WWND -- Party Favors

Pesky

I was talking about party favors with another mom and DH.  Personally, I get so tired of some of the plastic junk that follows the kids home from parties.  Most of it ends up in the trash.  That's why this year I was leaning towards something like a Dairy Queen GC (small denomination) that the kid could go get an ice cream cone and call it a day.

Sooooo, WWYD?

1)  Bag o' plastic crap:  DH is right about one thing -- the kids do love this.  They love pawing through it, wearing the items for all of 2 seconds and discarding it.  I could start picking up stuff at the dollar bins or look at OTC.

2)  DQ or frozen yogurt place GC:  small denomination but enough to get an ice cream cone or sundae.  Could also do to somewhere like Chik-Fil-A or Wendy's for a milkshake/Frosty.

3)  Barnes & Noble GC:  another mom does this on the preschool board.  I like this but both the other mom and DH think this will be underwhelming to the kids.

4)  Nothing Bundt Cakes mini bundt cakes:  did this last year and I do think the parents were more excited about it than the kids.

5)  Books:  Just skip the GC part, buy some cheaper books like Little Critter paperbacks and each child can pick one.

6)  Combo:  DH suggested getting a single piece of plastic crap and offering a DQ GC with it.

WWND?  TIA!

MrsPez07

We've been to so many 3-Yo parties lately and you are right about the plastic crap. I do think the favors depend on the age a bit. We can often stash DS's in the car on the way home and he forgets about it. I like the book idea personally. Other good favors (some platic crap) that we have both liked (and he played with more than just a bit) were the plastic slinky, bubbles, squirt gun, a wooden train whistle and conductors hat (train themed party). I think one significant gift of decent quality is a nice idea, even better if it happens to match the theme.

PrncesWife

Ditto pp.  I'd just do something simple.  I really like the book idea.

gault530

I would love if DD got a gc for barnes and noble, she loves books and it's something you can keep forever.  Have you thought about buying one book to give as a gift?  We bought these books http://www.amazon.com/Where-Do-Balloons-Uplifting-Mystery/dp/006027980X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338386493&sr=8-1  for DD's birthday two years ago (it's her favorite book) and it was a huge hit. 

 You could even have your DD sign the inside.

treeduck

I like the DQ/Fro Yo GC idea & would be happy if my kids got that.  I also really like gault530's idea - same book for every kid that has meaning to your child.

jason&robin

I usually try to get things that aren't junk and match the theme.Typically, I will make some sort of treat like carmel corn, chex mix, rice krispy treat. I like the idea of books. I wouldn't just give a gift card. I see favors as a nice and simple way of thanking someone for coming to your party.You shouldn't have to feel like you have to pay them for coming. Also, if you handed out 10 dollar books, you would be pretty much spending as much on the guest as I would be spending on the birthday child and that doesn't make sense to me. I found some fun ideas on pinterest that don't break the bank.