By: Jodie Shield, RD

When my kids were younger, they loved leaving the birthday party with their goodie bags.   Although I am embarrassed to admit it – it was their favorite part of the party!  I dreaded having all of that extra candy around.  Sometimes it lasted for weeks depending upon how much loot was in their bag.  So when it was our turn to throw the birthday bash, I started putting together goodie bags without candy.  Guess what?  Kids rated our goodie bags their favorite!  For all of you out there with little ones, I’ve put together some party-favor options that are easy on the sugar (they’re actually calorie-free) and heavy on the fun.  Here are some of my favorites:

plastic pails and shovels with child’s name written on them

large bouncing balls

crayons and coloring books

stickers

modeling clay

bubbles

key chains

trading cards

colorful shoelaces

storybooks

pinwheels

glitter glue

toy cars

jump ropes

sidewalk chalk

costume jewelry

yo-yos

miniature flashlights

key chains

Thankfully now that my kids are older, they just love going to the birthday party and being with their friends.  But my youngest son, Michael, said a part of him still misses his goodie bag!  Got any ideas for a sixteen-year-old?