Loot Bags 101 {+ Giveaway}

A few years ago, my daughter requested a Frozen-themed birthday party. The movie had only come out three months prior, so there were no paper plates, cups, etc to make party planning easier.

In my search for cute loot bag items, I came up empty. I'm a fan of fun, yet functional, treats to send home with guests - not junk that ends up in the landfill.

So, I decided to try something new.

  
Oliver's Labels had just introduced our Loot Bag Packages and I knew they would be the perfect solution. My daughter loved the idea too; she chose her favorite design - cupcakes - for her guests.

While it just so happened that she had all girls attending her party, we got a few packs for her male cousins (who we would be celebrating with later that week) in their favorite design, superheroes. Ordering the loot bag packages for guests with different 'likes' is easy - simply choose the font and design for each individual package!

School Bells

I don't know if it's the nice weather or the start of a busy work period, but the end of the school year tends to creep up quickly and catch me unprepared. The last few days before summer break I'm usually racing around trying to find the perfect presents, all the while staying within a reasonable budget. In the past, my choices have ranged from uninspired (coffee shop gift cards) to downright boring (coffee mugs).

There was that *one* year, when I had a great idea for a group gift and it was a lovely surprise for the teacher... but those "wins" are rare.

So this year, instead of pulling out my hair trying to find last-minute gifts, I'm going to start ahead of time...and get the kids involved. But, don't worry, these aren't your typical homemade gifts. These tokens of appreciation will be high on style, functional and made with love!

• Give teacher an elegant flowerpot filled with blooms or herbs. You can decorate it (to maintain the elegant factor) and the kids can help by choosing the type of flower and helping plant it. After all, it's springtime... who doesn't love flowers? Even if your child's teacher doesn't have a green thumb (if this is the case, I suggest planting pretty cactus), this present will be a lasting reminder of your little angel. I especially love this chalkboard version from The Robin's Nest... so easy and economical too!

Photo: The Robin's Nest

• Personalize a handy tote bag with teacher's initial, like this one shown on MarthaStewart.com. It's a chic, yet useful gift - and there's no sewing required! 

• Homemade cookies in a classic, reusable glass jar. If you're that Mom - the one with the killer chocolate chip (or oatmeal raisin?) cookie recipe that all of the students and educators LOVE - why not have your child help you make a batch for their teacher and package it in a classic, yet heartfelt way? I found this sweet version over at Home Is Where They Love You.

Photo: Home Is Where They Love You

The perfect addition to any of these presents is one of our new Loot Bag Packages. At only $5 each, they are a wonderful way to personalize your gift and give teacher something he or she will find useful. Or, if teacher loves to cook, you could include Date Labels or Pantry Labels.

These are a few of my favorites; I hope you find your perfect gift, too!

Party Planning Made Easy

Because my children have birthdays in the first half of the year, I find that I need to get organized right out of the gate, so that I don’t go crazy planning last minute parties for them.

I usually start by asking them about their preferences. We make a wish list, then whittle down what their “must-haves” really are. My kids know that they don’t get everything they ask for, and this is just another way they learn moderation.

Once we have a theme established, I go online and search Pinterest for great party ideas. Pinterest has, increasingly, become one of my go-to sites, as it seems to distill all of the wonderful ideas out there into one easy search. Then, once I have an idea of what I need to purchase, make, and do, I continue with a Google keyword search to find out where I can get all of the items on my list.

Here are a few of my favorite party ideas right now:

1. Superhero Party – http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/best-kids-parties-superheroes-my-party-169414

I love this party theme because not only is it cool, it works for either gender. Boys and girls, alike, love to pretend they’re superheroes, dressed up in capes and masks. And, note the number of awesome DIY projects for this theme… you can really cut down on costs by making many of the accessories yourself. Depending on the ages of the children attending the party, you could even incorporate some items, like felt masks and cool wristbands, into the party as fun activities. 

2. Construction Party - http://projectnursery.com/tag/construction-themed-birthday-party/

This website offers lots of great ideas for using your child’s toys as part of the décor, and the DIY construction sign cookies and marshmallow pops are fun and easy.

3. Barnyard Fun – http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/best-kids-parties-the-farm-my-party-182187

This farm-themed party is super-easy and offers lots of opportunities to showcase veggies as part of the décor and on the menu, as well. We love the mini chicken fingers and fries in pint containers and the creative use of tiny clay pots.

4. Lollipop Sweet Shoppe - http://www.thetomkatstudio.com/new-in-the-shop-lollipop-collection-photo-shoot/

This is a great theme that allows you lots of freedom to think outside the box. From lollipop swirl-frosted cookies on sticks, to take-out boxes decorated with multicolored dot stickers and filled with sweet treats, any little girl would swoon over this party!

5. Girly-Girl Party – Inspired by this treat: http://pinterest.com/pin/170222060887686764/

If you’ve got an older girl who loves makeup and anything girly, get creative and throw her the party of her dreams! Make spa masks, have manicure stations where her guests can do their nails (or each others’), and offer cute treats to eat, like nail polish marshmallows! Make it a sleepover, with popcorn and the movie Legally Blonde, and you’ve got a winner!

There are so many amazing party ideas on the web… if you want more, take a look at these for Girls and Boys. And, be sure to check out our Kids’ Party Ideas board on Pinterest, where we are always pinning new ideas!

One last suggestion…

Instead of loot bags filled with toys that will eventually end up in the landfill, try our new Loot Bag Packages – they come in 7 designs, including Superheroes, Cupcakes and more – and they’re only $4.99 each! They’re inexpensive, fun and practical too - each child gets their own customized labels and one tag to identify their favorite water bottle or backpack.

Happy party planning!