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A goody bag — or loot bag — is pretty much an expected part of any kids’ party these days, but pulling one together can be an added expense and a bit of a hassle for whoever’s hosting. Why not fold a fun party activity right into the loot bag itself? Here are 10 creative kids’ party activities that double up perfectly as loot bag treats, so every child goes home with a keepsake they actually made, not just a bag of sweets.
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#1. Mini Pot of Play Dough or Slime
Kids love a bit of mess! Follow these simple recipes for homemade play dough or slime, then send each child home with their own little pot as a party favour.
You may also like our MyKidsTime Guide to Birthday Party Celebrations
#2. Homemade Cookie or Cupcake
Depending on how long your party runs, you could bake cookies or cupcakes in advance and turn decorating them into a party activity. Or, for a longer session, get the children involved in the baking too — either way, everyone takes home a treat they made themselves.
You may also like these 20 Fun Kids Party Ideas & Games, 15 Fun Toddler Party Games and Pipe Cleaner Crafts Your Kids Will Love
#3. Potted Plant
Extend this into a longer activity by giving each child a plain clay pot to decorate before adding potting soil and a seed. Or keep it simple with a paper cup, some potting soil and a sunflower seed for every child to take home and grow.
You may also like Gardening for Kids
#4. Reusable Tote Bag
Give each child a plain tote bag to personalise with fabric paint or fabric pens. Add extra flair with badges, or let them sew on a few buttons themselves.
You may also like The Only Birthday Party Checklist You’ll Ever Need
#5. Fun Handmade Photo Frame
Make a fun photo frame from lolly sticks, glue and pretty accessories, then add a card backing to hold a photo in place. We love the ideas and designs on Trendymods.
If you have an instant camera, snap each child with the birthday boy or girl so they’ve a photo ready to slot straight into their frame.
Find more inspiration in 50 Brilliant Craft Ideas for Kids
#6. Loom Bands
Loom bands are still a firm favourite with kids, and with a little imagination they can be turned into amazing creations. They’re sure to keep the party going for hours, and every child gets to take home what they make.
You may also like Easy Party Food Ideas for Kids With Allergies
#7. Tie Dye Socks
You’ll need fabric dye, plain cotton socks and elastic bands for this one. Dye the socks together during the party, then send each child home with their pair sealed in a bag to rinse out the next day.
Find step-by-step guidance in our Fun St Patrick’s Day Crafts article. For a simpler approach, use acrylic paint and follow the instructions on Justbehappylife.
#8. Sun Catcher
This is a great art and craft activity for all ages. Create a simple sun catcher with two squares of clear sticky-backed book covering plus coloured tissue paper or cellophane sweet wrappers. Peel the backing off the bottom sheet and stick on the paper; once you’re happy with the design, remove the backing from the top sheet and press it in place to seal everything in.
For something a little more advanced, Babble Dabble Do has a lovely cosmic sun catcher tutorial.
#9. Sock Puppet
Create a sock puppet for each child to take home. This adorable Olaf sock snowman tutorial from One Creative Mommy is a lovely one to try if your little ones are still Frozen fans. All you need are socks (any size works), glue, sticky-backed felt, rice to fill the body, and elastic bands to hold everything in shape. Younger children may need a hand with the gluing.
You might also like 8 of the Coolest Frozen Cakes Ever and 11 of the Best Frozen Party Food Ideas for a Cool Time
#10. Canvas Paintings
Let each child create their own piece of art to take home. Most bargain and craft stores stock inexpensive canvases that work well for this activity. To cut down on the mess, try using one paintbrush per colour rather than one per child.
If the weather’s good, take this activity outside — choose a theme, get the children to paint portraits of each other, or just let their imagination run wild.
Still need loot bag inspiration? Read No Teeth Harmed with these 60 Perfect Party Loot Bag Ideas
You may also like Must-Have Party Decorations & Games
Have you any great activity ideas that work well as loot bags? Share them in the comments below — we’d love to hear them!
Frequently Asked Questions
What age groups are these loot bag activities suitable for?
Most of these ideas work across a broad age range. Play dough, slime and potted plants suit younger children well, while tie dye socks, canvas painting and photo frames tend to suit school-age kids who can manage a little more detail. Pick based on the ages of your guests.
How far in advance should I prepare these activities?
Some, like play dough pots, tote bags or photo frame supplies, can be partly prepped ahead of time to save you juggling on the day. Others, like canvas painting or tie dye socks, work best done live during the party itself.
Are these ideas budget-friendly for a kids’ party?
Yes — most use simple, inexpensive craft supplies you may already have at home, making them a handy and often cheaper alternative to shop-bought loot bag fillers.
Can I combine more than one activity at a single party?
Definitely. Choose one quick activity and one longer one depending on how much time you have and the age of the children, so the day stays balanced and nobody gets restless.
More Party Ideas You Might Like
- The MyKidsTime Guide to Birthday Party Celebrations
- 20 Fun Kids Party Games & Activities
- 15 Fun Toddler Party Games
- Easy Party Food Ideas for Kids With Allergies
- No Teeth Harmed with these 60 Perfect Party Loot Bag Ideas
- Must-Have Party Decorations & Games
Want More Ideas Like This?
Fancy more party inspiration? Browse our full collection of kids’ party ideas and bookmark this page so it’s ready the next time you’re planning a celebration.
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