- Stickers are an inexpensive and safe favor for the older children attending your child's first birthday party. Find stickers that go with the theme of your child's party at any party supply store. You can go an extra step by purchasing a few sheets of construction paper and having adults help the child put stickers on the sheet of paper.
- Finger puppets, easily procured at any toy store, are always a hit with small children. You can even make them yourself out of felt. Simply cut out a rectangle for the body and a circle for the head. Add hair made out of yarn and cut out small bits of black for the eyes, nose and mouth. Glue or sew a strip of felt on the other side so that it will fit on a child or adult's finger.
- Most kids love to play with balls. Purchase some large or medium sized bouncy or beach balls at the dollar store to give away. Steer clear of the smaller balls as these can be a choking hazard for small children.
- Purchase some small dolls at the craft store or toy store. You can purchase inexpensive dolls made out of virtually any material (from plastic to yarn to felt). Give them out the the children to play with.
- Most children love to color. Give away coloring books in the theme of the party (for example, Winnie the Pooh or Dora the Explorer) and a small container of about 8 crayons per guest. The children can color at the party if they desire.
- If your party follows a certain theme, such as animals or princesses, purchase a few story books in those veins. You can even find felt or soft material books in the kid's section of any toy store. Give these out to your attendees.
- Purchase inflatable animals at your local dollar store. You can usually find horses, monkeys, frogs and dogs, which can go with an animal, cowboy or circus theme.
next post