We were at a birthday party at Peter Piper Pizza the other day. And the mom made a point of telling all of the other parents that instead of doing goodie bags, she paid more money so all the kids could get extra tokens to play games. We all thought that was a great idea because goodie bags usually contain nothing but candy and junk toys.

Now here's my problem. Nate's birthday is coming up and we're having a party at our house. I always give out goodie bags (containing candy and junk toys), so I'm trying to figure out what I can put in them that is useful, the kids will like, and won't break the bank.

Any suggestions out there?

Will there be a theme of any kind?

Milo just had a rock n roll party. He gave out hand made "mix" CD's to his friends along with an inflatable "microphone".

Ilijana is having a camp out party next month (she is not a camper, but pretend ones are fun) and I'm going to either make t-shirts ($2.50 at Michaels) like you get at camp or the other thought is the kids make and take painted birdhouses or hot cocoa mix or something like that.

Goody bags here are a hot topic. The kids LOVE them (for whatever reason) and the parents LOATH them. LOL!

I'm trying to find a happy medium. Something for the kids to take with them that doesn't cost a fortune and end up directly in the trash can.

We've started doing a craft or something at our birthday parties and that ends up being our "fun thing" to do AND our "goody bag" thing. So we make door hangers or decorate hats or make t-shirts or aprons or decorate cupcakes (one for eating now and one for taking home in a silicone cupcake holder then placed in a clear bag) or whatever our theme is.

Alex's party last year was a "ball" party (he was turning two) so we ordered sweat bands and wrist bands for everyone to wear during the party and that's what everyone took home with them at the end. The kids get to take something home and the parents are grateful that their cars aren't filled with unsharpened pencils, bouncy balls, and Pixi Stix dust.

What "theme" are you having? We can help with ideas!

Ryan loves to get pencils and erasers with cute characters on it. Useful is always good!

I like making big sugar cookies on sticks. I decorate them for the theme, so when Lu had a Blues Clues party, they were round with paw prints on them. Then you just put a cello bag on, tie with a ribbon, and you're done.