Colorful kids' party favor ideas including a beach bucket, joke book, flip flops, and cute planters.

56 Kids Party Favors That Are Not Junk

This list of ideas for kids party favors covers everything from classic fun to unique, useful, and eco-friendly options—perfect for parents looking for party favors that are not junk.

Use this list as your go-to resource for the best kids party favors to fit any party themes. Thoughtfully selected to make your goodie bags stand out, these useful and unique favors for kids come recommended and reviewed by real parents like you!

What are the best birthday party favors your kids have given or received? Add to the list below and help fellow parents avoid the dreaded birthday goody bags full of random plastic stuff.


 
    amazon.com

    Dragon Eggs with Dragon Inside

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    These dragon eggs open to reveal a matching iridescent mini dragon inside. They are 3D-printed, and truly unique party favors for kids.

    amzn.to

    Flashlights

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    Mini flashlights are perfect for nighttime or sleepover parties. A useful party favor that won’t go to waste.

    Kelly R said:  Hand mini flashlights out for a sleepover or outdoor movie night party and the kids can use them right away! We bought this multi-pack of LED flashlights...the colors are great and they are really inexpensive birthday party favors for kids.

    amzn.to

    Silly String

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    Silly string never gets old — it’s a unique party favor that brings out the playful side in everyone.

    Vanessa M. said:  Cans of Silly String make great kids party favors because all kids love silly string! Just be smart and pass these favors out as each child has one foot out the door!

    Upparent

    Homemade Slime

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    Homemade slime kits offer messy, hands-on fun that kids adore. Send everyone home with goody bags containing the ingredients and instructions, or have the kids make slime as a party activity.

    amzn.to

    Helium Balloons

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    Use helium balloons to decorate your birthday bash, then pass them out as party favors as the children leave.

    Vanessa M. said:  It's a fun and practical idea to anchor each balloon with a bottle of bubbles, a small toy or animal figurine, or a small bag of candy!

    amzn.to

    Punch Balloon Party Pack

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    Punch balloons offer big, bouncy fun for kids to toss and hit around. They fit any party theme, and are a great addition to a goody bag.

    Stacie Farina said:  Bouncing, drumming, thumping, and creating smiles for a host of ages. Kids are always thrilled to receive these favors.

    amazon.com

    Sunglasses

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    Sunglasses are quite affordable when you buy a multi-pack, and make practical favors for summer birthdays that will get plenty of use beyond the party. Pick fun shapes or bright colors to make them feel extra special.

    amazon.com

    Ribbon Dancing Wands

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    Colorful ribbon dancing wands are fun for kids to twirl, and they make unique party favors that would work with a variety of different themes.

    Alexandra F. said:  Little kids love these! We got one at a rainbow-themed birthday party for a 5 year old, which I thought was so unique, and my son pulled it out regularly for weeks. It eventually fell apart and went in the trash (my kids are extra rough on their toys), but we got lots of use out of it before it did. I think it would make a perfect favor for a princess or fairy themed birthday party, too!

    amzn.to

    Jumbo Keychain Squishies

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    Bigger and more satisfying than the usual squishies, these double as cute keychains kids can show off at school.

    Lisa R said:  I reluctantly recommend these 2-3" keychain squishies only because my 7 year old says it was the best thing she ever got in a gift bag and gave them out at her own party and to friends on her bus. They are cheap, scented and work as a fidget toy. I'm not so sure about the non-toxic claims, so likely best for bigger kids who still like cute things.

    amazon.com

    PEZ Dispensers

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    PEZ dispensers are timeless, easy to find in popular characters, and a hit with kids (and parents who remember them too).

    BethF7EB said:  So many themes to choose from! And what a fun throwback with a little bit of candy ... but not too much!

    amazon.com

    Squishies

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    Soft, squishy, and endlessly satisfying to squeeze, these little toys are a simple party favor kids can’t put down.

    Sarah Calamita said:  Why is every child obsessed with these squishy, slimy little creatures? Hours of fun!

    amzn.to

    Solar Dancing Flowers

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    Pop these cheerful little solar dancing flowers in the sun, and they move all day. They’re quirky, inexpensive party favors that make kids smile and add a fun touch to windowsills or desks.

    Kristy Pepping said:  My daughter recently attended a party and received one of these for a party favor. These little flower pots are solar powered. They sway back and fourth when in the sun. It makes a nice addition to a bedroom window sill.

    amzn.to

    Pop Fidget Spinners

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    Fidget toys are always a crowd-pleaser. These spinner-and-pop hybrids combine two favorite fidgets in one, making them an easy win for birthday party favors.

    Lindsay Fairbrother said:  Fidgets are all the rage with kids right now. I just purchased these for my daughter's birthday party next week. I was really happy with the quality when they arrived. I love how they each come in their own case. I think the kids will love these.

    amazon.com

    Tutus

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    Little guests will light up when they get their own colorful tutus. These make adorable party favors for dance, princess or pop star parties, and they double as a keepsake for dress-up play at home. Purchasing them can be fairly inexpensive, or you can make them yourself out of tulle.

    Brittany Kozielski said:  You can even invite guests to make their own tutus during the party - DIY favors that double as party activities are the best!

    amazon.com

    Nail Polish

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    Bottles of nail polish make perfect party favors for sleepovers, spa parties, teens or tweens. Pick a variety of glittery or colorful shades (or split up a multipack of non-toxic nail polish) and send each child home with their own personal bottle for fun party favors that are not junk!

Primary photo:   Upparent

Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.