Ben 10 Alien Force Action Figures

You have agreed the date and who to invite and have sent the invitations. You have decided the party will be themed around your child’s favourite cartoon hero and you have ordered relevant decorations. You have decided on the food and have bought themed tableware. You have chosen whether to buy or bake the themed cake. You have some ideas for themed party games. Now you are left with organising the themed party bags to send the little terrors home with, when at last you can collapse on the sofa!

You find one of the many party specialists offering party paraphernalia on the internet and discover you have two options for party bags. You can go the quick route and order the prefilled version or have a bit of fun and design one yourself. You could even get your child to help choose items and fill the bags.

Personally I find some of the contents in the prefilled bags a bit tacky and not always completely on theme. So I prefer to choose things that I know my son would like to receive if he had gone to a party. I also like to keep as many of the items tied to the party theme rather than just chuck in any old toy. So where do you start?

1. Set a budget

When you have decided how much you can afford to spend on party bags divide that by the number of children you are expecting at the party.

2. Select your party supplies retailer

Generally party supply companies are the best place to start when looking for party bag fillers as they specifically stock the smaller, cheaper themed toys that you will need.  The more general online retailers may have a basic selection such as balloons, bubbles and blowouts but for anything more adventurous, and certainly for themed favours, look around until you find one most relevant to your theme.

3. Make a list of the themed favours on sale

Note down all of the themed favours that you find on the party supplies website and work out how much they cost per item. They are usually sold in multi packs so you need to calculate the per item cost. Order your list by descending unit cost.

4. Choose your main favours

Allocate about half of your per child budget to your main favour. Then select two other cheaper themed items. Remember if you are inviting both girls and boys to your party that you need suitable unisex toys.

5. Spend your remaining budget

Work out how much money you have left and choose some sweets and odd toys to use up your remaining budget. Some party supply websites helpfully order their odd toys in price order so you can easily find something in your budget.

6. Choose between a loot bag or box

Now you have decided what will go in your party bag you need a bag or box to put everything in.  Bags cost approx. 20p each and boxes approx. 35p each. Bags are smaller than boxes so make sure you will be able to fit everything inside.

7. Fill that party bag

Once all of your party supplies arrive get packing! Don’t forget a thank you note and a slice of cake!

© 2009 Chloe Alice Wilson

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