Birthday Party Ideas - Alternatives To Loot Bags

Party prizes instead of loot bags

I don't do loot bags for my parties, at least in the traditional way, I started using this idea when planning birthday parties as a way of entertaining the children and encouraging them to take part in the various party games and activities

I buy party favors like the ones listed in the post titled "ideas for what to put in your loot bags" simple inexpensive treats for the party guests and I wrap each one in birthday wrapping paper or colourful tissue paper. Generally for a mixed party I wrap the boys treats in blue and the girls in pink.

I then incorporate the gifts into the party theme and the party games, for example when planning a princess party or a pirate party, I make (or buy) a treasure chest, this can be easily made with a cardboard box, some paint and bright stickers. The treasure chest becomes part of the decoration for the party and I fill it with the party favours or gifts I have wrapped.

When it becomes time for the party games, each child is given an empty loot bag which they will then fill with the gifts from the chest which are earned by various different methods.

For young children simple participation in any of the party games and activites is rewarded by the child picking a gift from the chest. I try to make it as easy as possible for the children to fill their bags by providing many different simple activities to play.

For birthday parties where the guests are a little older, the favours are rewarded as prizes for winning a game, but I also provide prizes for good behaviour and helpfullness, this is so every child has many oppertunities to fill their bags.
The children who put out the chairs for musical chairs recieve a gift, the child who starts and stops the music for musical statues will recieve one too, this also works very well for games where the children are required to work in pairs and as a team.

I have found this method as an alternative to loot bags can make a huge difference to a party and helps keep the children occupied for longer as well as encouraging good behaviour.

I hope these birthday party ideas will provide you with inspiration for planning your own children parties and if you have an idea for a party you would like to share please feel free to comment, I would love to hear your birthday party ideas!

Posted with LifeCast