can use for a long time.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect DIY Party Favor:

With a little creativity, you can make party favors that kids will love and parents will appreciate. The best part? These DIY favors aren’t just fun—they’re also budget-friendly and easy to make!

• Think about what kids love: Choose favors that match their interests and age group.
• Make it interactive: Favors that allow kids to decorate or customize make them even more fun.
• Keep it practical: Give kids something they can actually use, like snacks, books, or reusable items.
• Avoid excess waste: Sustainable or consumable favors are better for both families and the environment.

Make Party Favors Fun and Useful

When choosing party favors, it’s important to think about what kids will actually enjoy and use. Instead of filling goody bags with disposable toys, opt for DIY birthday party favors that are creative, practical, and memorable. Whether it’s a craft kit, a snack pack, a personalized water bottle, homemade slime, or a fun bookmark, these thoughtful ideas ensure that kids take home something special.