Eco Birthday Goodie Bags

One of the things about birthday parties that chill my, progressively-more-eco, heart is the ubiquitous goodie bags. (Is it eco-goody bag or eco goddie-bag or eco-goodie-bags? Whatever.) Though there is a lot to cringe about (at least for a not-quite-crunchy parent) at children’s birthday parties, goodie bags seem to attack my senses on two or perhaps three levels:

- Those little plastic or even paper bags with garish ink surely aren’t terribly recyclable.

- My child surely doesn’t need a bag full of plastic, breakable (surely made in China) toys.

- After sugary cake - sugary candy doesn’t seem especially wise.

- While I don’t mind attending a commercial character themed birthday party; I don’t necessarily want to have to then take those characters home with me.

Now don’t get me wrong- I’ve done my share of packing crinkly plastic bags with multiple plastic character-based toys that break on the way home but, I’m getting better. And so are my friends…using the simple (and catchy) eco principles of:

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

(I like alliterative catch phrases, don’t you it’s often the only way I can remember anything, especially when planning a birthday bash.)

Reduce - Is there something written somewhere that indicates exactly how many little trinkets belong in a goodie bag. How about one? (OK – maybe a few.)

Reuse - Rather than invest in plastic bags that are thrown away - how about something that can be used again and again – at the party even.

Recycle – you get the idea – paper not plastic or at least the recyclable kind.

Here’s some ideas from recent parties I’ve given and attended:

- For spring and summer parties- a small plant (flowers, veggies, cactus) under a dollar in multi packs.

- Capes- this is big hit with the preschool set – You can buy a few yards of no sew fabric – (fleece, vinyl, etc.) then sew on Velcro, a button and loop or a ribbon to fasten. If you can’t sew don’t worry – this is easy – I did it with my $35.00 sewing machine.( BTW – I found making a hem and inserting a ribbon easier than struggling with sticky Velcro.)

- Masks – this can be a craft activity as well. Fabric or foam masks can be decorated as part of the fun and worn during the party – think kids as decorations.

- Tiny Treasures – shells, rocks, geodes, wooden animals, tiny fairies

- Your craft activity – Planning a craft activity that has “legs’’, that is can be used after the party produces an instant favor. Last year we make ocean themed “snow globes”. I still see them at friends’ houses a year later. Other ideas include: bead necklaces, painted tee-shirts and fabric hats.

- And, if you feel you must have something to put goodies in, as I do – think reusable. For under a dollar a piece I’ve bought, tiny metal buckets (on sale at Michael’s after every holiday in that holiday’s color) and little fabric tote bags.

Sound expensive? Well not really. Cutting back on the number of goodies means you can spend a little more to give a few slightly more expensive ones.

I know you have some great ideas too. Help me out here…I have a birthday party to plan next year!

For more great Works for me Wednesday ideas visit Rocks in My Dryer

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