10 Best Party Favors for 5 Year Olds (That Kids Will LOVE)

Finding party favors for 5 year olds that kids actually like (and parents don’t hate) can be tricky. These ideas are simple, fun, and realistic.

In this post:

  • party favor ideas kids actually use
  • simple, affordable options
  • alternatives to junky filler items

Key Highlights

  • Steer clear of cheap plastic toys and opt for unique party favors that are useful and engaging for a five-year-old party guest.
  • Consider your party theme when selecting favors to create a cohesive experience for the children.
  • DIY projects and craft kits can double as a fun party activity and a take-home gift, reducing the need for traditional goodie bags.
  • Eco-friendly options like reusable items and plant kits offer a sustainable alternative that parents will appreciate.
  • Personalized items add a special touch, making each guest feel valued and remembered long after the party ends.

Introduction

Planning a birthday party for a five-year-old is exciting, but figuring out what to put in the goodie bags can be a challenge. You want to thank your little guests with something fun, but you also want to avoid sending them home with trinkets that will be quickly forgotten. The perfect party favor complements your party theme and brings a smile to everyone’s face without adding to clutter. This guide will help you find classy and fun ideas for party favor bags that both kids and parents will love.

10 Best Party Favors for 5 Year Olds That Are Classy and Fun

Finding great favors that won’t end up in the trash can feel like a mission. The goal is to choose items that are both entertaining and useful. Instead of filling party favor bags with sugary treats or disposable plastic, consider options that inspire creativity or can be used again and again. It’s a great idea to think outside the traditional goody bag.

From creative kits to personalized treasures, there are plenty of options for your gift bags. Let’s explore some fantastic party favors that will make your celebration memorable for all the right reasons. These ideas are sure to delight your young guests.

5 year old birthday party celebration with smiling friends

1. Mini Art Supply Kits

Instead of filling gift bags with cheap plastic trinkets, why not spark some creativity? Mini art supply kits are a fantastic alternative. You can easily assemble these yourself to match your party theme or buy pre-made sets. They offer a hands-on activity that kids can enjoy long after the party is over.

What are the best party favor ideas for 5 year olds that are not cheap plastic toys? An art kit is a perfect answer. It’s a thoughtful gift that encourages imagination and fine motor skills. Plus, parents will appreciate a favor that doesn’t just add to the toy-box clutter.

You can customize these kits based on your budget and theme. Consider including items like:

  • A small sketchbook or notebook
  • A pack of crayons or sidewalk chalk
  • Coloring posters or fun-shaped erasers

2. DIY Craft Projects

Turn your party favor into a party activity! Setting up a DIY craft station is one of the most creative ideas for a five-year-old’s birthday. Each party guest gets to make their own unique creation to take home, serving as a personal and memorable keepsake from the day. It’s a wonderful way to keep kids engaged during the celebration.

What are some creative DIY party favor ideas for a 5 year old’s birthday? The options are nearly endless and can be tailored to any party theme. This approach combines entertainment and the party favor into one, which can also be budget-friendly.

Some popular DIY craft projects that kids love include:

  • Decorating birdhouses or masks
  • Painting ceramic tiles or small flower pots
  • Making friendship bracelets with colorful beads and yarn

3. Reusable Water Bottles with Fun Designs

Looking for unique and useful party favors? Reusable water bottles are a fantastic choice. They are practical, eco-friendly, and something that kids will use every day. You can find them in a wide variety of colors and designs to match your party’s theme, making them a fun and functional addition to your party favor bags.

Personalization takes this idea to the next level. Adding each child’s name to their bottle makes the gift feel extra special and helps prevent mix-ups at school or sports practice. This thoughtful touch ensures your party favor is both cherished and used regularly, making it a win for both kids and parents.

Here’s why reusable water bottles are a great favor idea:

  • They are a reusable item that reduces plastic waste.
  • They can be personalized for each guest.
  • They serve as a practical gift that kids can use for school, sports, or outings.

4. Storybooks or Board Books

If you’re looking for party favor options that support learning, a book is an excellent choice. Giving each party guest a storybook or a classic board book is a gift that can be enjoyed over and over again. It’s a wonderful way to encourage a love of reading from a young age, and it adds a meaningful item to a child’s bookshelf.

Unlike many typical favors, a book won’t be tossed aside after a day. You can choose titles that align with your party theme or select timeless classics that every child will love. Placing a book in the favor bags sends a positive message and provides lasting value.

Here are a few reasons why books make great favors:

  • They support literacy and learning.
  • You can find affordable options when buying in sets.
  • They are a quiet, screen-free activity for kids.

5. Eco-Friendly Sticker Packs

What kid doesn’t love stickers? They’re a simple, fun, and affordable option for party bags. To make this classic favor even better, choose eco-friendly sticker packs. These are often made from recycled materials and use non-toxic adhesives, making them a choice you can feel good about. It’s a fun treat that won’t end up in a landfill.

Stickers offer endless creative possibilities. Kids can use them to decorate notebooks, water bottles, or artwork. Some parents might hesitate with stickers, but providing a small notepad or coloring sheet along with them can give kids a designated place for their new collection.

Here are some benefits of choosing eco-friendly stickers:

  • They are a budget-friendly favor option.
  • They encourage creativity and fine motor skills.
  • Eco-friendly versions are a sustainable choice that parents will appreciate.

6. Puzzle Sets or Brain Teasers

Are there any party favor options for 5 year olds that support learning? Absolutely! Small puzzles or brain teaser games are a fun way to challenge young minds. These items engage a child’s problem-solving skills and provide a sense of accomplishment once completed. They are a great screen-free activity to include in party favor bags.

From simple wooden puzzles to small sets of brain teasers, you can find options suitable for five-year-olds. These favors encourage patience and concentration in a playful manner. They are a step up from typical throwaway toys and offer genuine entertainment value.

Consider these ideas for puzzle-based favors:

  • Mini jigsaw puzzles with themes like animals or vehicles
  • Small wooden block puzzles
  • Age-appropriate brain teaser games like Highlights Puzzle Books

7. Plant Growing Kits for Kids

For a truly unique and eco-friendly party favor, a plant growing kit is a great idea. These kits give children a hands-on experience with nature as they watch their own plant sprout and grow. It’s a memorable gift that teaches responsibility and the basics of botany in a fun, interactive way. This is one of those unique party favors kids and parents will talk about.

These kits typically come with everything needed, including a small pot, soil, and seeds for easy-to-grow plants like flowers or herbs. They can easily be tied into a garden or nature-inspired party theme. Giving a plant kit is a wonderful way to provide a gift that keeps on giving.

Why choose a plant growing kit?

  • It’s an interactive, educational, and eco-friendly favor.
  • It teaches kids about nature and responsibility.
  • It serves as a lasting reminder of a fun celebration.

8. Play Dough Jars or Sensory Dough

Play dough is a classic for a reason—kids love it! Instead of store-bought tubs, consider making your own DIY sensory dough for a personal touch. You can customize the colors to match your party theme and add glitter or calming scents like lavender. It’s an affordable goodie that provides hours of sensory fun.

While some parents cringe at the thought of slime, homemade play dough is often a welcome alternative. It’s less messy and can be made with simple, kitchen-safe ingredients. Presenting it in a small jar with a cute label makes it feel like a special gift.

Here’s why play dough is a fantastic favor:

  • It’s a budget-friendly option, especially if you make a DIY batch.
  • It encourages sensory play and creativity.
  • You can customize colors and scents for a personalized touch.

9. Personalized Tote Bags

If you’re wondering about party favor ideas that won’t end up in the trash, personalized items are a safe bet. A small tote bag with each child’s name on it is both practical and special. Kids love seeing their name on things, and this personalized gift gives them something to carry their treasures in.

These bags can double as the party bags themselves, which you can fill with a few small, thoughtful items. The party guest can then reuse their tote for library books, toys, or carrying snacks. It’s a useful item that feels exclusive and will be used long after the party.

Why personalized tote bags are a great choice:

  • They are highly useful and reduce waste.
  • The personalization makes each guest feel special.
  • They can be used as the actual favor bag during the party.

10. Themed Cookie Decorating Kits

Parents often recommend favors that are consumable or serve as an activity. A themed cookie decorating kit checks both boxes! This is one of those great favors that combines a fun party activity with a delicious snack. You can prepare kits with a couple of plain sugar cookies, small bags of icing, and some sprinkles.

This idea works with almost any theme, whether you use cookie cutters shaped like dinosaurs, unicorns, or even ice cream cones. It’s an interactive treat that kids can decorate at the party or take home to enjoy later. It’s a creative and tasty way to say thank you to your guests.

A cookie decorating kit is a hit because:

  • It doubles as a party activity and a take-home treat.
  • It’s a consumable gift, so it doesn’t create long-term clutter.
  • It’s easily customizable to fit any party theme.

Conclusion

In summary, selecting the right party favors for five-year-olds can turn an ordinary celebration into something memorable and special. The options we’ve explored, from mini art supply kits to themed cookie decorating kits, provide a wonderful mix of fun and creativity that fits various interests. By choosing classy and engaging gifts, you not only delight the little guests but also ensure that the memories of the party linger long after the festivities have ended. So why wait? Start planning your next party with these fantastic favor ideas in mind, and make it an unforgettable experience for everyone involved!

About the Author

I’m Anya, a mom of two toddlers and the creator of Feral Toddler. I test every activity, routine, and meltdown strategy in my own home first.

I have an MBA and a background in behavior focused research. I love turning daily chaos into simple systems and ideas that actually work for tired parents.

Everything here is educational and based on real world parenting. It is not medical or behavioral advice.

Want to know more about me and this site? Read the About page.

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I’m Anya

The exhausted ringmaster of this circus, and proud founder of Feral Toddler — a page born somewhere between a tantrum in Target and a cold cup of coffee I reheated three times and still never drank.

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