Low-waste living with kids sounds like an oxymoron but it IS possible, especially if you don’t get too hung up on perfection. Kids will bring home things from school, they’ll end up with plastic toys from well-meaning friends and family, and so on. It happens. However, we can help promote low-waste options whenever we have the chance. Goodie bags are a perfect example.
Are goodie bags necessary? Absolutely not, and some families forego them altogether. To that I say, awesome! But if you’d like to give away some favours, here are a few ideas.
Fun bath bombs, either homemade or packaging-free.
A coupon for a child-size cone from an ice-cream store. There are tons of non-dairy options too.
A little book. Thrift stores have lots!
A handwritten card or note from your child, thanking them for coming.
Candy, chocolate, or baked goods, either homemade or purchased in bulk. Give them in little jars, cloth bags, or snack bags.
Flower or vegetable seeds (especially perfect for springtime or summertime birthdays).
A mini cactus or succulent plant.
Art supplies like crayons or homemade play-doh.
A child’s admission to a local swimming pool or other attraction/activity.
I always love to hear from you! What do you think of goodie bags? What do you like to give in them? Or do you avoid them altogether?
Leah Payne 