"Party bag" etiquette for 7/8 year olds ?

[LIZS]

ds, who is turning 8, is having a party next month for about 10 friends. As we haven't done one in UK for a few years not sure what the norm is for this age group. Was thinking of buying the kids a book each - perhaps a Horrible Science or History type, in bulk from Red House -is that sufficient or do they still like sweets and plastic cr*p.

I think a book is lovely and very generous. Maybe a piece of cake as well, in a bag?

Hi LizS. I did the book thing a few weeks ago for my DS2 (he's 6). He had a trampoline party, so they all got a copy of Mr Bounce and a slice of cake instead of party bags (hate them). DS2 made them a bookmark (he just made one - I ran off copies) to go in it, saying 'Thank you for bouncing with me'. Seemed to go down well.

Don't go over board, my max is £1 per bag. For 10 kids that is £10.

Don't give plastic crap, nobody likes it. Stationary, or 1 quality toy is better IMO.

Are you having a horrible science party . I think that would be cool for 8yr olds especially boys.

I think it would be hard to do a bag for less than a pound a child. I think the book idea is great. Last party we wrapped a present (book or small game) for each child - lucky dip style in addition to the crappy bags given as part of the deal from the place where we had the party. Contents of bag should include something sugary and bad for teeth as well as small toy, game or thingy.

We had a bag with a packet of seeds in last week- great idea.

Packet of seeds - what a great idea! And the Horrible books. My kids both have their birthdays in March so I usually dole out some kind of easter eggy thing.

Why should they include sugary things? IMO it should include whatever you choos to put in not what other people expect. BTW its not the kids expectations its the parents.

Ideas for less than a pound.
Mini cards 30p
Flying saucer balloons 50p
note books 40p
gel pens from multi pack less than 20p for 2
min pencils 50p
mini paint set 50p
colouring book 50p
Mini book from set 50p -70p

Ideas for £1
Compass £1
Telescope £1
Test Tube ooze £1
Key ring torches £1

Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like I'm not way off mark [relief emoticon]. It is actually being held at the local climbing centre so we've just got ot organise food and drink (thought I'd prepack some party boxes), cake and going home stuff. The Horrible books are 10 for £9.99 here are they ok for girls too ?

10 for 9.99 sounds ideal.

Yes, they're fab for girls, dd loves them. The only thing MIGHT be if one child gets one they've already got - but then they could swop. There are so many, it's not that likely to happen.