10 Delightful Zero-Waste Party Favors That Will Wow Your Guests

I am sure, most of us have faced the dilemma of “What to do with the useless plastic stuff we get as favors at parties, especially at kid’s parties”.  Don’t worry, you are not alone. Almost all of us are sailing in the same boat or have been through this. But after my elder one started attending parties and every party he would come back with a bag full of plastic stuff, most of which was useless. I got so fed up that I had to take charge and decided to have a zero-waste party favor at his birthday party.

My zero-waste party favors or eco-friendly party favors are super hit among all the kids and parents alike. Parents don’t need to worry about keeping the stuff and kids are genuinely happy as they love what they get. I not only started this culture but have also inspired several of my friends and extended family to follow the same.

Why do we need Zero-Waste Party Favors

We all know that the major cause of pollution is plastic and it causes long-term pollution. Most of the favors are made from low-grade plastic which is full of chemicals and has a very bad impact on earth. Even if we get the best quality products, most are still made of plastic. The first plastic product was made more than 100 years ago and it will still be existing somewhere in the environment, either in some dig or in the ocean. Our land and oceans are getting filled with plastic and it’s coming back to harm us.

Scientists have found microplastic in the fish we eat and we all know how whales and other big fishes are found on beached with stomach full of plastic. Forget about the kids, I know so many adults who don’t care about their plastic usage and buy stuff without looking at eco-friendly alternatives.

Most of the stuff we use in our daily lives can be replaced by eco-friendly or zero-waste alternatives. I started my sustainable living journey around 10 years ago and every day I put my sincere efforts into reducing my plastic waste.

If you are new to sustainable living lifestyle, please do check out the below blogs, I am sure that these will surely help you.

Embrace Sustainable Living for a Brighter Future – To Begin just Replace 2 Items2 Essential Sustainable Bath Products for an Eco-Friendly Revolution

If I start talking about plastic pollution and eco-friendly sustainable life, i can go on and on, so let me just shut up and start giving you my favorite zero-waste party favors which have been super hit among both kids and parents.

Zero-Waste Party Favors For Kids Parties

Most of us have kids who love birthday parties and the most awaited part of any kid’s party is the goodie-bag, Its a must to have. I used to find it quite challenging to find eco-friendly party favors that are well-liked by kids. But slowly I found ways to do it. I generally opt for kids to create some artwork and they can take that as part of a goody bag along with some chocolates and locally baked cookies. Most of the kids and even parents have appreciated these goody bags. Let me give you some idea which I have used and not only my kids but there friends too were thrilled by these goody bags.

Zero-Waste Party Favor: Baked Goodies

This is my all-time favorite as my kids and all their friends love to bake with me.

Before we start thinking of letting the kids bake, the first thing you need is the list of allergies any kid is having, and consolidate the full list for all the kids. Get parent’s permission that they are ok to let their kids do the baking with adult supervision.

Once you have the above sorted, you are all set to have a zero-waste party favor theme amazing fun kids party.

Zero-waste party favor
Zero-waste Party Favor: Baked Goodies

I divide the kids into similar age groups as it helps the supervisors to give instruction. Generally, kids about 13-14 years of age need little guidance but the younger kids need a bit more supervision and clear instructions.

Kids bake cookies, cupcakes, muffins or other treats during the party. You should see the excitement on kids faces when they bake their cookies or muffins or anything for that matter of fact. They are super-duper excited and they all want to show off their baking skills to their families. I make sure that I pack these baked creations in reusable, decorative tins or glass jars or paper bags. This ensures that my party meets its objective of zero-waste party favor 😊

Zero-Waste Party Favor: Personalized Art Projects

Another one of my favorites, a lot of fun and you get to see the amazing creativity of kids.
In general, I set up multiple art stations and make age-appropriate groups for all kids as art material may vary based on the age of kids. Each kid gets a limited amount of time and they have to plan and execute artwork within their time. If the party has a limited number of kids, then each one gets their art station. It all depends on the time, availability, and number of kids.

All art stations will have eco-friendly supplies like recycled paper, non-toxic paints, and plant-based crayons.
Kids have a lot of imagination and they love to draw it. I talk to each kid and ask them what they drew and other small details. This helps in making the kids feed special (especially young kids love this kind of attention).

Kids get super excited to take their own artwork home and show it to family members. I pack their artwork in a newspaper or give it in a paper bag.

I keep the same colors and other art materials back safely to be reused at the next party or we as group of friends have started sharing these items to reduce our consumption for sustainable living.

Zero-Waste Party Favor: Decorated Plant Pots

I think most of us are trying to keep at least some indoor plants if we don’t have space or time to maintain outdoor gardens. I generally get small terracotta pots and eco-friendly chemical-free paints for kids to decorate. To ensure that kids’ artwork remains intact and vibrant, I use waterproof colors. This prevents their creations from being washed away, avoiding any disappointment and preserving their hard work and creativity.

I have seen very small kids coming up with very beautiful drawings on the plain pots and they are super excited.

Zero-waste Party Favor: Decorated plant pots

Most of the kids love to take these potted plants back home to plant seeds or small succulents.

Almost all my indoor plant pots are decorated by my kids and I have an array of beautiful designs. Whenever any guest comes home, the first thing they notice is the beautifully decorated pots and you should see my kids. Their faces are swelled with pride 😊

Zero-Waste Party Favor: Handmade Soap or Bath Bombs

I let the kids get creative and hands-on by making their own soaps or bath bombs using natural ingredients. This fun activity not only keeps them engaged but also teaches them about sustainable living. They can customize their creations with essential oils, dried flowers, and natural colorants.

During this activity, while making the bath soap, I also explained to them about the chemical products available in the market and how they harm the environment in a kid-friendly manner.  

Each child will leave with a unique, eco-friendly bath product to enjoy at home in a reusable cloth or paper bag, making the party memorable and meeting the objective of zero-waste party favors.

Zero-Waste Party Favor: DIY Jewelry or Sticker

I have seen most of the girls love this activity while boys get super bored in 5-10 minutes and at the same time, boys love to make stickers. It’s not a rule just my observation from the past few parties.

So, I generally keep both activities to engage all the kids. Kids interested in making jewelry get to make their jewelry and kids who like to make stickers get to make stickers.

I just set up a jewelry-making station with beads, hemp cords, and other sustainable materials. Generally, I have noticed almost all the girls will use a lot of heart-shaped, bunnies, unicorns, or circle beads in their bracelets. I am yet to find 100% eco-friendly beads sets so i have to use plastic beads but at least kids use it for a while and it can always be reused to make something else too.

I Set up a fun sticker-making station where anyone interested in making stickers can design and create their stickers. Provide blank sticker sheets, markers, and various stencils for endless creative possibilities. I generally buy the A4 letter size blank sticker sheets and based on the kids age, either i cut them or if they can use seizers, they can cut by themselves using kids safe seizers. This makes it cost effective and not much goes for a waste.

Amazon has got some nice wooden and clay based beads options too, In around 18$ you can get 8+K beads which is more than enough for number of kids. You can always mix plastic, clay and wooden beads to get a unique look.

Zero-waste Party Favor: Clay and wooden beads

I place chairs surrounding the station and kids can spend hours and hours making bracelets, necklaces, and stickers. This activity allows them to express their creativity and take home personalized jewelry or stickers as a memorable party favor. It’s a perfect blend of fun and artistry that they’ll love!

Zero-Waste Party Favor: Nature-Inspired Crafts

I have always encouraged my kids to connect with nature by doing any nature-related activity. It can be a small act like watering the plants or taking out the small weeks. I try to encourage all my kid’s friends also to do the same. Parties are the perfect place for me to do that. I start by setting up a craft station with materials like pinecones, leaves, and rocks. Of course, kids need help, especially for a bit of complicated work like bird feeders which we are always there to provide.

Kids love to express themselves by making beautiful bird feeders, painting rocks, or making leaf prints.

Each child will have a unique, eco-friendly creation to take home, making the party both fun and educational. This hands-on activity promotes a love for nature and sustainability.

They can take these crafts home in a reusable tote or paper bag.

These activities not only provide fun and creative engagement during the party but also ensure that the party favors are meaningful, eco-friendly, and memorable.

Zero-Waste Party Favors For Gwonup’s Parties

I skip the goody bags altogether for grownup’s parties or if it’s a must-give, I opt for a small plant in grow bags along with some locally baked goods. Let me give you some specific items that I have provided in the past and everyone loved them.

Zero-Waste Party Favor: Eco-Friendly Wine Stopper Sets

Some of my friends love wines I have gotten a set of lovely stainless steel Wine Bottle Stopper from Amazon and they loved it. I always pair them with some of their favorite wine bottles and put them together in a cloth or paper reusable bag.

Zero-Waste Party Favor: Eco-friendly Wine Stopper

Generally giving something consumable is a better idea in my opinion as people do need to eat and drink and there are high chances of it not contributing to the waste.

Zero-Waste Party Favor: Organic Tea or Coffee Kits

This one is definitely my favorite. I have made so mane hampers with different kind of coffee and teas that i have lost the count. I already know the preference of most of my friends so i ensure to prepare each one favor as per their preference, this also makes it very exclusive and personalized.

You can buy different types of organic tea from Amazon or from your local vendor and pack them in eco-friendly material to meet your zero-waste party favor objective. My favorite organic tea from Amazon is Herbaly brand, they have various types of organic tea collection. I love to have their “Dream Vibes” tea before going to bed. Many people say that its not good to have caffiene before going to bed but somehow this is a habit i don’t want to get rid of atleast as of now.

Zero-waste party favor: Pack different variety of Organic Tea

I generally buy in bulk like sets of different flavors and pack them in any eco-friendly packaging. I can personally guarantee you that this will be liked by all your friends.

Zero-Waste Party Favor: Reusable Kitchen Essentials

I think every one needs to cook at home at some point in life and we all really appreciate if we have access to good quality kitchen essential. These items may be small but are very much needed at times.

Small items like set of stainless steel straws, bamboo cutlery, and a silicone food storage bag, eco-friendly cutlery sets or picnic sets are good options to be given as zero-waste party favors. All these items also serves as a reminder of our pledge to save earth and produce as little waste as we can.

If I have a little big budget, I have also given reusable coffee mugs or water bottles. My favorite brand for coffee mugs is Zojirushi. If you want to see the comparison between several coffee mugs, you can check out my post “Brew Buddy Battle: Testing 5 Travel Coffee Mugs to Find Your Perfect Pour“. Some of my friends are not very brand conscious, I have gotten excellent deals from local Costco store.

I prefer to give anything which can be used multiple times and also try my best to avoid things made of plastic. I prefer items either made of metal which can be recycles or made of biodegradable material which can be composed back to earth.

Zero-Waste Party Favor: Compostable Plant Pots with Seeds

This is another one of my favorite as this is very cost effective and repeating this is also ok as one can never have enough of plants. I just make sure that i buy good quality Terracotta Pots with Drainage Holes. You can buy them in different sizes and if i have enough time, i plant a seed with good quality organic all-purpose transplanting mix. I also try my best to write a personal card along with the pot of give it a personalized touch. If the time permits, i write about the seed/plant, its benefit and also the process to take good care of it. When this information is available easily, most of my friends have taken good care of the plants.

Some times i have also grown the seed into a tiny plant and gifted that to the people to rise there curiosity. If the plant looks good and grows Infront of your eyes, as human we are bound to get attached to it and take good care of it.

Zero-Waste Party Favors: Conclusion

Organizing your party with a zero-waste party favor objective is a wonderful way to show your commitment to sustainability while providing your guests with thoughtful and memorable gifts. This might sound difficult in the beginning but quite easy to do if you plan well and ahead of time. I have given you some options here but there are several other options available, you just need to think about the needs and preferences of your guests.

These eco-friendly alternatives not only reduce waste but also encourage others to adopt more sustainable practices in their daily lives.

By choosing zero-waste party favors, you’re not only making a positive impact on the environment but also inspiring your guests to do the same. Each favor serves as a reminder of the importance of reducing waste and living sustainably, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond your event.

I have given several sustainable gifts to all my parties, especially for my kid’s birthday parties and games celebration parties but I have been trying my best to avoid using any plastic item and giving any plastic item in the return gift. Kids have always loved my creative zero-waste party favor but, some of them have become my brand ambassadors, they asked their parents not to use plastic at their birthday parties. It was such a pleasant surprise. This proves that kids do what they see not what they hear.

It’s my humble request to all the readers please avoid plastic in any or every form and opt for eco-friendly options. Another sustainability option is to buy only what is necessary, don’t give in to your wants, just stick to your needs.

So, the next time you’re planning a party, consider these zero-waste options to make your event both memorable and environmentally friendly. Let’s celebrate responsibly and contribute to a healthier planet, one party favor at a time.

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