Party Favors for 4+ Crowd

[kristin]

I did a search, but the threads I found mostly dealt with the toddler crowd. I think at this point, most of the kids at DS's birthday party will be over 4, so we've outgrown the easy crayons and coloring book days....

We will be making some shamrock-shaped cookies for favors since it's near St. Patrick's Day, and I would love to attach a small book or toy (as opposed to a bag full of junk like I usually do). One party favor he has received was a large Thomas the Train Whistle which was a big hit. I was thinking something along those lines.

Any suggestion?

[MollyK]

I personally LOVE the one nice favor idea. Ideas: any book (maybe you could find a St Patty's themed book - try Scholastic - or just one of your favorites), flashlight (we love the Curious George one), personalized lunch bag....

[NicoleWisconsin]

Target had a TON of St. Patrick's in their dollar spot today.. I didn't look super close to be more specific, though. Sorry.

[AlisonCO]

Yes, I like one bigger thing and less junk/candy. Last month DS got a spiderman matching game and puzzle for a favor. He also got a set of dominos at one party. Last weekend both kids got a craft bag that had the supplies to make a wood door hanger - very cute idea I thought.

[emschwar]

For Noah's birthday, I got all the kids hardback books from www.sortfloorbooks.com. They were $2 each, and in FANTASTIC shape - you'd never know they were remainder books.

[dziner]

ITA! So sick of all the little junkie plastic stuff. We had a farm-themed party so I got farm animal sticker/activity books from amazon. They were having a buy 3, get 1 free promotion so it ended up being a couple bucks apiece.

[Traciann]

i just saw Monster Bubble Sticks at walmart for $2 in their seasonal aisle. we had a bunch of these out at dd's party last year and the kids from 2-6 had a blast with them, so i would say good for the over 4 crowd. we just played with it a little while ago and it made some pretty big bubbles...i am planning on using these for dd's party favor.

[jay&erinn]

The dollar store often has small (25-50 piece) puzzles. For younger DD's party in the summer I'll get beach balls or intertubes for the pool for each kid. I tend to look at clearance stuff and buy it if it'd make good favors. I don't really care if it goes with a party theme or not. Hair bows/barrettes for the girls- I'll buy the multipacks and break them up. Glitter or gel pens for older girls (can you tell I have girls:rolleyes:). Flashlights are great.
You can also have them make something and take it home as their favor. For my DD's princess party we made Foamies (sp) crowns (in all different colors so the boys didn't have to have pink) and I bought foamie stickers in dinosaurs, monsters, flowers and princess stuff for them to decorate. They took those home with them as their favor.

[kristin]

Thanks everyone!

Emschwar - that website is awesome! It's hard to believe that they have books for under $3! I know you said you received books in great condition, but any idea what they mean when they say the books have "remainder marks" on them?

I found some great "I Spy" books on this site. DS is totally into I Spy, and they have an "I Spy Wheels" which he would love! However, they only have it in a board book. They also have some that are first readers, do you think I should go for those instead, given the age group?

No luck at the dollar store today - they had less than 10 of anything I was interested in, and I need over 20!

I did find some play-doh dial stampers at KB toys today for only 2.99, but unfortuantely they only had 8 left in stock. I thought I'd be able to find more online, but no luck.

Thanks again for the ideas!

[Calla Lilly]

I have bought a lot of books from www.sortfloorbooks.com, and just love the site! The markers are basically a black marker mark somewhere on the outside of the book (usually on the pages, so it is more noticeable on a board book). My son actually has the I Spy Little Wheel book, the Little books are meant for a bit younger kids which is why it is a board book.

[kristin]

Thanks Calla Lily!

Unfortuately, I ordered them late last night and now I can't cancel it. I should have realized the "little" books were for younger kids. I'm going to save them for my 2 yo b-day in the fall.

I wound up ordering the I Spy Balloons Scholastic Reader from Barnes and Noble. They give a 25% discount on orders over 20 if you do it in store (and no shipping costs). So it's about $3 per book, not TOO bad.

Thanks for your suggestions!

[twainny]

How did you search the books on that site? I don't really get it, they don't have a great search feature. I am interested in books for 3-4 year olds and also for 5-7 year olds.

Thanks!

[kristin]

Twainny - Let me know if you figure it out! There seems to be no organization whatsoever. I basically used their search engine for particular books that I knew the author and seartched under that. I wish you could just search an age group. Guess that's why it's so cheap - they don' thave to make it easy ;).

I just received some neat Todd's World sticker books for my kids, that may work for the 3-4 age group!

[emschwar]

I searched based on the theme of our party. Noah's having his party at the fire station, so I searched for the word "fire" and chose among those books. You can also do an advanced search and look for board books or whatever.

[Calla Lilly]

I have also found books where I have searched by the author and nothing has come up, but I searched by the title and they did (and vice vera).

[twainny]

at least I know it isn't just me!! I thought i was just too dumb! LOL

I actually ordered a TON of books. I searched by "ABC" and then ordered about 4 or 5 different books, cause most only have like 5 available. I guess the kids can choose what book they want. (I just hope there isn't any fighting!)

I think ordering books from there would make a great baby shower gift!! Too bad I didn't see this about a month ago, cause I have 2 baby showers this weekend and one a few weeks ago. oh well... next time!

[Chylynn]

Thanks for posting this! I just purchased a bunch of Little Einsteins books for my DDs upcoming Little Einsteins Birthday party. I am so over the plastic crap as favors and I wanted to purchase books, but did not think it would be possible since the books are around $5-6 a piece. It was much more doable at $1.80 a piece!

[JenniferEC]

We are giving I Spy books as favors. My mom teaches elementary school and has the Scholastic order forms. They are selling the I Spy books in a 2 pack, so they end up costing $2 each - no shipping and no tax!

[Chylynn]

I wanted to report back that we received the LE books and they are in perfect condition! That is now my favorite website. Thanks again for posting it!

[twainny]

I received my books two days ago, and they are perfect! I can't wait to order more!!!