July 15th, 2009
Many parents agree that the party favors at kids’ parties can tend to get out of hand. A bucket full of candy is not a welcome addition to any parents’ home (especially after the child has just loaded up on cake, sodas and ice cream), and the tears can really start flowing when inexpensive prize toys quickly break or get lost.
So what’s a parent to do? It’s customary to present a small token of appreciation to the children who attended the party and supplied gifts, yet everyone’s got a budget to maintain….besides which, as a society we are becoming more earth-conscious and many parents simply don’t want to add more cheap plastic toys to our rapidly expanding landfills.
Here are some inexpensive, earth-friendly party favor ideas you (and the kids) are sure to love:
1) book exchange
Instead of favors (or even instead of gifts), why not create a book exchange? Books are perhaps one of the most durable items to survive childhood — they last a long while before kids outgrow them, they can easily be recycled, and nobody likes to throw away a book so they don’t contribute to the ever-growing trash problem. Ask each child to bring a gently-used book wrapped in recyclable material (newspaper, colored paper bag).
2) eco favors
Wooden birdhouses or birdfeeder crafts allow children to interact with our delicate ecosystem in a positive way by supporting the environment and creating something they can admire and be proud of.
3) craft projects
Many educational stores and party supply stores offer inexpensive, all-inclusive craft projects made from wooden sticks, cardboard, and other biodegradable resources. If you can’t find these near you, check out Oriental Trading Company to order online.
And during the party, remember to use paper plates and cups (forks are often unnecessary), paper tablecloths and decorations, and paper goody bags to keep your party even greener.
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