14 Creative Loot Bag Ideas

We've been there too many times. At the end of most birthday parties, our kid is presented with the inevitable loot bag—a variation on the same combination of plastic dollar-store specials they get at every other party. It's definitely a matter of quantity over quality, and—sadly—all destined for the landfill. So we've picked out some loot bag items that will make you and the kids happy. Lots of guests? Pick the more affordable options. Only a few besties? Splurge on a slightly bigger-ticket item. And remember: one item that they will actually play with is better than a handful of disposables.

Kids will think bath time is oh so cool when they drop this little fizzing, bubbling robot in the tub.

What kid doesn’t love to unleash their creativity with sidewalk chalk? It’s fun. It’s colourful. (It’s washable). Little ones can have a great time with this much-loved party favour.

These sweet little charms can be added onto necklaces or bracelets the kids already have (hello, new bling for their Rainbow Loom creations). Get your birthday babe involved in the selection process, picking out a unique charm for each party guest.

They certainly do seem to like getting their nails done, don't they? These wee stickers are perfect for tiny nails, fun to apply on each other and much easier than actual nail polish!

How can you go wrong with LEGO minifigures? You simply can't. Smiles abound when these are handed out.

The Children's Place is our fave stop for hair ties that are bright, colourful, and budget-friendly (watch for their frequent sales). They have flowers, baubles, and sparkles, oh my!

All the moms will love this loot bag item because it may just mean their kiddos will actually want to get dressed for the day! Cool socks = happy mornings.

Give a gift card? Hear us out: small-value gift cards allow bigger kids to choose their own loot—and they love it. We love Indigo cards for a new summer read, a card from a popular froyo or ice cream shop for a frozen treat, or an iTunes card, good for downloading a new tune or app. Tuck the card into a nifty reusable snack bag and fellow moms will appreciate your thoughtfulness, too.

The littles will love getting their own all-natural lip balm in yummy strawberry sorbet flavour. And the pink sphere container is as much decorative as it is functional.

If the kids are heading home after an art-themed party, keep the fun going for days with a mini easel, canvas, and a pot or two of paint—all of which can be found at most dollar stores.

Popular with boys and girls alike, give these out 30 minutes before pick-up time and allow the guests to fall in love with their new pets. You can even give it a specific theme – put them in a box with a sign that says “Free Puppies and Unicorns”, for example, to delight little ones.

Perfect for a space-themed birthday party, or even just because, the little ones will get a kick out of enjoying their treats and pretending they're in space.

Guys and gals alike will love these mini skateboards, and will spend hours zooming them along any surface. These also make great car toys.

Grab one of those wee watering cans hanging from the aisles at your local dollar store and tuck a packet of seeds inside (we like easy- and fast-growing wildflowers, which sprout up quickly and look pretty) for a gift that will keep growing long after the sugar wears off.