Main courtesy of The Knot by Lily Glass Photography
Are you having kids at your wedding? Are you wondering how to entertain them? Goodie bags are your ideal answer – easy to customise for each age, they’re inexpensive and easy to put together, and they ensure your little guests have as much fun as possible! We’ve gathered together some of the best ideas real brides have given us on the perfect bag fillers – so if you’re struggling to come up with something beyond colouring books and crayons, this one’s for you.
Get your free downloadable checklist here, and choose your favourites!
While the kids are guaranteed to enjoy any age-appropriate item on the list below, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. If you’re going to add sweets to your treats, try to keep them to a minimum – and stay away from anything containing nuts, or bright stuff that stains. Likewise, stains are caused by markers, felt-tip pens, coloured putty, and paints – avoid putting those in the bags, as the parents may not be happy if kids ruin their pretty outfits. Don’t put whistles or things that make noise – the kids will use them to their full potential, causing a huge racket. If you’re giving them things like glitter, gems or confetti, be sure to check it’s okay with the venue to bring them indoors – or you may end up footing the bill for the clean-up.
If you don’t want to make separate bags for each kiddo – or if you’re having too many little ones in attendance – all you need to do is a big basket or two, and chuck everything in there for the kids to help themselves. You don’t have to buy each a separate colouring book – ask the venue to put brown paper on tables instead of a tablecloth, so they can draw to their little hearts’ content. Keep a sheet or two spare, as a backup replacement.
For paper fun – puzzles, word games, sudoku, connect-the-dots, colouring pages, crafts, etc – you’ll find plenty of free printables online, and you can even customise them for your wedding by adding your names and wedding date. If any of the pictures are especially impressive, you may like to keep them to paste into your guest book, as a special memento.
If you’re having just a few kids and you want to do something extra special for them, think fewer things but higher quality. A Barbie in a wedding dress for the girls, and a larger Lego set for the boys? An inexpensive digital camera for an older child (if the budget allows) to take their own pictures as an honorary photographer for the day – or you could opt for disposable cameras for a cheap and cheerful alternative?
Here’s our list of fabulous things you can put in kids’ goodie bags. We’ve kept it simple and non gender-specific, because many items on it are suitable for various age groups, and for both boys and girls. Just pick your faves – and enjoy! Don’t forget to download your copy from the link above.
- sketchbook
- colouring book
- activity book
- sticker book
- magic book
- crayons
- bubbles
- play-doh
- Lego or other blocks
- Matchbox cars
- munchies
- mini puzzles
- travel-size games
- mini etch-a-sketch
- glitter
- paper dolls – wedding themed
- inexpensive age-appropriate books
- glow sticks
- glow-in-the-dark jewellery
- toy soldiers
- parachute men
- animal figurines
- little dolls
- wedding-themed Barbie
- finger puppets
- Kinder Eggs – toy is a bonus
- Top Trumps
- balloons
- disposable cameras and list of things to photograph
- lipgloss and play make-up
- simple origami book and paper
- jumping frog toys
- My Little Pony
- tiara, wings and wands playsets
- diary and pen
- kaleidoscopes
- sunglasses
- animal masks
- fans
- stencils
- dominos
- soft toys
- make-your-own-jewellery kits
- teething toys
- rubber ducks
Are you putting anything else in your goodie bags? We’d love to hear about it – tell us in the comments!
