Prepare the party bags

≃ the weekend before

Fill the bags and add each guest's name. A nice activity to do with your child: they will love preparing surprises for their friends.

Little gifts that make the party last

A small keepsake to take home, a few well-chosen surprises and a pretty presentation: it doesn't take much to delight the guests!

There's no need for piles of toys or a big budget. The idea is to put together a bag suited to the children's age, matching the party theme, and filled with little treats they'll enjoy discovering.

Our advice: choose a few useful, fun or creative surprises rather than a bag full of things that will end up at the back of a drawer.

The secret of a great party bag

1. Match the surprises to the age Simple items for little ones, creative activities for school-age children, more original gifts for pre-teens.
2. Quality over quantity Two or three well-chosen surprises often bring more joy than a bag full of gadgets.
3. Stick to the theme A touch of colour, a small label or an item linked to the activity is enough to create a lovely set.
4. Think practical Prepare the bags in advance, write each child's name and avoid fragile, messy or bulky items.

Ideas for every age

Ages 2–4 — Little surprises that are easy to discover

• age-appropriate stickers;
• chunky crayons and a small colouring sheet;
• a picture book or a small activity book;
• soap bubbles;
• a small figurine or a simple toy that meets safety standards.

Our tip: at this age, one or two easy-to-use items are enough. Check the age shown on the packaging and avoid small parts, which are a choking hazard.

Ages 5–8 — Surprises to play and create

• a mini notebook and coloured pencils;
• stickers matching the party theme;
• a small craft or creative kit;
• a simple card game or a little puzzle;
• a fun accessory linked to the birthday.

Our tip: a small creative kit is a great idea. Children keep enjoying the party once they're back home.

Ages 9–13 — More original, personal gifts

• a nice notebook or an original pen;
• a fun keyring;
• creative or hobby accessories;
• a small brain teaser or puzzle;
• a DIY kit linked to their interests.

Our tip: for pre-teens, choose items they'll really want to keep. Careful presentation and a gift related to their passions make more of an impression than a bag full of gadgets.

A bag that continues the adventure

Dinosaur party

A mini discovery notebook, dinosaur stickers and a small age-appropriate digging or observation activity.

Unicorn party

A small pastel notebook, child-friendly sparkly stickers and a creative accessory.

Space party

A map of the solar system, a small explorer's notebook and an activity about planets and stars.

Creative party

A few pencils, a mini notebook to decorate and stickers to personalise their creations.

Key idea: choose one or two items that recall the theme, then add simple, useful surprises. Not everything has to match!

What budget should you plan?

Prices vary with the number of guests and the type of gift: here are three guidelines, with no set amount.

• Small budget A colouring sheet, a few stickers and a small surprise.
• Medium budget A mini notebook, pencils and a small game.
• More generous budget A creative kit, a personalised accessory and careful wrapping.

The quick sum that avoids surprises

Before shopping, set a budget per child and multiply it by the number of guests. For example, for 8 children and €5 per bag, plan €40 in total, plus a small margin for wrapping or last-minute purchases.

Above all, a party bag isn't compulsory: a group activity or a keepsake made during the party can be just as appreciated!

What about something other than the classic bag?

Children often prefer an item they can use again, or a small activity to repeat at home.

• a packet of seeds to plant;
• an age-appropriate book;
• a water bottle or lunch box with their name;
• the creation they made during the party.

Ready for the big day?

A few checks so that everything is ready on time. Tick as you go: your ticks are saved on this device.

• Set the budget per child
• Confirm the number of guests
• Choose age-appropriate surprises
• Check allergies and safety precautions
• Order or buy the gifts early enough
• Prepare and personalise the bags
• Make sure every child will have a bag
• Store the bags somewhere safe until the party

The LetzCelebrate.co tip: prepare the bags a few days before the birthday. You'll enjoy the party much more calmly!

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