Party favors often end up as broken plastic toys. Coloring favors get used, and they’re easy to make on a budget.
Favor ideas
- Mini coloring kit. A few pages, a small crayon pack and a sticker in a bag.
- Coloring book. A full book makes a generous favor.
- Rolled pages. Pages rolled with a ribbon and a few crayons.
- Crayon packs. Themed boxes of crayons.
- DIY crayons. Melt broken crayons into shapes with a silicone mold (adult job).
Match the theme
- Space party: Trace Then Color: Cartoon Aliens
- Ocean party: Trace Then Color: Fish, Sea Creatures and More
- Mixed or "cool stuff" party: Trace Then Color: Cool Stuff
DIY favor bags
- Pick a bag: paper, cloth or clear cellophane.
- Add 3 to 5 pages or a book.
- Add a small crayon pack.
- Add a sticker or small extra.
- Tie with a ribbon and a name tag.
Budget tips
- Buy crayons in bulk class packs and split them
- Kids can decorate the bags themselves at the party
Pair with a party activity
Start a page at the birthday party coloring station and send the rest home in the favor bag.
Coloring favors are food-free, which helps with allergies. For toddlers, choose chunky crayons with no small parts.
Questions parents ask
Are coloring favors too boring?
Not with fun themes. Kids love characters that match the party.
How much should I spend?
Coloring favors can be done for very little per guest.
What about mixed-age guests?
Include simple and detailed pages, and chunky crayons for little ones.
About Kevin Coulston
Kevin Coulston is a cartoonist and member of the National Cartoonists Society who has written and illustrated more than 100 drawing, tracing and coloring books for kids, including the Trace Then Color series. Meet Kevin or browse all his books on FirstArtBooks.com.
