Kids' Party Bag Ideas: Affordable Wristbands, Slap Bands, and Fun Fillers Children Will Love

Why Party Bags Still Matter — and How to Make Them Better

The kids’ party bag has become almost obligatory at children’s celebrations — and almost universally dreaded by parents. A typical party bag contains small plastic toys that break before the drive home, cheap sweets, and a balloon that deflates overnight. The child forgets about it within hours; the parents pick pieces off the floor for a week.

But party bags done well are genuinely exciting for children and create a lasting positive memory of the event. The secret is choosing items that are fun, durable, and wearable — things kids actually want to show their friends the next day. Wristbands, particularly slap bands and silicone novelty bands, have proven themselves as one of the best party bag fillers available.

The Case for Wristbands as Party Bag Fillers

Here is why wristbands work so well in party bags:

  • They are wearable immediately — children put them on at the party and wear them home, showing off the event.
  • They last — a silicone wristband survives washing, playing, and weeks of daily wear. It will outlast anything else in the party bag.
  • They are affordable in bulk — ordering 20-30 bands is very cost effective compared to equivalent plastic toys.
  • They create peer excitement — kids compare and swap wristbands. A colourful or novelty band generates conversation at school the following Monday.

Slap Bands: The Party Bag Superstar

Slap bands were a 1990s playground phenomenon and have never truly gone away. The satisfying snap of a slap band onto a wrist remains irresistible to children of all ages — and adults who remember them from their own childhood. For party bags, slap bands offer something few other items do: an interactive, tactile experience the child enjoys repeatedly.

Solid vs Printed Slap Bands

Solid colour slap bands are great for colour-themed parties. Printed slap bands can carry the party theme, the birthday child’s name, or any custom graphic. For a dinosaur party, football theme, or unicorn celebration, a printed slap band ties the party bag to the overall event design and makes it feel intentional rather than generic.

Browse our slap band and wristband collection to find the perfect style for your party theme.

Other Great Party Bag Ideas to Pair With Wristbands

A wristband is a fantastic anchor for a party bag, but you can build around it with other items that children actually enjoy. Here are some ideas that consistently get good reviews from both kids and parents.

Books and Activity Cards

A small puzzle book, activity pad, or set of joke cards gives children something to do on the car ride home. These have virtually no breakage risk and are appreciated by parents who value screen-free activities. Paired with a wristband, they give the bag a practical, quality feel.

Sticker Sheets

High-quality sticker sheets themed to the party (space, animals, sport, princesses) are cheap, lightweight, and beloved by children aged 3-9. Choose stickers with thickness and quality rather than the flimsy sheets that peel off within minutes of being handled.

Mini Play-Doh Pots

Mini play-doh pots are one of the best value party bag items — children use them for weeks, they come in themed colours, and they are universally appealing across ages 2-8. The only downside is keeping them sealed before distribution.

Age-Specific Party Bag Tips

Ages 2-4

Focus on soft, large, and simple items. Avoid anything with small parts. Silicone wristbands that stretch easily over small wrists are safe; slap bands are best avoided under age 3 due to the snapping mechanism. A bubbles bottle, a soft toy, or a picture book works well at this age.

Ages 5-8

This is the golden age for party bags. Children this age love slap bands, novelty wristbands, stickers, mini crafts, and anything they can show off to friends. A slap band plus a sticker sheet plus a small sweet treat hits the right balance of fun, wearable, and edible.

Ages 9-12

Older children appreciate more sophisticated items. Printed wristbands with their favourite team, character, or a cool pattern are popular. Novelty bands like moustache wristbands or message bands get laughs and stay on wrists for weeks. Avoid obviously “little kid” items — this age group notices.

See our custom branding options to add the birthday child’s name or party theme to your wristbands for a truly personalised party bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many wristbands do I need for a kids' party bag?

One wristband per bag is standard. If you want to add more variety, two different styles (e.g. a slap band plus a silicone band) in each bag doubles the fun for only a small cost increase. Order at least 10-15% more than your guest count for spares and extras for siblings who may turn up.

What age is appropriate for slap bands?

Most slap bands are recommended for ages 5 and up. The snapping mechanism of a slap band requires some coordination and should be supervised for younger children. For parties with a mixed age group, silicone stretch wristbands are safer for children under 5.

Can I personalise wristbands for a kids' party?

Yes. Silicone wristbands can be debossed or printed with a child's name, birthday message, party theme, or any custom text and design. For small party quantities, a simple text customisation is cost-effective. For larger parties of 30+ children, full custom printed bands become even more affordable per unit.

What makes a good party bag and what should I avoid?

A good party bag contains at least one item the child will actually use or keep — something wearable, playable, or readable. Avoid anything that breaks within minutes (flimsy plastic toys), single-use items with no play value, or items too small for the youngest guests. Wristbands, stickers, activity cards, and small quality treats consistently score well with children and parents alike.