Top 100 Party Bag, Gift Bag and Thank You Bag Ideas for 2022
The best gifts and surprises for party bags in 2022
Great ideas for giving, surprising and delighting the young (and the young at heart)
Party bags, for any occasion, are great fun – but sometimes filling them can be a challenge.
To help you out here is a massive list of 100 – yes, 100 – different ideas for your party bag fillers!
For this list, we’ve focussed squarely on kids’ parties – but watch out for our list of suggestions for grown-up parties (coming soon).
Some of the ideas are small, so you can add quite a few items to your bags. Others are larger, but this is for those times you may only want to add one or two pricier, more meaningful gifts. (It goes without saying, stick to age-appropriate gifts – some of these items are quite small and are not for the very young).
Many of these gifts are craft-based, which we think is brilliant, and gives the children something to do in the days following the party. Some are toys and others are just a bit of fun (noise putty anyone?).
Planning party bags is as simple as A-B-C, which is convenient, because here’s an a-b-c list for how to do it:
a. Usually the first step, decide your budget, and then whether you want a couple of large gifts, loads of smaller ones, or a mixture of both.
b. Next – what is the theme of your party? Once decided, have a scroll through this list, pick out some ideas that appeal, then hunt down those items based around your theme, if you have one.
c. Finally – don’t forget the bags themselves! You can buy gazillions of different designs – or if you have time, why not even make your own?
Note: Photo credits for almost everything on this list goes to amazon.co.uk, but we would always encourage you to shop local if you can, using your preferred suppliers.
Apart from Boomf cards – always buy those from us (not that we are biased at all, but we 100% totally make Boomf products better than anyone else out there).
1. Wild Cards
If you’re wanting a surprise that will delight every time, then it has to be a Boomf Pop-Up Wild Card. These fantastical creatures will leap out of the envelope and plant a huge smile on their face. And they are great for keeping afterwards! Kids love ‘em, and with 24 to choose from, there’s one for everyone!
2. Glow in the Dark Fidget Poppers
Fidget Poppers are all the rage right now, and these glow in the dark ones are a cut above the rest. Get the kids popping by adding one of these unicorns into your bag.
3. Punch Balloons
Better than normal balloons – latex punch balloons are stronger and longer lasting, so can be used for a variety of games and activities.
4. Succulent Plant Pots
Small pots are ideal for small plants – such as cacti and other succulents – and they come in all sorts of fun shapes and sizes. These plants are easy to grow and look after, and make for a unique teaching tool for children. You could even add the plants as well.
5. Mini Doodle Pads
Doodle pads for getting the kids creative. All kids love colouring in, and these mini doodle pads are perfect for party bags for children of all ages.
6. Slap Bracelets
Boys and girls alike love slap bracelets – and they come in loads of different themes, styles and colours.
7. Bouncy Balls
Children of all ages (even adult ones) can’t resist bouncy balls – there is just something so appealing about the energy of them – and they come in so many colours, designs and sizes! Perfect party bag fillers, every time.
8. Filled Eggs
Like a Kinder Egg but without the chocolate, each egg contains a surprise toy.
9. Wooden Spinning Tops
Endless fun –spinning tops will keep children of all ages mesmerised AND there are countless games to be played with them too.
10. Mini Rubic Cubes
The same as the original – only smaller! Ideal for tinier hands and a great brain-trainer too.
11. Mini Water Pistols
Perfect for a summer party, these mini water pistols will help kids keep cool and have lots of fun while they are doing it.
12. Gold Medals
Everyone’s a winner with these party bag gold medals – great for any sports themed party or gathering.
13. Personalised Marshmallows and Mallow Pops
Mallowpops are perfect for sharing with friends and loved ones. You can personalise each marshmallow with your own photograph or pick from a wide range of designs if you need some inspiration.
14. Glo Sticks
Glo sticks are always popular and some even come with clips so that they can be worn as bracelets.
15. Mini sweets
Don’t forget a few sweet treats for the children! Whilst you don’t want to go overboard with these of course, a few little treats won’t go amiss.
16. Glider Planes
Foam glider planes are simple to construct and good fun to play with. Whose can fly the furthest?
17. Bubble Wands
Kids love bubbles! So make sure to pop a bubble wand into every party bag – loads of fun and refillable too!
18. Mini Jigsaws
Jigsaw puzzles are timeless, and mini puzzles such as these fit perfectly into party bags.
19. Packs of Crayons
Crayons are another party bag staple. Packs of 4 or even 6 are perfect for party bags.
20. Bracelets
These wooden bracelets are very pretty and should last and last, long after the party has been forgotten.
21. Inflatable Musical Instruments
Better than balloons! Kids always love inflatable musical instruments and let their imaginations run wild.
22. Stretchy Lizards
These stretch lizards are a different and unique toy that will delight and surprise the kids.
23. Finger Boards
Finger Skate Boards have been around for a long time – and are as popular as they always were. Great fun, even when you can’t ride the real thing.
24. Slide Puzzles
Another popular puzzle for kids –slide puzzles are good fun and also give their minds a work-out at the same time.
25. Mini Connect 4
Mini versions of big games, such as Connect 4, go down really well and there are several classic games available in ‘mini’ versions.
26. Light-up Spinners
Wrist-worn LED spinners to keep fidgety finger occupied for ages – even in the dark!
27. GOAL Football Pens
For sporty themed parties, how about adding one of these football-topped pens into the bag?
28. Mini Top Trumps
Top Trumps is another game that has stood the test of time – and now they make small versions! For boys and girls, these are ideal gifts and come in all kinds of themes.
29. Flower Headbands
These are always popular and are so pretty, making any little girl feel special.
30. Princess Tiaras
Perfect for a Princess party, these tiaras and necklaces will make the children feel most royal and princess-like.
31. Hand Clappers
If you can put up with a little more noise, these hand clappers are always in great demand – kids love them!
32. Toy Dinosaurs
Dinosaurs are another toy that never goes out of fashion (even after 65 million years) so make sure to add a few to an animal or dinosaur themed party bag.
33. Fidget Spinners
Classic fidget spinners keep fidgety fingers busy! Colourful and fun, these are a popular children’s toy that are a cool addition to any party bag.
34. Mini Maze Puzzles
Puzzles of all types are always a staple of the party bag. These mini maze puzzles are entertaining and challenging at the same time.
35. Mini Sticker Books
Themed sticker books are perfect party bag fillers, like these Zoo Themed ones – but there are loads of other different themes to choose from.
36. Water Painting Books / Magic Painting
Ideal for younger children, water painting means they can keep within the lines, even when they can’t! Encourage the next budding Monet by adding a water paint book to your party bags!
37. Mini Keyrings
Keyrings are another children’s favourite. They may not have any keys to look after, but they love clipping them onto clothing, sports bags, rucksacks and anywhere else they can find.
38. Mini Treasure Chests
If you’re having a Pirate Party, then these mini treasure chests are just right for hiding some pirate booty, such as a few chocolate doubloons. If it’s a Princess Party you are hosting , then they will also make an excellent mini jewellery box!
39. Fidget Toys
Fidget Toys have something for everyone – pop one in your next party bag and keep those fidgety fingers occupied.
40. Mini Snow Globe Kits
Kids love snow globes – and these mini kits means that they can make their own! A different and unusual gift – everyone will enjoy making one of these.
41. Glow Gifts
There are hundreds of Glo in the Dark packs available, like this one, that include finger lights, cool glasses, butterfly hair lights, and light up balloons. Be sure to add some light-up glo gifts in your bags!
42. Mini Snake Toys
Mini snake block toys are like a Rubic’s cube and a snake rolled into one, enabling loads of different shapes and patterns to be created.
43. Mini Jack Soft Balls
Soft balls provide hours of fun and won’t damage anything! If you are planning a Queen’s Jubilee Party this year, then these Union Jack soft balls will be perfect for your party bags!
44. Puffy Stickers
Puffy Stickers are even better than normal stickers! Kids even stick them on their faces!
45. Slinkies
Everyone loves a Slinky, and if the children haven’t seen one before, they are in for a treat.
46. Biff Bats
Biff Bats (a hand-held bat with a ball attached by elastic) have been around for as long as kid’s parties – and are still just as popular today! Something a little different for a party bag that is bound to delight. Great for hand/eye coordination too!
47. Spy Pens
Spy pens allow you to write invisible messages that can only be revealed by UV light. These pens come with a handy built-in torch so the kids can write and send secret messages to each other.
48. Noise Putty
We won’t say what noise here (there may be kids listening) - but we’re sure you can guess. Which makes these a firm favourite with kids of all ages, but especially the adult ones!
49. Puzzle Books
Puzzle books will keep the kids occupied long after the party is over, and come in as many themes as there are parties, so there’s bound to be one perfect for your party.
50. Pin Badges
Whilst you can get pin badges of every conceivable design, much more fun can be had by buying blanks and leaving the children to design their own, which they will then wear with pride!
51. Foam Letters
Foam letters are great bath time fun – but if you buy a pack or two, you can divide them up and add the right letters into each party bag to spell out the child’s name, for them to display in their bathroom at home (or anywhere else).
52. Kids Sunglasses
Pop some shades into a party bag and let the kids strut out in style.
53. Mini Photo Frame
These mini porcelain photo frames are perfect for kids to decorate – and afterwards they can display their favourite family or friend photo as well.
54. Cress Kits
We’ve already mentioned cacti, but how about a grass/cress kit? These are great fun, and best of all, the finished plant is edible!
55. Felt-tip Pens
Don’t forget the simple things. Kids love colouring and drawing – so a small pack of felt-tip pens is always a winning gift. These glitter pens sparkle as well, adding a bit of extra magic to the occasion.
56. Animal Masks
From dressing up, to just a bit of fun (especially at an animal-themed party), these animal masks will go down well.
57. Fridge Magnets
Another ever-popular gift for a party bag, fridge magnets come in every size and shape you can think of – so there’s bound to be some that tie in with your party theme.
58. Mini Play-Dough Pots
Play dough has always been a firm children’s favourite toy, and now you can get them in mini-pots, they are a perfect party bag present.
59. Swap-Point Crayons
Swap-point pencils and crayons are a great party bag addition; it’s like having 10 colouring pencils in one!
60. Mini torches
Kids love torches – and they are fully educational, as they encourage book reading under the bedsheets at night! (Don’t tell anyone we suggested that though).
61. Make-your-own Keyring Kits
What’s better than a keyring? Making your own! These wooden keyring kits are ready to be painted and put together any way the children want to.
62. Scratch Art Bookmarks
Kids love scratch art – and these bookmarks make for a useful gift after the crafting is done. Each bookmark comes with its own bamboo scratcher – an ideal gift bag sized gift.
63. Puzzle Balls
If the kids are a little older, then these puzzle balls are great – and will keep their hands busy for hours on end. Great for swapping afterwards as well.
64. Cut-out Card Characters
There are thousands of these available – cut out card shapes that the kids can fold and assemble into little characters. Many are black and white, for them to colour in too.
65. Felt Sewing Kits
Felt sewing kits are easy to follow – even for small fingers – but they also help develop fine motor skills (using blunt, safe needles, of course).
66. Inflatable Lightsabers
From space battles to Star Wars themed parties – these inflatable lightsabers are a must-have for every party bag! The dads kids will love them!
67. Pinball games
A mini pinball machine in your pocket. Fun and frustration in equal measure.
68. Bouncing Putty
Combining the best of stretchy slime and bouncy balls, bouncing putty will give the kids hours of fun and laughter.
69. Dinosaur Egg Dig Kit
Brilliant for budding archaeologists, each clay egg can be carefully scraped away with the mini brush provided, to reveal the dinosaur hiding inside!
70. Squishies
Squishies (squishy toys) are another kind of fidget toy – fantastic little stress relief toys that are endlessly addictive.
71. Paper Lantern Kits
Paper lanterns are great fun to make and you could even add a battery-powered tealight to each party bag as well, to put inside once the lantern is made!
72. Wooden Spoon Craft Kit
Wooden Spoon Craft Kits are great for kid’s imaginations. Add a spoon, a few pipe-cleaners, some googly eyes and some felt, and you have the perfect party bag filler.
73. Kids Origami Kits
Origami kits are easy to make and fit perfectly into party bags. Many have the instructions printed on each sheet, making them ideal to distribute to different children.
74. Novelty Pull-Back Cars
Novelty pull-back cars like these are a good addition to a party bag. Great fun and can be used for setting up races and other games.
75. Parachute Toys
Parachute toys are another ageless toy which is the perfect size for a party bag. Throw them in the air and watch them slowly glide back down to earth, again and again.
76. Modelling Clay
Modelling clay is a brilliant creative toy for all ages. It can be bought in small packs, or larger ones can be split and distributed between bags.
77. Temporary Tattoos
Another ageless gift, temporary tattoos have been enjoyed for generations, and still delight to this day. As with many party bag items, there are countless themes to choose from, so there is bound to be one that fits your party theme.
78. 3D Mini Puzzles
3D puzzles are wooden or card constructions designed to get the kids thinking. Once they are assembled, they can be coloured in or decorated with gems, stickers or even glitter (if you can stand the mess this will make).
79. Slime Pots
For some reason, kids LOVE slime! And these super-colourful slime pots, filled with slippery, stretchy slime will be welcome in party bags everywhere – whatever the occasion.
80. Wind-up Toys
These are small, cheap and great fun.
81. Party Blowers
We’ve got to #81 already and almost forgot to add party blowers! Is a party even a party, if it doesn’t have these classic toot-toot noise makers?
82. Gem Art Stickers
Gem art is another micro sized craft activity that will keep the kids busy long after the party. With so many colours and pictures to choose from, there is something for everyone here!
83. Stained ‘Glass’ Decorations Kit
This one is Christmassy, but there are many ‘stained glass’ kits available in different themes (using coloured cellophane, not glass, of course).
84. Mini Click ‘n Catch
Click and catch toys – click the clicker to ping the ball into the air, then try and catch it so you can go again. How many can you do in a row, without dropping one?
85. Tropical Hawaiian Luau Flower Garlands
Great for any party bag, but even better for a beach themed party, these Hawaiian Luau flower garlands are loved by kids of all ages.
86. Marbles
Marbles never seem to go out of fashion – and you can see why. With so many colours and sizes, plus some great games to be played too!
87. Sticker Packs
Stickers are always fun – colourful, and come in all shapes, sizes and designs.
88. Jelly Sand Minis
Jelly sand is odd stuff – use the mould to build up layers of coloured sand in any pattern you want, then dip water and wait for it to dry. The result? Your new best friend.
89. Mini Embroidery Kits
Embroidery is a great crafting kit to give to boys and girls alike. Simple to do and even non-artistically gifted kids can create something that will look brilliant.
90. Novelty Straws
Not just great at parties, novelty straws are also brilliant party bag gifts. Like all the best gifts, they can be used time and again.
91.Decorate a Mask
Masks – as we have already seen – are enjoyed by all children, so why not give them the chance to decorate their own? These plain masks fit the bill (or the face) perfectly.
92. Mini Yoyos
Who doesn’t love a yoyo? And they are great trainers for hand/eye coordination (just in case you need an excuse to keep one for yourself).
93. Fairy Wands
For budding fairies and princesses everywhere! Decorate your own fairy wand. You can even make these yourself – just cut out a few wand shapes from thick card, make up a small packet with gems, ribbon and other decorating bits, and you’re all ready to pop them into the party bags!
94. Birdhouse Decorating Kit.
Time to get a bit creative – once the birdhouse is decorated and assembled, you’ve got months of birdwatching ahead as well! Most kits also come with paints and stickers for decoration.
95. Mini Plushies
Kids love plushies – soft and cuddly toys – and they will certainly love these mini ones when they find one in the bottom of their party bag!
96. Mini Snakes and Ladders
Many popular board games are available in mini format; we love this mini snakes and ladders, and the children will too.
97. Kazoos
We love the idea of giving noisy gifts to other people’s kids – so for us, a kazoo is a must for a party bag (just don’t give one to your own children, they’ll drive you up the wall).
98. Bumble Bee Pens
These 6-in-1 colour pens are bumble bee fun and always go down well. One quick click changes the pen colour, and the fun pen design is a winner with all.
99. Wooden Painting Shapes
So many shapes to choose from! Simple wooden shapes can be decorated in so many ways; letting the kid’s imagination run wild.
100. Scratch Design Keyrings
We keep finding brilliant keyring ideas – so we’ll end with this one. Scratch cards (not the lottery kind) have a layer of coloured cards waiting to be revealed. The kids can scratch off their own colourful design before clipping the keyring to their clothes or bags.
Phew! And there it is. 100 brilliant ideas for perfect party bags for kids!
Did we miss anything? If we did, then do get in touch with us at Boomf and we’ll add it to the list.
And if you need lots of something for your party, then visit us at boomf.com and we’ll sort it out for you.