7 Sustainable Party Favors Kids Love (and Parents Keep)
Looking for sustainable party favors for kids—but are short on time?
Party planning rarely happens all at once.
It’s a few things here, a few things there… and then suddenly, the party is around the corner and you still need favors.
So you grab something quick. Because it works—and frankly there’s a lot of other stuff to think about.
This list is here for that moment.
Simple, thoughtful ideas you can pull together easily—so even last-minute choices can feel intentional and eco-friendly.
My Secret Filter?
Before choosing a party favor, I ask:
Will this be used in a week?
Will it still exist in a month?
Does it create connection, creativity, or care?
If not… it’s probably worth avoiding. Here are some of my favorites:
1. Something That Grows
An easy swap that feels instantly more meaningful.
Seed packets
Seed paper shapes
Mini herb kits
Lightweight, affordable in bulk, and something kids can care for at home or even just sprinkle near their home or school.
👉 Bulk seed packets, such as Back to the Roots Organic Seeds, 30 count mix, as of today: $29.99
👉 Seed paper shapes, such as Of the Earth Wildflower Butterfly Paper, set of 24, as of today: $12.70 (plus $5 shipping)
Bonus points if you can source it at a local store! These brands are broadly available :)
2. The Favor = What They Made
If you’re already planning an activity, this part might already be done. Arts & crafts parties are all the rage!
Bracelet-making
Painting
Air-dry clay
What kids make themselves is what they tend to keep.
👉 Simple craft kits, such as Organic Air Dry Clay 10 lbs (great for 10 kids) , as of today: $29.99 (note, varnishes tend to not be sustainable, but once dried, you could apply beeswax polish to keep it fully sustainable. If using a varnish, go for water-based ones such Liquitex or Golden)
3. Small Books
One of the easiest options to grab—and one that always feels like a win.
Board books
Early readers
Themed titles
Often available in affordable bundles, or even preloved. I recently heard of someone’s daughter doing a “Book Club” themed birthday party at a local bookstore and the kids each got to choose a book to take home — how fun!
👉 Bulk kids comics, such as Searchlight Comics, set of 50, as of today: $39.99
👉 Preloved books, such as ones from ThriftBooks.com can be selected to perfectly match your theme!
4. Simple, Thoughtful Treats
Sometimes the most special favors are the simplest.
Homemade cookies
Muffins
Popcorn
Even more meaningful if your child helps make them—something small they can feel proud to share.
Skip the plastic wrapping.
Use compostable bags, or make your own with paper or napkins which your child can decorate.
A small treat, made and shared with care. @jeffandlaurenshow have some great, simple tricks for the packaging!
5. Something They’ll Actually Use
This one can be tied to the theme or event.
For one of my parties, we did a scavenger hunt on the beach and after seeing countless little plastic shovels broken or left behind, I thought sturdy shovels would be a great party favor and the kids and parents loved them! They “found them” on the mission and had to use them to dig out the treasure chest. At the end, everyone got to take their shovel home.
Alternatively, you could consider something more general and equally useful, like reusable snack bags. Even better if the kids get to fill them with all the yummy goodies still left over from the party. These tend to move straight into everyday use and save you clean up time and food waste!
👉 Reusable options, such as the Chumia Snack Bags available in different themes, Set of 6, as of today: $9.99
6. Explorer Finds
If you want something that feels exciting and gets used. Consider:
Personalized magnifying glasses (the ultimate wow factor)
or Crack-your-own geodes (one of my favorites!)
These invite curiosity and a bit of discovery—something kids can explore on their own or bring outside.
A small moment of wonder, and something they’ll come back to use or admire.
👉 Bulk geodes, like this set of 25, as of today: $24.95 (make sure to have the birthday kid demonstrate before everyone leaves, so they know and are excited for the magic they get to explore at home!)
👉 Personalized magnifying glasses, like these on etsy, as of today: $15.96
7. No Party Favor (Really)
This one can feel like a stretch—but it’s worth considering.
A full, joyful party.
Maybe a slice of cake to take home.
And that’s it.
No extra bag, no fillers—just the experience.
It may feel like something is missing, but often it isn’t.
Kids leave happy.
Parents appreciate the simplicity.
Most of the time, the party itself is more than enough.
Final Thoughts…
For ease, I’ve included a few simple links throughout this guide. I do not make any commission on them and I always encourage supporting local and small businesses where you can—your neighborhood bookstore, a local maker, or a small shop you love.
Think of these ideas as a starting point, and feel free to source them in a way that feels good to you. Have any other tried and true, sustainable party favors? I’d love to hear about them!
Planning a Party?
At Little Oak, celebrations are designed to feel thoughtful, fun, and sustainable—down to the smallest details.
So you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hi, I’m Nicole.
Mom of 2 and Founder of Little Oak Events — creating thoughtful, low-waste celebrations that feel as good as they look. After 10+ years in the tech startup world, I traded product launches and roadshows for real-life moments of the heart. If you’re dreaming up something beautiful, intentional, and a little different, I’d love to help bring it to life.