If you’re not the kind of person that wants to farewell your party guests with a bag full of sugar then you (just like one of the mums on our Mums of the Shire Facebook Group) might be looking for part bag filler alternatives that won’t send the kids crazy.

Here are some ideas our helpful group suggested, as easy alternatives to Chupa-Chups and red frogs, which won’t disappoint the kids.

Small stationery items

You won’t have to go far *cough Kmart cough* to find a stack of novelty stationery items that little kids will love to use. Think hot dog staplers, french bulldog sticky notes, rainbow notepads, unicorn erasers, mermaid pencil sharpeners, scented pencils, glitter pens, stickers and more, all for under $1 each (and sometimes $1 for a pack of 4). Useful AND fun, you can’t go wrong.

Individual edibles

Instead of filling a bag full of lollies, opt for a single (maybe even personalised) treat. You can get sugar cookies to suit any party theme you like and won’t have to search hard to find a supplier within the Shire- but you can start your search by browsing the local confectionary and cookie companies here.

Single gifts

Cheap tiny trinkets often find their way to the trash, why not pick one small affordable gift for each child? It could be a Hot Wheels car, water pistol, activity book, bubble wand, drink bottle, handball etc. All are gift ideas that you can find for under $5, which works out comparably in cost to a lolly bag full of quality lollies anyway.

Plaster and paints

For as little as $2.50, we’ve spotted packaged plaster painting sets from Discount Party Supplies and Kmart. They make for a perfect way to thank your guests for coming, and will give them something quiet to do when they get home!

Playdough pots

Most little kids love to get their hands on (and into) some playdough. Making your own is cheap and easy and you can even buy a bag of playdough tools and split it so that each child receives one jar of playdough and one tool/cutter to go with it. This playdough recipe comes highly recommended.

Take home cupcake

Forget paying for an expensive cake that usually goes to waste! Make or buy some vanilla or chocolate cupcakes and let the kids ice and decorate them as the final party game before giving them the cake to eat or take home as a thank you.

Let someone else do it

Too time-poor to organise party favours? Let Little One’s Party Hire do the hard work for you. They offer multiple low-waste and sugar-free party bag ideas starting at just $2 each. Pick from colouring in sets, finger puppets, ribbon wands, playdough and shadow puppets.

We’d love to know what other great party bag ideas you have seen! Let us know below or share them with us on Facebook or Instagram.