Are Party Favors At Kids Birthday Parties A Waste Of Money?

I am a mom that goes over the top for birthday parties.  I rent out a place, make sure there is plenty of food and beverages, and of course lots of party favors.  But most of the party favors stores sell suck.

I don't know about you, but I hate knowing that I wasted my money.  I don't mind buying party favors that the kids love, but if they are gonna throw it away or leave it behind why even give it out.

I've been to tons of birthday parties and always given the same type of favors- a goodie bag filled with cheap plastic toys that are easily broken or don't work to begin with.  Why are we wasting our money on these types of things?

I'd rather my son not get any party favors then get sent home with junk that will end up in the trash later that day.  I want to send guests home with something they will enjoy or something they will use time and time again.

Thanks to Pinterest, I have found so many awesome ideas.  I can get a sports bottle and fill it with candy and write each kid's name on it.  They'll enjoy the candy and use the water bottle over and over again.

Or another cool idea would be to have them make something at the party.  A craft that is themed with the party.  They will have fun doing it and have something to take home with them.

Do you give party favors or do you think it's a waste of money?