Party favors are a small tradition with a big job: they help children leave a party happy and give them a little something to remember the day. For toddlers, though, many classic favors miss the mark. Bags of small trinkets, candy and tiny toys are not only forgettable but can be unsafe for young children. The good news is that the favors toddlers actually love are simple, useful and easy to find: board books, bubbles, bath toys and crayons. And one rule matters above all: skip small parts. Here is why these favors work, how to choose them well and how to package them without fuss.
Board Books
Board books may be the perfect toddler favor. They are sturdy, chew-resistant and designed for small hands to hold and turn. They encourage reading at home, which is a gift that lasts well beyond the party. Many parents say a board book favor is the one item from a goody bag that gets used again and again.
Tips for choosing board books:
- Match the theme. An ocean party can send home books about fish; a safari party, books about animals; a construction party, books about trucks.
- Choose simple stories. Short text, bright pictures and repetition suit toddlers best.
- Consider touch-and-feel books for the youngest guests.
- Add a personal touch. A sticker or a short note inside the cover with the date and the birthday child’s name makes it a keepsake.
Bubbles
Bubbles are a toddler favorite for good reason. They are magical, they float and they invite running, chasing and laughter. A small bottle of bubbles is an inexpensive favor that provides fun long after the party, in the backyard, at the park or even in the bath.
A few considerations:
- Choose bottles with sturdy wands and, if possible, spill-resistant designs for little hands.
- Remember that toddlers will usually need an adult to help blow bubbles at first.
- Bubbles are a nice choice for summer parties and pair well with almost any theme.
Bath Toys
Bath toys make bath time fun and are a practical favor many parents appreciate. Floating animals, cups for pouring and stacking, and simple squirt-free toys are popular choices.
A few tips:
- Match the theme: ducks or fish for an ocean party, animals for a safari party or colorful cups for a rainbow party.
- Choose toys that are easy to clean and dry. Some parents prefer toys without holes, which can trap water.
- Make sure toys are sized appropriately for young children and have no small parts.
Crayons
Crayons spark creativity and are a favorite for preschoolers and older toddlers. Chunky crayons designed for small hands are easier to grip and less likely to break than standard crayons.
A few ideas:
- Pair crayons with a small coloring book or a few printed coloring pages that match the party theme.
- Choose washable, non-toxic crayons labeled for young children.
- For the youngest guests, consider whether crayons are age-appropriate, since very young toddlers may try to chew them.
Skip Small Parts
This is the most important rule for toddler favors. Small parts are a choking hazard for young children, who explore the world by putting things in their mouths. Many common favor items can pose a risk:
- Tiny toys, figurines and trinkets.
- Marbles, small balls and bouncy balls.
- Balloons, which can be dangerous if popped or deflated pieces are swallowed.
- Hard candy, gum and small round candies.
- Jewelry, beads and items with small detachable pieces.
- Coins, buttons and small batteries.
When choosing favors, check product labels for age recommendations, and look for items labeled as suitable for young children. If a party includes older siblings, consider giving them a separate favor bag so small items do not end up in the hands of toddlers.
Matching Favors to Ages
A guest list of little ones can range from babies to five-year-olds, and the same favor will not suit everyone. A simple way to handle it is to pick one favor that works for all ages and a second that suits only the older children.
- Babies and young toddlers: soft board books, touch-and-feel books and simple bath toys.
- Older toddlers: board books, bubbles with an adult’s help and floating bath toys.
- Preschoolers: chunky crayons with a small coloring book, bubbles and theme-matched books.
Keeping a small stash of extra board books on hand covers unexpected siblings or a guest who arrives with a friend, so no child leaves empty-handed.
Packaging Favors Simply
Favors do not need elaborate packaging. Simple, practical options work best:
- Paper bags decorated with stickers or stamps in the party colors.
- Small cloth bags that can be reused.
- A favor basket near the exit where each child chooses one item.
- No bag at all. Hand each child a board book or bubbles as they leave.
Avoid tissue paper, ribbons and other packaging that toddlers could chew on or tangle. Label favors with children’s names if you want to make sure everyone gets one.
Your Favor Checklist
- Choose one or two favors per child: board books, bubbles, bath toys or crayons.
- Check age recommendations and skip anything with small parts.
- Match favors to your theme where possible.
- Plan separate favors for older siblings if needed.
- Package simply and set favors near the exit.
The best toddler favors are simple, safe and genuinely enjoyed long after the party is over. The Soft Play Social delivers, sets up and sanitizes soft play for toddler and preschool parties. Ask us about dates.
