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  • Why I Think Birthday Party Loot Bags Are Unnecessary

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    Why I Think Birthday Party Loot Bags Are Unnecessary

    Elliott turns 3 years old today! I can’t believe I’ve been a mom for 3 years. It’s true what they say (whoever they are): time flies when you’re having fun!

    This weekend we threw a small birthday party for Elliott. Most of our family was busy, unfortunately, so only a few family members could come (some friends/neighbourhood kids came as well).

    When I was planning the party, I kept having Pinterest images pop into my head. I needed the coolest decorations, the most delicious food in a multitude of flavours and types, games galore and amazing loot bags that people would be talking about for ages… but then I wondered… “why do we need to give out loot bags anyway?”. I’ve never really understood why you are supposed to give presents to other people on YOUR birthday. It just doesn’t make sense to me.

    I asked a few friends with children what they thought, and they said that loot bags were kind of a “thank you” for coming to the party. Which still doesn’t make sense to me. Isn’t all the food and entertainment thank you enough?

    My husband and I talked about it and decided that loot bags were not for us. It was an expense that we really just didn’t find necessary at all. We had tons of food (we gave leftovers to lots of people to take home, there was so much!) and my friend brought over the most amazing bouncy castle for the kids to play in. We had a pool, toys and lots of other fun stuff. From what I could tell, everyone left happy and there were no complaints about the lack of loot bags.

    People have been telling us they had a great time, so we deem this 3rd birthday party a success – even without loot bags!

    How do you feel about giving loot bags at birthday parties?

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    Posted By: on July 30, 2012 Filed Under: Simple Living 

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    65 Responses to »
    Why I Think Birthday Party Loot Bags Are Unnecessary

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    1. gloria says:
      August 7, 2012 at 12:20 PM

      I also feel that loot bags are not necessary. The children will have had there fill of goodies during the party anyways. If anything–give them an apple sauce snack pack upon leaving.

      Reply
    2. Mia says:
      August 6, 2012 at 12:58 PM

      I don’t think loot bags are unnecessary. I think it’s nice to thank someone for coming to your party and bringing a gift, the same way you would at a bridal or baby shower, or at a wedding as someone else has already mentioned. However, I can see how they might seem a little unnecessary when the child is too young – loot bags would be a tradition I would do more for school-aged children. It’s a nice gesture, and there are lots of ways to put together loot bags full of useful things (or consumable treats as other people have mentioned).

      I loved loot bags as a kid, but what I remember best were the ones that I gave to my friends – as opposed to the ones I received. I think it’s nice to turn that into an experience for your own child. It’s even a good learning experience. (They learn to help you shop for the treats, make sure there is enough for all the bags you are making, divide the treats equally between the bags, etc.)

      Reply
    3. Olusola says:
      August 4, 2012 at 3:33 PM

      I loved loot bags as a kid so I will definitely be giving them out at every birthday we host. I try to make them fun and educational. The last set had sticker books/coloring books, crayons and edibles. no matter how much fun kid have at a party, I think a little something to take home is the icing on the cake for them.

      Reply
    4. Mel says:
      August 2, 2012 at 10:02 AM

      I am actually a big proponent OF lootbags. I love the idea of my son giving (rather than receiving) and I love the excitment of the kids leaving with a little token. I try to have useful items (or one big item, that’s the best!) rather than dollar store toys. In fact, if I had my way, I would have NO GIFTS for my son and only lootbags for the guests (he is too young to ‘get’ the donation thing, but I hope to do that!). I agree that it should not be an expectation to have a loot bag at a party, but sadly, as they get older, it is! (even if they don’t say anything when leaving, you can bet an older child will wonder why the party didn’t have one). I have seen some amazing ideas for loot bags that don’t cost much, but are a nice thank you (and boy do the kids eyes light up – priceless in my opinion). For example:

      - A ziplock bag separated by a clothes pin (making it a butterfly) with grapes on one side and fishies on another for a little after-party snack (could also do that with Candy)
      - A ceramic pot with a bag of seed for the kid to plant (pot decorated as a craft during party)
      - Art supplies (markers, crayons, etc…)- super useful
      - Small craft (Michaels has tons)
      - A nicely decorated cupcake box (done as a party craft) where the child put a take-away cupcake to eat a bit later (cupcake decoration is also a great party craft).

      Reply
    5. Monica says:
      August 1, 2012 at 8:18 AM

      I remember getting loot bags when I was a kid. I loved them. Useless toys, and often thrown out after a week, or got broken, but kids love em. Loot bags are not necessary, but if you have the extra money, I say spend the $10 at the dollar store for the loot. It’ll be another childhood memory that the kids grow up with.
      My daughter turned 3 this summer as well, and while I did not have loot bags since I didn’t have children at the party, I do plan on doing loot bags for her birthday once in a while (not every b-day) when she’s at school age.

      Reply
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