Welcome to the ultimate list of eco party bag filler ideas that are completely zero waste and free of plastic so you can give them out with a clear conscience. This is the big list of general items when you’re looking for inspiration. Buy locally or nationally made where you can, but failing that gift a smaller item that will last, or can be reused or recycled. One nice gift can be better than a bag of useless tat or sweets that will be gone in 5 seconds. I’ve aimed for all the party favours to not only be plastic free and eco-friendly, but they are also budget-friendly too so none of these will break the bank. They are all below £2 each because it soon adds up, particularly if you’re including a few things.
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Notepads
Notepads, colouring pads and activity pads make a great addition to the eco friendly party bag, even if they don’t use it much or it ends up in the reject pile it can be recycled. Here are a few different kinds for you.
Unicorn scratch art and stencil
Space scratch art and stencil
Unicorn mini colouring pads set of 12 or 36
Jungle animals colouring pad set of 12 or 36
Dinosaur colouring pad set of 12 or 36
Pirate mini activity pads set of 12 or 36
Unicorn mini activity pads set of 12 or 36
Cute animals and leaves sticky notepads
Things to make
A little craft activity is a great addition to the eco party bag with no plastic. It’s fun, educational and lasts more than a day. You can either make one larger item during the party for them to take home, or include a smaller kit in the party bag as a party favour.
Origami kit
Hedgehog embroidery toy pack of 4
Excavation kits
Grass in a tin
Wooden toys
These small wooden toys are always popular with children and parents, go for ethically sourced sustainable wooden toys where possible.
Wooden spinning tops
Wooden egg cups, can be painted
Wooden keepsake box – can be decorated
Wooden snake key-rings, make them yourself before the party or do it as a take home activity
Wooden castanets with animal pattern
Pin me for later
Puzzles
Puzzles and games make great little activities that last beyond the day and small ones can easily fit into the party favour box.
Stationery favours
These are always popular and also useful for families. From fun pencil toppers to wax crayons, they make easy additions to bulk out the party bag.
Set of colouring pencils, £3.95 for 6 packs
Plantable pencil – once done, you can plant them!
Fabric or tin pencil cases
Edible sweets and snacks that are zero waste to include in your party bags
So many snacks and sweets have plastic packaging, but more and more are providing plastic free now, including the classics, you just need to know which ones to choose. Discount stores like Aldi, Lidll and poundland often have bulk buys of zero waste packaged sweets and chocolates.
Kinder bars
Creme eggs
Bear YoYos
Smarties
Raisins in a box
Playinchoc alternative to kinder eggs
Candy sticks
Anything home made in greaseproof paper
Pamper items
These are great to include, even for younger kids, let your imagination go mad, thing of the everyday items and include them alongside more fun things.
Mermaid hair ties/ wrist bands on gift card
Personalised friendship/ wish bracelet
Face mask
Eco eyeshadow
Socks – you can match them to the party theme and they come in multipacks, just separate them and pop them in the party bags
Small plush toys
Everyone loves a soft toy, also known as a plush or a plushie, and you can get so many mini or small versions. Beanie boos are popular with tweens, or just go for your party theme and match them up. Here’s a few I’ve chosen for you.
Small teddy bears, so cute
Quiet critters pom pom toys
All in one pre-filled eco party bags
If you are really tight on time and don’t want the hassle, there are lots of sellers who have cottoned on that people don’t want plastic stuff in their party bags any more and they have done all the hard work for you. Here are a few of my favourites.
All in one pre-filled bag with seed planting kit under £5
Get a lunch box for each child and pop the cake and sweets inside
Books
Books make a great alternative party bag, just give a wrapped book with some sweets and a piece of cake. You can get them in bulk or in sets like these Mini board books – split up the sets and give one each, or give one picture or chapter book each. Parents will love you for it.
Even more no plastic party bag ideas
Still need more ideas? How about these:
Reusable crocheted water balloons
Magic kit
Magic wand (wood)
Water bottle
Superhero felt bracelets/wrist straps
Reusable water balloon
Set of 4 aluminium straws
Homemade slime
Homemade kinetic sand
Packet of sprinkles
Seed packets
Paper or metal straws
Pirate eye patches
Money box
Knitted freeze pop holders
Seed bomb
Silicone reusable cake cases
Cloth star bag – maybe use as the party bag
Phone holder
Plant pots
Cookie cutters come in all sizes and shapes
Fabric or silicone purse
Hanging slate decoration
Paper dolls
Colour your own bag – use it as party bag or an activity
Joke book
Marbles – these ones come in bulk without the net, you can just pop a few in each party bag or put them in a fabric net, tin, paper bag or glass jar
So there it is for you, the ultimate list of party bag ideas and inspiration for your zero-waste, plastic-free eco-friendly party. Remember we’re all just doing our bit for the planet, and nobody is perfect including me 🙂
