In the first of our 'Let's Talk' series of blogs, we tackle the humble party bag - a staple of children's birthday parties up and down the country, but if we’re honest, also a significant source of single-use plastic waste. Most traditional party bags are filled with plastic toys that break within hours, plastic wrappers, and synthetic novelties that go straight in the bin.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Here’s our guide to single-use plastic free party bags children (and adults) will actually love:

Let’s start with the bag itself
Controversially perhaps, is a bag even needed at all? If little guests spend time making something at the party such as a paper crown, a seed ball, a fluttering butterfly or a jumping frog, then that is the party bag. They made it, they love it, they take it home. Add a napkin for the slice of cake, and you're done with no bag required, and no waste created. Kids are far more attached to something they made themselves than a bag of plastic tat they'll forget about before the car journey home. Other bag alternatives include:

  • A small terracotta plant pot filled with sweeties, a packet of seeds, or one small gift such as a keyring. The pot itself can be decorated as an activity.
  • An origami box made from scrap paper at the party, folded by the kids themselves.
  • A square of natural cotton or linen that wraps the goodies and becomes part of the gift. Reusable, beautiful, and zero waste.
  • If a bag is needed, look for those made from post-consumer recycled paper rather than virgin pulp

What to put inside
This is where the fun happens – think experiences and things that last:

  • Edible treats in paper packaging
  • A small book (second-hand if budget is tight)
  • Themed chalks
  • Herb seed packets kids can plant at home on the windowsill and use in cooking
  • Plantable seed paper activity sheets or bookmarks
  • Make your own paper kits 
  • Wooden or natural craft items such as mini wooden animals or pebbles to paint

What to avoid

  • Plastic toys and novelties
  • Individually wrapped sweets in plastic
  • Synthetic stickers (most sticker sheets contain a plastic backing sheet and glue)
  • Anything that will break or be thrown away within 24 hours

Make it meaningful
Some of the best party bags we’ve seen include a handwritten note from the birthday child, a simple activity and a seed to plant. Children remember experiences, not tat.

Browse our full range of plastic-free party bag fillers at www.partywithoutplastic.com. Everything is vetted, single-use plastic free, and sourced from UK small businesses.

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