Would this work instead of party bags?

[RememberToPlaywiththeKids]

just thinking about sending each kid home with a balloon and then to choose one thing from a big bowl by the front door on their way out? e.g. little bracelet or something.

I REALLY don't want to get in to party bags. I know they enjoy them but I'm hoping they will get as much pleasure out of choosing one thing.

Am I deluding myself???

I do this aswell, if it is mainly one sex, or a young age i tend to do it in lucky dip style! they enjoy doing that. Also letting them choose the balloon that they want. If you have big age range or older mixed sex say a class, then you need to do a boys one and a girls one, or just do an open bowl where they can see what they are choosing.
hth

I gave helium balloons (foil ones) in rainbow colours for my daughters birthday and the guests were delighted with them. i guess it'll depend on the age of the children, but I am fully supportive of not having party bags - plastic tat, really!
this year I've spent money on porcelain painting stuff (yellow moon) so the children will create their own party gifts during the party!

I did this (when dd was 4) but you need to be very clear with the young guests that it is instead of a party bag. I had loads of demands/complaints from the guests (dcs not parents)!

We had a big tub of shredded paper, wrapped some blue (nominally for boys) and some red. In addition we had a sweetie lucky dip haribos etc and said take 2 items from the sweetie dip.

Amyjo - did you get any complaints??

Also - how do you get helium balloons filled up??

I've never done party bags (dd is 6 this weekend).

This is what we've done for her birthdays instead of party bags...

Age 2 - an animal mask, cake and balloon
Age 3 - can't remember!
Age 4 - Terracotta pot painted at party
Age 5 - Inflatable microphone (music party)
Age 6 - sticker book

I've never had any complaints at all.

Good idea Remember - I would definitely have them wrapped or buried though, otherwise you might be there all night whilde the little dears rummage and chop and change their mind.

It's ds's 3rd birthday party this weekend and we are doing a lucky dip; big box, shredded paper and a wrapped up book (works out cheap from the book people), piece of cake and some haribo, if the cheeky buggers little darlings ask for a party bag I might just take the pressy back off them!!!

The strike out thing really isn't working tonight!

Well DD is 13, & they are getting a square of fabric which they will be taught to fold into a bag with a make-up kit in.......they so better not ask for a 'party bag'