Three days after the party, you find it under the car seat: a broken toy, a leaking bubble wand and a bag nobody has opened since the drive home. If you have ever wondered whether there is a simpler way to do party favours, you are not alone.
For a simpler party bag, choose one useful activity rather than several fillers. Below are nine screen-free party bag ideas for kids in Australia, with preparation tips, age considerations and options for different budgets. You can also skip individual bags and let children take home something they make at the party.
We make Twisty Kids reusable wax sticks, so we have a favourite in the mix. But a good party favour does not have to come from us, and it does not have to cost a lot.
What makes a good kids’ party favour?
Before buying anything, ask four questions:
- Can children get started easily? Simple materials mean less setup for the family taking them home.
- Will it get used again? Look for repeat play rather than a single moment of novelty.
- Is it practical to take home? Consider size, spills and how the activity will be stored.
- Does it suit the guests? Check the manufacturer’s age guidance and think about younger siblings, interests and supervision.
You do not need to fill a bag. One thoughtful item can be the whole favour.
9 screen-free party bag ideas
These are ideas to compare, not a ranking. Costs vary by retailer, pack size and what you already have. Check individual product labels for age suitability.
1. Chunky pavement chalk
A piece or two of chalk gives children something to draw, trace or turn into a hopscotch game. Buying a multipack and dividing it between guests can suit a smaller budget.
Preparation: Divide and wrap the pieces. Best fit: Families with an appropriate outdoor drawing space. Chalk gets used up, rather than lasting indefinitely.
2. Seeds and a small planting pot
A seed packet and a small pot turn the favour into a project at home. Include simple planting instructions and choose seeds appropriate for your local growing conditions.
Preparation: Assemble each set and label it. Best fit: Children who enjoy gardening with an adult. This option needs follow-up care, so it is less suitable if your priority is instant, independent play.
3. A good pencil and a mini notebook
A sturdy pencil and a small notebook offer space for drawings, treasure maps and party memories. A plain notebook can be personalised with each guest’s name.
Preparation: Pair the items and add names if you wish. Best fit: Children who enjoy drawing or early writing. Choose pencils and accessories suited to their ages.
4. A gift-ready pack of reusable wax sticks
The Twisty Kids Party Play Set contains 20 wax-coated yarn sticks in a small, gift-ready pack. Children can bend and press the sticks into shapes, then pull their creations apart and make something new.
Price: $9.95 AUD per pack at the time of writing. Preparation: One pack per guest, with no dividing required. Age guidance: Recommended for ages 3+.
This is a premium option compared with some DIY fillers. Its appeal is reusable play and convenient presentation, not being the cheapest party favour.
5. Printable activity cards
A small set of drawing prompts or creative challenges can continue the party at home. Choose prompts that use materials families are likely to have, and explain what is needed.
Our free printable activity cards are another option for the party table or to pair with wax sticks.
Preparation: Print and cut the cards. Best fit: Children who enjoy creative prompts, with adult help where needed. Allow for paper and printing costs.
6. A small pot of modelling material
Playdough or another age-appropriate modelling material can work as a single favour. Choose a sealed container and check ingredients, care instructions and suitability before sharing it with other families.
Preparation: Label each pot. Best fit: Children who enjoy tactile play. Some materials dry out or mark surfaces, so include the relevant care information.
7. A skill toy
A well-made spinning top or yo-yo gives children a skill to practise beyond the party. This can be a better fit for older guests than a bag of small novelty items.
Preparation: Little assembly, but check the instructions. Best fit: Children old enough for the particular product. Follow age guidance, especially for toys with cords or small parts.
8. A secondhand book swap
If it suits your guests, invite each family to bring a secondhand book in good condition and let each child choose a different one to take home. Explain the plan on the invitation so nobody is surprised.
Preparation: Coordinate the swap and have spare books available. Best fit: Groups with a similar reading range, or a selection spanning the guests’ ages.
9. Something made at the party
A drawing, decorated bookmark or wax-stick creation can be the take-home gift. The activity becomes part of the celebration, rather than another bag to assemble afterwards.
Preparation: Set up materials and somewhere for finished work. Best fit: Mixed-age groups when you choose suitable materials and provide appropriate supervision.
Prefer a ready-packed option? Choose Party Play Sets for your guests, or keep reading to work out your quantities.
How many Party Play Sets should you order?
Allow one Party Play Set per child if you want each guest to take home their own complete pack. Each pack contains 20 sticks and is recommended for ages 3+.
- 5 guests: 5 packs, 100 sticks in total, $49.75 AUD.
- 10 guests: 10 packs, 200 sticks in total, $99.50 AUD.
- 15 guests: 15 packs, 300 sticks in total, $149.25 AUD.
These totals use the listed individual price of $9.95 per pack and exclude shipping. They do not assume a bundle discount. Check the product page and checkout for current pricing, availability and any applicable offers.
Count siblings you intend to include before ordering. If you are running a shared activity rather than giving each child a full pack, plan quantities around what they will make and how much material each creation needs.
The shared activity table: an alternative to individual bags
Choose one activity, give it a defined space and let children return to it between party games. Drawing materials, age-appropriate modelling materials or wax sticks can all work.
- Use a tray or placemat for each child to keep materials together.
- Try the activity beforehand to estimate how much material you need.
- Allow room for children who want to make more than one thing.
- Write names on take-home creations or their packaging.
- Keep packaging simple and suitable for the finished item.
For wax-stick activity ideas, read what reusable wax sticks are and how they work. You can also explore the Twisty Kids Play Sets collection to compare options for your table.
Party favour ideas by age
Age is a starting point, not the whole decision. Always follow the specific product’s guidance and consider the children attending.
- Ages 3–4: Keep the activity simple, with suitable materials and adult supervision. Avoid relying on written instructions.
- Ages 5–6: Drawing prompts, simple making activities and age-appropriate skill toys can add a challenge.
- Ages 7–8: Offer more room for personal designs, creative challenges or a skill to practise.
For a mixed-age party, an open-ended activity lets guests make different things with the same type of material. Check suitability for the youngest participants rather than assuming one product fits everyone.
Frequently asked questions
What can I put in a party bag instead of lollies?
Try chalk, a pencil and notebook, activity cards, a book or an age-appropriate creative-play material. You can choose one main item rather than replacing every lolly with another filler.
How many wax sticks are in a Party Play Set?
Each Twisty Kids Party Play Set contains 20 wax sticks. One complete pack per guest makes ordering and handing out favours straightforward.
Are Party Play Sets suitable for three-year-olds?
The Party Play Set is recommended for ages 3+. Follow the product’s safety and supervision instructions, and check suitability with parents or carers if you are buying for other people’s children.
Do I need to give party bags at all?
No. A book swap or something made during the party can be your take-home gift. You can also simply thank guests for coming.
Can wax sticks be used again?
Yes. Children can take shapes apart and use the sticks for another creation. Follow the product care guidance to help keep them ready for play.
A simpler party favour, ready to give
If you want a gift-ready creative activity rather than several small fillers, the Party Play Set brings 20 reusable wax sticks together in one pack, recommended for ages 3+.
Planning a making table instead? Download free printable activity cards for creative prompts.