🛍️ 10 Budget-Friendly DIY Party Favors Kids Actually Love
- Rynn C
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Creative, low-cost ideas that will leave kids smiling—without busting your party budget.
Planning a party for your child and need affordable, memorable party favors that don’t feel like dollar store throwaways? You're not alone. Many Atlanta parents want to skip the plastic junk and give out thoughtful, fun, and budget-friendly DIY party favors that kids actually want to take home.
This list is packed with 10 easy, creative DIY party favor ideas that are budget-friendly, customizable, and a huge hit with kids—whether you’re throwing a birthday party, school celebration, or holiday event.
🎁 1. Playdough Pots with Cookie Cutters
Cost: ~$1 per favor
Why kids love it: It’s squishy, colorful, and ready for hands-on play
How to DIY: Fill mini containers with homemade or store-bought playdough, attach a small cookie cutter, and tie with ribbon. Add a custom label to match your theme.
🔍 Keywords: DIY playdough party favor, toddler party favors, handmade kids gift
🌈 2. Crayon Shapes & Mini Coloring Pages
Cost: Under $1 each
Why kids love it: Personalized crayons in fun shapes are exciting and useful
How to DIY: Melt broken crayons in silicone molds (dinosaurs, hearts, stars), then package with 3–4 themed coloring pages tied in twine.
👶 Perfect for ages 2–6 and great for art or rainbow parties.
🍭 3. Candy-Free Treat Bags
Cost: $0.75–$1.50 per bag
Why parents love it: Allergy-safe and sugar-free
What to include: Stickers, mini slinkies, bubbles, glow sticks, pencils, stamps—buy in bulk and split into cute paper bags with “Thank You!” tags.
🎯 Great for school-safe birthday parties.
🧁 4. Decorate-Your-Own Cookie Kit
Cost: ~$2 each (or less in bulk)
Why kids love it: They get to play AND eat
How to DIY: Package 1–2 sugar cookies with a small icing tube and sprinkles in a clear bag or box.
🍪 Perfect for baking-themed parties or as a holiday take-home.
🧪 5. Mini Slime Cups
Cost: ~$1.25 per cup
Why kids love it: Slime never gets old
How to DIY: Make your own slime in bright colors and scoop into 2oz condiment cups with lids. Add glitter or confetti for extra fun.
⚠️ Pro Tip: Label it “Non-edible. Parent approved. Kid adored.”
💐 6. Seed Packets or DIY Plant Kits
Cost: ~$1 per favor
Why parents love it: Teaches responsibility and nature fun
How to DIY: Include a small pot, dirt disc, and seed packet in a mini bag. Decorate with a label that says, “Thanks for helping my party grow!”
🌱 Great for spring birthdays, Earth Day themes, or garden parties.
✨ 7. Glow-in-the-Dark Favor Jars
Cost: ~$1 each
Why kids love it: They’ll play with it for hours
How to DIY: Fill mini mason jars with glow sticks, stickers, or mini LED finger lights. Wrap with glow-in-the-dark tape and a label that says “Thanks for lighting up my day!”
💡 Best for evening parties or glow/space themes.
🎨 8. DIY Craft Kits
Cost: ~$1.50–$2.00
Why kids love it: It’s an activity AND a gift
How to DIY: Assemble a small craft kit (pipe cleaners, googly eyes, glue dots, foam shapes, etc.) in a zip bag with simple instructions.
🎨 Add crayons or stickers based on age range.
🐾 9. Adopt-a-Stuffed-Animal Favor
Cost: ~$2 each (buy mini animals in bulk)
Why kids love it: It’s a friend they take home
How to DIY: Buy small plush animals, attach a cute tag (“Adopt Me!”), and place in a mini crate or basket at the party for each child to choose one.
🧸 Ideal for safari, pet, or zoo-themed parties.
🍫 10. Custom Hot Cocoa Mixes (Winter Parties)
Cost: ~$1–$1.25 each
Why kids love it: It’s a warm memory they’ll take home
How to DIY: Fill cone bags or jars with cocoa mix, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips. Add a tag like “Warm wishes from [Child’s Name]'s Party.”
☕ Great for December birthdays or snow-themed events like Big Idea Blizzard.
📝 Final Tips for Budget Party Favors
🎁 Aim for useful or themed items over plastic throwaways
🧒 Consider age-appropriateness—toddlers vs. tweens
🏷️ Use printable labels or tags for a professional look
📦 Store in baskets or boxes at the party for easy grab-and-go
🎈 Want More Party Ideas?
Planning a party in Atlanta and need more than DIY? Check out these local vendors for full-service fun:
🫧 Foam Palooza Atlanta – Foam parties for warm-weather birthdays
🫧 Big Idea Bubbles – Bubble shows and play zones
🎪 Big Idea Backyard Carnival – Game booths, prizes, and more
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