Hi there Mumma,

I wonder, what's your thoughts on party bags? Are you in the "ugh, don't like them AT ALL because they're filled with plastic rubbish!" camp or are you more "I feel like they're an important party piece but I would rather give something more sustainable" camp?

Over the past fifteen or so years, party bags seem to have become almost cemented in to the party throwing package. Unfortunately, party bags are often filled with a bunch of plastic junk that breaks after a single use and ends up tossed in the bin. Cue very sad face.

I would love to help you by suggesting more eco friendly options that you can gift as party favours. Simple ideas that you can easily DIY at home. Sound good? Ok, lets go!

For the younger age group, homemade playdough is perfect!! Deliciously squishy and open ended for creative play, you can make a big batch of homemade playdough, package it in small jars that you have saved from the recycling bin and offer this as your party favour. If you're feeling particularly creative, you could also pop a little cardboard divider in the jar on top of the playdough, then pop in some natural elements (think twigs, leaves and dried flowers) to be used with the playdough.

Another great option for little ones, is a jar of homemade bubble mix! Jump online and find a recommended recipe. Mix up a big batch and again, package it up in clean jars that you have saved from the recycling bin. (Is it just me - or do you have a stash of cleaned out, empty jars in the cupboard under your kitchen sink too?!?)

For older kids, you can involve them in the making of the party favour! Two ideas that pop into my mind: a cupcake decorating station or DIY homemade bath salts. Both of these ideas can be fun activities that your guests complete at the party and then take home with them.

My next suggestion is to put together little take home succulent pots. If you happen o have succulents in your garden, you can take cuttings, pot them up in.... yep, you guessed it - reused jars! And give those out to your party guests. You could also do this as a party activity and get the kids to decorate their jars too!!

My final one for this email - nature wands! Collect enough sticks so you have one for each guest. Using cardboard you have saved from packaging, cut out wand tips (eg stars or arrow heads etc), paint these and glue onto the wands. You can also add leaf confetti (make this by using a paper hole punch on colourful dried leaves).

I hope these ideas have inspired you to ditch the plastic next time you are putting party bags together. I'd love to hear what you have given out as a party favour that avoids plastic junk - hit reply and let me know!

Bye for now,

Michelle

"Let's make a difference together, one party at a time."