How To Do A Plastic-Free Kids Party Bag

Little Hotdog Watson Cub Hat with Neck Flap in Toucan Play

and Cub Hat with Neck Flap in Turquoise 

We're Little Hotdog Watson, and we make cool, fun hats for kids. We're looking at how to do a brilliant plastic free party bag for kids! 

If there’s one really easy way we can cut down on plastic consumption as modern families, it’s cutting out on the unnecessary plastic clutter our children seem to acuminate! Party bags are a huge culprit. Here’s how to do a plastic-free party bag that kids, parents and the planet will be thankful for: 

Use paper bags or alternative containers

Let’s start with the bags themselves. Etsy has lots of quirky options from indie businesses, but if you can’t find something to fit your vibe - get creative. Simple brown or white sandwich bags from Amazon can look great covered with doodles, stickers, coloured stamp prints or printable details to match your theme. You might also want to try completely different party bag containers - like jam jars or pencil tins. 

Although not plastic free, we recently heard a suggestion of giving a bucket and spade with a piece of birthday cake inside! A gift that will keep on giving and encourages kids to get outdoors too. Brilliant for a summer party. 

Go plastic-free with the treats 

If you want to pop in yummy treats, go for those without the plastic wrapping. A slice of cake wrapped in a paper napkin, gingerbread men, personalised cookies, or a tube of smarties are all easy plastic-free ideas.  

Give the gift of green

We love the idea of popping in a little bag of sunflower seeds or a wildflower seed bomb to throw into the garden as a beautiful surprise later in the season. Or as a completely different end-of-party gift, how about a little potted plant instead? Gift with paints and stickers so they can decorate the planter for an arty touch. 

Looking for ways to have a fun outdoor party for kids? Check out our blog here!

Choose party bag gifts they’ll actually use

Skip the party bags full of disposable pocket money toys and filler. Instead try practical but fun gifts like mini bath bombs, books, pencils, or crayons. We love these ergonomic crayons from Kidly.

Make the most of your printer 

For paper favours and fun, try the Mr Printable site full of amazing paper crafts to the impress kids (and their grown-ups).

Themed colouring sheets are an easy addition for entertainment when the party’s stopped too.  

If you don’t want to print off sheets yourself, how about splitting a colouring-in postcard set between party bags with a pack like these ‘A-to-Z of Unicorns’ Kids Colouring Postcards by Neon Magpie.

Or, shop from the pros (and save the stress) 

Stuck for ideas? We’ve found some beautiful businesses who offer party alternatives to plastic rubbish.  

The Paper Party Bag Shop - The clue is in the name. Shop here for ready to go bags as well as handy supplies you might want to use for your DIY bags (including plastic-free toys and gift wrapping).

Little Cooks Co - Give your invitees something really special to go home with, with one of these fab cooking kits from Little Cooks Co. Made to order, these boxes include the ingredients and instructions for little ones to make a healthy and yummy snack. 

Oglee Poglee - Crafty types will love these ready-made party bags turned craft kits for open-ended arty fun when the kids get home. Unleash their creativity! 

For more plastic-free party bag ideas browse our Pinterest board here.

What are your ultimate party bag essentials for little ones? Get in touch on our Facebook and Instagram and let us know! 

Don’t forget to join our free newsletter for more fun outdoor ideas and summer fashion inspiration to keep your kids entertained in style.

After growing up in the North-west of England, Emma’s love of travel and style saw her career move to London with a fashion + business degree,  first working as a trend researcher then menswear buyer for some of the most famous stores in the UK. 

In 2015, having had her first baby she moved to Norwich to explore a family life closer to beaches and the countryside. Becoming a parent she found herself in a world of kidswear that didn’t look good or perform for the type of fresh air fun as a family so she set about creating her own brand. Little Hotdog Watson was born in 2016. The summer and winter hats for kids and adults, jam-packed with innovative protective technology have gone on to win awards, grace the pages of magazines, like Vogue, Grazia, Independent, Mother and Baby and celebrities alike. 

Emma had another daughter in 2019 and became a lecturer in Fashion and Business at Norwich University of the Arts.  She continues to design hats at her dining room table and share her passion to help families get outside more and explore the world. Here is one of her favourite outside blogs; 15 games adults will love playing with kids 

Email her anytime at; support@littlehotdogwatson.com or find her on Instagram.