When my kids were little I couldn’t wait to get rid of those bags of plastic tchotchkes they brought home as favors from birthday parties. As soon as they lost interest in them (typically less than 24 hours), I’d recycle whatever I could and throw the rest in the trash. Such a waste! Yet I must admit, there were a handful of years when I did the same for my kids’ birthday parties. I’d find myself on a last-minute hunt for favors at the dollar store or Target, often buying — you guessed it — an assortment of plastic throwaways!

I finally stopped the madness and quit buying those trinkets that add to the ever-growing pile of plastic waste on the planet — and you can too! I realized that you don’t need to give kids multiple favors; instead, one well-chosen, useful or edible item is absolutely enough. (Of course, it’s also ok not to give out favors at all!) So with all that in mind, here are few edible, practical, or meaningful favors to give out at your child’s next birthday party.

A Special Sweet or Savory Treat

When the party’s over, send the kids home with a memorable treat. If you’re a baker, you might make your own cookies to give as favors. But since that adds another to-do to your list, consider ordering cookies from a local baker like Hope’s Cookies in Bryn Mawr or Insomnia Cookies in Bala Cynwyd. For another tasty favor, check out custom confections like chocolate lollipops from The Sweet Trading Company in Narberth. And for an alternative to sweet treats, stop by a Philly Pretzel Factory store for a regional favorite that everybody loves. Wrap each pretzel in a favor bag and finish with a ribbon.

Seed Packets as Favors

How about a favor that grows with kids? When you hand your birthday guests a seed packet, it’s an invitation to dig in the dirt and see what sprouts. Whether it’s flowers or vegetables, seeds encourage kids to connect with nature. Depending on the time of year, you can find seed packets at the grocery store, the garden center, and even the dollar store! For an artisanal touch or personalized packets, you can find lots of options on Etsy. Let kids choose their seed packet from an assortment or tuck a packet into a little terra cotta pot for added charm.

Personalized Favors

A personalized favor given to each guest adds a special touch to your celebration. For local, “personalized gifts from the heart,” check out Philly DIY, a family business in Ardmore. Their selection of personalized items for kids includes regular and colored pencils, wood tokens, and mugs. Hosting a cupcake wars party? Send each little baker home with a personalized spatula and brush set.

Books as Favors

The editor of our sister publication, Bucks County Parent suggests giving books as party favors and I think this is a great idea! For affordable new books, shop Scholastic where you can search for titles by grade or age. Or consider browsing a local, used book store like Cathy’s Half Price Books in Havertown for gently used kids books.

Fun Socks

Put their best foot forward in crazy socks! What kid wouldn’t like a pair of taco, pizza, or avocado socks? The selection of wild and wacky socks on Amazon is seemingly endless. Rainbows, sea creatures, montster, Baby Yoda, and sports? Yup! With all that and more, you’re sure to find an assortment of kids socks that suits your party theme or your kiddo’s fave stuff. Best of all, wacky socks are fun and useful!

Lead photo courtesy of Jonathan Borba via Pexels.