
Gift bags are a thoughtful way to present a gift, but they can be a bit bland without some extra flair.
A simple way to add some personality to a gift bag is by filling it with candies or chocolates.
For a more unique touch, consider filling the bag with scented soaps or lotions, which can be customized to match the occasion or the recipient's preferences.
Gift Bag Filler Ideas for Special Occasions
For special occasions, consider adding sweet luxuries like gourmet brownies or chocolates to your gift bags. Elegant packaging that matches your wedding colors can elevate the experience.
You can also include relaxation essentials like lavender sachets or small candles to help guests unwind. Mini bottles of essential oils add a luxurious touch.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Remember to keep your gift bags practical and avoid overstuffing them. A few carefully chosen items can be just as meaningful as a lot of stuff.
Wedding

Wedding celebrations can be a joyous and memorable experience, and showing appreciation to your guests is a thoughtful gesture. You can delight your guests with gourmet brownies or chocolates, using elegant packaging that matches your wedding colors.
Wedding goodie bags can be a personalized way to express your gratitude. Help your guests unwind with soothing items like lavender sachets or small candles, and add mini bottles of essential oils for a luxurious touch.
Including a custom keychain or engraved bottle opener can add a functional and personalized element to your goodie bags. This thoughtful gesture will make your guests feel special and remembered.
Here are some ideas for wedding goodie bag fillers:
- Sweet luxuries: Gourmet brownies or chocolates
- Relaxation essentials: Lavender sachets, small candles, and essential oils
- Refreshment kits: Water bottles with custom labels, mints, and trail mix
- Personalized keepsake: Custom keychains or engraved bottle openers
- Local favors: Handcrafted soaps or small bags of regional coffee beans
Tips for Creating the Perfect
Creating the perfect gift bag is all about paying attention to the little details. Personalize the bags by adding the names of guests or a thoughtful message to make them feel extra special.
Consider the event theme when choosing the items for your gift bag. This will help create a cohesive and memorable experience, whether it's a wedding, birthday, or corporate gathering.

Practical gifts are the way to go – choose items that your guests will actually use, like reusable straws or small notebooks. This will leave a lasting impression and get more use than novelty items.
Avoid overstuffing the bag – a few carefully chosen items can be just as meaningful as a bunch of random things. Guests will appreciate quality over quantity.
To add some variety, consider mixing in some food items, like cookies or brownies, with the other useful items. This will balance enjoyment with functionality and make the gift bag feel more special.
Name Your Items
Naming your gift bags can be a fun and creative way to tie in with the theme of the special occasion.
Treasure chests are a great idea for a pirate-themed party, and can be filled with gold coins or other treasure-themed goodies.
Jungle pouches are perfect for an animal-themed party, and can be made to look like little animal habitats.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Animal Christmas Gift Wrap

You can also consider using space satchels for a space-themed party, or fairy tale totes for a princess-themed party.
Construction kits are great for a construction-themed party, and can be filled with building materials and tools.
Goodie staches are a fun idea for a moustache-themed party, and can be filled with silly mustache-themed items.
Other ideas include happy camper kits, sweet treat totes, mini maker kits, and creative carry-alls.
Here are some more ideas for naming your gift bags:
- Tippy-Top Treats
- Whiz-Bang Wonder Bags
- Scamper Snacks
- Hooray for Goodies!
- Recycled Rascals (for repurposed containers)
- Sprout and Share Pouches (for seed packets)
- Eco-Totes
- Green Goodie Grub
- Sustainable Swag
Edible Alternatives
You can give your guests a sweet treat to take home, like a dollar store box of candy in your party's theme colors, which is a quick and affordable option.
Kids love candy, and one Fun Candy is a great choice. You can grab a box of candy bars wrapped cutely on Amazon.
A Candy Necklace Making Kit is another fun option that's surprisingly affordable.
Ring Pops are always a hit with kids, and you can get them in your party's theme color on Amazon.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Does Amazon Gift Wrap

A bag of chips, like Cheetos or Doritos, is a simple yet effective edible favor. You can dress them up with a free printable tag.
A packet of popcorn to pop at home is a fun and interactive favor that kids will love. You can find tags on Amazon to dress them up.
Hostess Cupcakes are a great choice for a special occasion, and kids love them. You can give them as favors for class parties, Valentine's Day, or other celebrations.
A little bag of Goldfish Crackers goes a long way with kids, and it's a great option if you want to avoid a battle over variety packs.
Prebagged salty snacks, like Pirate's Booty, are a great choice for a themed party. You can also get them in a variety of flavors.
Pinata candy is a great option if you're already having a pinata at your party. The clear plastic bag full of candy that kids take home is a fun and easy favor.
A different take: Home Address Ideas
Creative Filler Ideas
Personalize your gift bags by adding a personal touch, such as the guests' names or a thoughtful message. This small gesture makes them feel extra special.
Consider the event theme when choosing filler items. Aligning the items with the theme will make the gift bags feel cohesive and memorable.
To add a practical touch, include items that your guests will use, such as reusable straws, phone stands, or small notebooks. These types of gifts leave a lasting impression and get more use than novelty items.
Here are some ideas for creative fillers that balance enjoyment with functionality:
- Combine snacks or treats with useful items like keychains or lip balm.
- Choose a few carefully chosen items to avoid overstuffing the gift bag.
Remember, a few well-chosen items can be just as meaningful as a lot of items stuffed into the bag.
Recycled Containers
You can save the planet and your money by reusing old yogurt tubs, tins, jars, and fun-shaped containers.
Painting them with bright colors or decoupage them with fun paper is a great way to give them a new life. This is also a fantastic party activity that kids will love.
Providing craft supplies like pom poms, pipe cleaners, and stickers within your containers is a great way to encourage creativity.
Matching crafting supplies to the party theme can make the activity even more fun and engaging. For example, if you're having a superhero party, you can provide superhero-themed stickers and cutouts.
You can fill these containers with small puzzles, mini Play-Doh kits, or craft supplies to keep kids entertained.
Related reading: Easy Paper Bag Craft Ideas
One Small Plush Animal Per Child
You can order mini stuffed animals in bulk for a few dollars each, making them a budget-friendly option for party favors or gift bags. These small plush animals are perfect for kids, who love them!
They're available on websites like Shein.com, where you can find a variety of styles, including bunny stuffies, for $1 each. I've ordered them for my kids and they were a hit!
With a Cricut Joy machine and cardstock, you can create custom gift tags that add a personal touch to your party favors. Alternatively, you can find kraft gift tags on Shein.com for almost nothing.
See what others are reading: Gift Wrap Tags
Filler Options

You can use small items like candies, nuts, or dried fruits to fill your gift bags. These sweet treats are easy to find and can be paired with other items for a delightful surprise.
For a more substantial filler, consider using small toys or trinkets. A set of colorful pens or a tiny stuffed animal can add a fun touch to your gift bags.
If you're looking for something more practical, you can use small packets of coffee or tea as a filler. These can be especially appreciated by coffee and tea lovers.
Here's an interesting read: Coffee Bag
Corporate
For corporate events, you'll want to include items that are both functional and appreciated by your guests. Office essentials like branded notebooks and high-quality pens are always a hit.
You can also consider adding tech gadgets such as portable phone chargers or screen cleaners. These small accessories can make a big difference in a busy professional's day.
Stress balls and herbal teas can help encourage self-care during workdays. A pack of calming essential oils can add an extra layer of relaxation to your goodie bags.
Here are some specific ideas to get you started:
Paper

Paper is a versatile and cost-effective filler option for parties. You can find paper bags in various colors and patterns, including brown, white, and custom designs.
To add a personal touch, consider sealing the top of a paper bag with a customised sticker or folding it over to create a simple seal. Alternatively, you can attach a handmade or personalised gift tag to the bag.
Decorating plain paper bags is also a great idea. Try using colorful stamps, washi tape, or hand-drawn designs to give them a unique look. If you're feeling crafty, you can even make animals from paper bags, perfect for zoo, safari, and farm-themed parties.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Paint or decorate with construction paper cutouts.
- Use washi tape or colorful stamps to add a pop of color.
- Get creative and make animals from paper bags for a fun party activity.
Drawstring
Drawstring bags are a great option for party favors, especially for toddlers. They're perfect for holding small treasures like bubbles, balls, or small toys.
You can make them more personal by attaching a handmade or personalized gift tag. This adds a thoughtful touch to the gift.

Drawstring bags are also great because they're reusable, so kids can use them for collecting treasures on future adventures. This makes them a fun and practical choice.
To make them even more special, you can add your own decorations like charms and ribbons. This lets you customize the gift to fit your party's theme or style.
If you want to get creative, you can make your own drawstring bags in your choice of fabric pattern and preferred size. This way, you can ensure they fit perfectly with your party's color scheme and theme.
Here are some ideas for custom drawstring bags:
- Boho Rainbow Drawstring Gift Bags
- Gamer Drawstring Gift Bags
Fabrics
Using fabrics as fillers is a great way to add a personal touch to your party favors. You can wrap them in shimmery fabrics to match a sparkly theme.
For a rock n roll party, consider using precut fabrics like scarves or bandanas. These can be decorated with fabric paint or markers to add an extra layer of fun.
Here's an interesting read: Party Gift Wrap

To make the most of your fabric fillers, you can include small candies and toys. The size of your fabric will determine how many fillers you can include.
You can also use fabrics for play prior to packaging up the fillers. This can be a fun way to keep kids entertained while you're preparing the party favors.
Here are some ways to decorate fabrics for your fillers:
- Decorate fabrics with fabric paint or markers.
- Use fabrics for play prior to packaging up fillers.
Plain cotton tote bags are another option for using fabrics as fillers. They can be a great alternative to traditional party favor packaging.
Party Favor Ideas
For kids' birthday parties, party favors can be a wonderful way to send guests home with a sweet treat and a reminder of the fun they had. You can find a wide range of party favor ideas online, but some of the most popular ones include candy, cookies, and bubbles.
If you're looking for no-prep party favor ideas, consider grabbing some bubbles, playdoh, or coloring books. These items are easy to find and can be a hit with kids of all ages. You can also find play packs that match almost any theme, and they're conveniently packed for easy distribution.
Some other ideas for party favors include craft kits, outdoor toys, and practical keepsakes. You can find DIY craft kits, like scratch pads and air dry clay kits, that kids will love. For outdoor toys, consider including bubble wands or lightweight jump ropes. And for practical keepsakes, think about reusable water bottles or personalized bookmarks.
Here are some specific party favor ideas that are sure to be a hit:
No Prep Party Favors
No Prep Party Favors are a lifesaver for busy party planners. You can find these items at the Dollar Tree or on Amazon for convenience.
Bubbles are a classic no-prep party favor idea that kids love. Wands are usually the most fun, but small containers of bubbles work great too!
Playdoh is another easy option that kids adore. You can grab premade cans or make your own if you're feeling extra.
Play packs are a convenient and easy way to match any theme. They're already packed and ready to go for easy distribution.
Coloring books are a great no-prep party favor idea that kids and adults both love. They're easy to keep on theme and can be found in many different styles.
Here are some classic no-prep party favor ideas:
These no-prep party favors are perfect for busy party planners who want to make their party a hit without breaking a sweat!
Party Favor Alternatives
If you're looking for something beyond the usual party favor, you've got plenty of options. Consider using crafts as party favors, like a Scratch Pad or a DIY Bouncy Ball Kit, which can be a hit with kids.
These types of party favors are also more likely to be kept and enjoyed, rather than ending up in the trash. For example, a set of 60 mini gel pens can be a fun and creative party favor.
Another idea is to send kids home with supplies to make their own crafts, like a Wind Chime Craft or an Air Dry Clay Kit. These kits usually come with directions and enough materials to complete the project.
If you're looking for something edible, you can consider candy or snack-based party favors. A dollar store box of candy in your theme's colors or a single candy bar wrapped cutely can be a simple yet fun option.
You can also consider candy-making kits, like a Candy Necklace Making Kit, which can be a fun and creative activity for kids. Another idea is to send kids home with a bag of chips or a packet of popcorn to pop at home.
Here are some specific ideas for edible party favors:
- A candy bar wrapped cutely (grab these easy ones on Amazon)
- A Candy Necklace Making Kit
- A Ring Pop (you can get them in your party's theme color on Amazon!)
- A Bag of Chips (grab this free printable tag and send guests home smiling!)
- A Packet of Popcorn to Pop at Home (again, please don't think I'm crazy)
- A Hostess Cupcake (the kids love it)
- Goldfish Crackers (a little bag goes a long way with kids)
- Prebagged Salty Snacks (like Pirate's Booty for a Pirate party)
- Pinata Candy (the clear plastic bag full of candy they take home)
Holiday-Specific Ideas
For a Christmas party, consider including gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark in your goodie bags to make them feel timely and special.
You can also pair hot cocoa packets with mini marshmallows for a warm and cozy touch.
For Easter, think about adding chocolate eggs to your goodie bags.
Here are some festive ideas for each holiday:
Holiday Themes
If you're looking to create a cohesive and festive atmosphere for your holiday celebration, consider incorporating a theme into your goodie bags. A tropical escape theme can be achieved by filling a beach bag with a towel, mini sunscreen and lip balm, sandy snow globe, flip-flops, and a travel mug.
For a cozy and intimate setting, a Hallmark Channel Movie Binge theme is a great idea. Include a cozy blanket, a tissue pack, toasty socks, and holiday-themed candy in your goodie bags. I've found that this theme is especially popular during the winter months.
If you're hosting a pet-friendly event, a Pet Parents theme is a wonderful way to show your appreciation for furry friends. Fill a goodie bag with a picture frame ornament with a photo of the giftee's fur baby, personalized socks with the pet's face, and T-shirt with a cute quote about dogs or cats.
If you're looking for a more eco-friendly option, consider an Eco-friendly theme. Fill a reusable shopping tote or biodegradable bag with a metal straw, seed packets, shampoo bar, and a pack of bamboo tissues. This theme is perfect for those who want to reduce their environmental impact.
Here are some popular holiday themes to consider:
A Hanukkah theme is also a great idea, especially if you're celebrating the Festival of Lights. Consider including a dreidel-making kit, Hanukkah traditions, Hanukkah sugar cookies, and chocolate gelt coins in your goodie bags.
Nochebuena
Nochebuena is a special holiday in Colombia, where families come together to pray, sing, and share traditional dishes. It's a warm and joyful time.
In preparation for Nochebuena, consider making a memory book with photos and stories of special moments you've shared with family. This can be a meaningful way to cherish memories and create new ones.
A traditional part of Nochebuena celebrations is the novena, a nine-day period of prayer and reflection before the holiday. This is a special time for families to come together and connect with their faith.
You can also add a personal touch to your Nochebuena celebration by creating a playlist of favorite Christmas songs to play while you're together. Maracas and a pandereta (tambourine) can add to the festive atmosphere.
Some fun and festive gift ideas for Nochebuena include:
- Maracas and a pandereta (tambourine)
- Nativity scenes, including miniatures like nesting dolls
- Mini nativity ornaments
- Memory books or photo albums
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a wonderful holiday that celebrates African American culture and community. It's a time to come together with family and friends to honor the principles of unity, self-determination, and collective work and responsibility.
One way to make your Kwanzaa celebration special is to create handmade goodie bags that reflect the holiday's rich heritage. You can make a curated art collection of poems and quotes by Black writers throughout history, along with crayons or tiny musical instruments to celebrate multiple genres.
Handmade headwraps are another thoughtful gift idea. Simply create a wrap for each person and attach a personal note with a message of love and appreciation.
Red velvet cake pops are a delicious treat that can be individually wrapped in compostable cellophane and tied with African kente-print ribbons.
Budget-Friendly Options
Creating thoughtful gift bags doesn't have to break the bank. With a little creativity, you can assemble budget-friendly options that still bring a smile to your loved ones.
Homemade treats are a great way to save money and add a personal touch. Bake a batch of cookies or different brownie types and wrap them in colorful cellophane.
Mini fun kits are another great option, including simple items like small puzzles, playing cards, or notepads with pens. These compact additions work well for guests of all ages.
Party accessories like party hats or themed stickers are simple yet fun extras that fit any celebration. You can also find seasonal finds at discount stores, like mini ornaments during the holidays or cute trinkets for spring.
Here are some budget-friendly goodie bag ideas to get you started:
You can also get creative with inexpensive items like scarves, tea towels, or vintage bells. Fill them with wrapped candies, cocoa packets, or a few candy canes for a thoughtful touch.
Sources
- https://www.mrsfields.com/blogs/blog/goodie-bag-ideas
- https://www.avisualmerriment.com/birthday-party-goodie-bag-ideas/
- https://thesaltymamas.com/kids-goody-bags-that-dont-suck/
- https://ideas.hallmark.com/articles/christmas-ideas/holiday-goodie-bag-ideas/
- https://kellyinthecity.com/how-to-make-20-kids-goody-bags-for-under-30/
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