To hate the plastic tat in party bags and want to give something more lasting

[StarShimmer]

DS(5) birthday is coming up and I need some ideas for party bags that don't involve the usual plastic crap. DS has been to too many parties where the entire contents of his party bag have lain untouched for weeks then been chucked in the recycling. It just seems such a waste of the planet's resources and I don't want to add to this waste. Any ideas what I could give/put in bags instead?

Gosh give the kids nothing . I as a c minder grow sun flower seeds . We often measure every week.

As for books at my ds’s party kids loved them .

Oh actually I admit I did those lego blind bags last year. Sainsbury's had them on sale for a quid each so I got about 30.

Handy for santa as well

Ds1's 7th birthday party on Sunday. We're doing a candy cone, piece of cake, a pen/pencil related to the theme and a party popper.
Ds2's 4th birthday party in September. Did a candy cone, piece of cake and a party popper. All the kids were happy with these and ages at the party ranges from 2 to 7.

Best party bags weve done

Playdoh and cutters
Lego sets
Books
Activity packs

Best weve recieved

Orchard game
Disney dvd
Rock painting kit
Playmobil

If you are having a 'home' party, I like making the party bag as part of the party..

Books go down well here - oldest is 5. if we have them already, they go to the charity shop, and he selects a new one. we typically do books and sweets (other parents do either the same, stamps, pencils, erasers, reusable straws, helium balloons, or spinning tops)

Not read the thread so don't know if anyone has suggested this, but I used to buy big plain cookies, then as an activity the kids could decorate them, then take them home later. Obviously labelled (name on a bit of kitchen roll) to avoid tears.

Although kids love the plastic tat now, they won't be thanking us in 20 years time.

We are due to hit 1.5 degrees global warming by by 2040, my kids will be in their 20s and I wonder how they will judge our lifestyle now. It has motivated me to make changes.

For party bags I would go with a slice of cake and edibles. Maybe a book selection from a multi pack so they can choose one? Have a craft activity so they can take their creations home.