Truth be told, Pinterest and Etsy can be as deflating as they are inspiring. If you’re crafty or feeling ambitious, then spending hours clicking around the web for birthday favor ideas and creating DIY s’mores kits or making your own lip balm can be fun. But when you don’t have the time and—after shelling out dollars for decorations, food, cake and gifts for your kid’s party—are on a tight budget, favors are the last thing you need to worry about. Here now, five Seattle-area stores stocked with fun, cheap party favors.
Central Market: Hit up the bulk bin for all-natural candy, dried fruit, and (allergy alert!) nuts and let kids create their own take-home trail mix at the end of the party.
Display & Costume: Don’t forget the balloons on your way out the door at this Northgate party shop. Favors range from cheap (parasol umbrellas, sticker sheets) to spendy, so proceed with caution.
Target: The dollar bin at the front of the big box store is your best birthday party favor friend.
The farmers market: Depending on the season, thank little party guests with small plantable pots of herbs in the spring, bubbles in the summer, mini pumpkins in the fall and bags of popped corn with string to take home and make garland in the winter.
Online: Order a jumbo bin of sidewalk chalk, wrap each individually in wax paper and tie the ends together with baker’s twine. Kids can take home packs of three or four.
OK, you have the favors covered. Looking for birthday party ideas for kids? Here’s 100 great options.
