What to Put in a Birthday Party Bag: 10 Ideas Kids Will Actually Love

Ah, the party bag. Every parent's favourite last-minute panic. 😂 You've planned the party, baked (or bought — no judgement!) the cake, organised the games, and then suddenly it hits you: the party bags. What on earth do you put in them?!

As a mum of two and a small business owner who's been making birthday accessories for 9 years, I've seen a LOT of party bags. So I've put together my top 10 ideas for party bag fillers that kids will actually be excited about — rather than the usual plastic tat that ends up on the floor by bedtime!

1. A Personalised Birthday Badge 🌟

OK, I might be a little biased here — but hear me out! A handmade birthday badge for the birthday child is something truly special. Unlike the usual party bag fillers, it's personal, it's unique, and it's something they'll actually keep and treasure.

At Lottie Button, all our badges are handmade to order and can be made with any age and theme — from dinosaurs and mermaids to football and Lilo & Stitch. It's the perfect way to make the birthday child feel extra special. Shop birthday badges here →

2. A Small Book

A little paperback book is always a winner — parents love it and kids actually read them! Look out for pocket-sized activity books, joke books, or mini story books. You can often pick these up for £1-2 each.

3. Bubbles

A classic for a reason! Bubbles are cheap, cheerful, and universally loved by children of all ages. They're also one of the few party bag fillers that will actually get used rather than forgotten in a drawer.

4. A Mini Colouring Set

A small pack of crayons or mini colouring pencils with a little colouring sheet is a brilliant filler — especially for younger children. Creative, useful, and something they can enjoy at home after the party.

5. Stickers

Stickers are always a hit with primary school aged children. Go for a theme that matches the party — whether that's unicorns, dinosaurs, superheroes, or space. You can buy big packs cheaply and split them into smaller sets for each bag.

6. A Chocolate Bar or Sweet Treat

Let's be honest — no party bag is complete without something sweet! A small chocolate bar or a little bag of sweets is always appreciated. Just be mindful of any allergies among the guests.

7. A Mini Playdough Pot

Those tiny little playdough pots are brilliant party bag fillers — they're inexpensive, fun, and keep little ones entertained long after the party is over. You can often find multipacks at a great price.

8. A Bouncy Ball

Simple, cheap, and endlessly entertaining — a bouncy ball is a party bag staple for good reason. Go for a glittery or themed one to make it feel a little more special.

9. A Temporary Tattoo

Children absolutely love temporary tattoos! They're inexpensive, take up barely any space in the bag, and feel like a real treat. Choose a design that fits your party theme for extra points.

10. A Personalised Thank You Note

This one costs almost nothing but means a lot — a small handwritten (or printed) thank you note from the birthday child is a lovely personal touch that parents really appreciate. It doesn't need to be long — even just "Thank you for coming to my party! Love, [name] x" is perfect.

Tips for Keeping Party Bags Budget-Friendly

Party bags can quickly add up, so here are a few tips to keep costs down without compromising on the fun:

• Set a budget per bag before you start shopping — £3-5 per child is a reasonable amount
• Buy in bulk where you can — multipacks of stickers, bubbles, and sweets work out much cheaper
• Choose 3-4 quality items rather than stuffing the bag with lots of cheap plastic
• Use paper bags rather than plastic — they're often cheaper and much better for the environment!

Make the Birthday Child Feel Extra Special

While you're sorting the party bags, don't forget the most important person — the birthday child themselves! A handmade birthday badge from Lottie Button is the perfect way to make them feel truly celebrated on their special day.

All our badges are handmade to order in our North Yorkshire studio, personalised with any age, and available in a huge range of themes. Browse the full collection here →

For more birthday inspiration, check out our Ultimate Guide to Children's Birthday Badges, our tips on how to make your child feel extra special on their birthday, or browse our unique birthday gift ideas under £10!

Sarah x 🎀