If your venue offers party packages, you’ll know just how special they are for your guests. The games, the laughter, the fun – and, of course, the anticipation of the party bag waiting to be opened at the end. A well-curated party bag can be the cherry on top of a memorable event, leaving guests with lasting smiles and a desire to return for more.
For event planners and venue operators, mastering the art of party bag creation isn’t just about delighting guests; it’s also a strategic move to boost repeat business and spend per head. In this guide, we’ll explore how to craft unforgettable party bags that ensure happy guests and foster loyalty.
Why party bags matter
Party bags, often seen as a small token of appreciation, have a significant psychological impact on guests. They act as a tangible reminder of the fun and enjoyment experienced at the event. This positive reinforcement can leave a lasting impression, making guests more likely to associate your venue with enjoyable experiences and, consequently, more likely to return.
For children, it’s a magical moment that can make the party feel even more special. For parents, it’s a thoughtful gesture that showcases your attention to detail and commitment to providing a complete and enjoyable experience. And for venue owners, party bags are an opportunity to cement your brand in the minds of guests.
Read this next: 10 Package Ideas That Will Increase Spend-Per-Head
Creative and cost-effective party bag ideas
Creating a memorable party bag doesn’t have to break the bank. With a bit of creativity, you can put together delightful party bags that cater to various age groups. Here are some party bag ideas to get you started:
Party bag ideas for babies and toddlers
- Soft toys: Small, cuddly toys are always a hit with toddlers.
- Board books: Durable, colorful board books are perfect for little hands.
- Bubbles: Easy and fun, bubbles are a timeless favorite.
- Branded bibs: Stop icing getting everywhere while promoting your venue.
- Baby-friendly snacks: Cookies and fruit pouches are winners for your smallest guests.
Party bag ideas for children
- Activity kits: Crayons, coloring books, and small craft kits can keep kids entertained long after the party ends. Tie them to your venue’s offerings and attractions for an added level of brand building.
- Stickers: Go for stickers that match the party’s theme to add a personalized touch.
- Puzzle toys: Simple puzzles or brain teasers can be both fun and educational.
- Matchbox cars and mini toys: Fun in a small package, mini vehicles and toys are a favorite for a reason (just make sure they’re not a choking hazard).
- Dress-up accessories: Magic wands, crowns, tiaras, and pirate hats are all great inclusions and can wonderfully tie into party themes.
- Candy: Lolly pops, gummies, and chocolates will appeal to most kids with a sweet tooth! Try and include allergen-free options for maximum appeal and safety.
Party bag ideas for pre-teens
- Novelty stationery: Cool pens, notebooks, and erasers can be both practical and exciting.
- Mini gadgets: Think along the lines of keychain flashlights or small fidget toys.
- DIY kits: Mini science experiments or craft kits can provide a fun challenge.
Party bag ideas for parents and adults
- Incentives: Discount codes and gift vouchers to return to your venue can be a powerful repeat business tool.
- Bottle openers: On a keyring or otherwise, these are practical and fun takeaways to keep the party spirit alive.
- Coasters: Branded coasters are cost-effective to produce at scale and easy to store.
- Drink containers: Reusable coffee cups, tumblers, or water bottles are a delight and help you get your brand out there for new eyes to see.
Party bag checklist
When assembling party bags for any age group, certain elements can enhance the guest experience and encourage repeat visits. Use this checklist to ensure you cover the essentials for creating memorable and effective party bags.
✅ Themed items: Ensure the items match the party theme (e.g., pirate hats, princess tiaras) and include decorations or packaging that reflects the theme.
✅ Personalized gifts: Add items that can be personalized with the guest’s name or initials, and consider customized crafts or monogrammed accessories.
✅ Edible treats: Include a mix of sweet and healthy snacks, opting for individually wrapped treats for convenience and hygiene.
✅ Interactive and fun toys: Choose age-appropriate toys that encourage play and engagement, such as puzzles, activity kits, or small gadgets.
✅ Educational items: Incorporate fun and educational items like books, flashcards, or science kits that stimulate curiosity and learning and, if possible, tie back to your venue.
✅ Branded items: Add venue-branded items such as water bottles, t-shirts, or keychains, ensuring they are useful and durable to keep your venue top of mind.
✅ Incentives to return: Include coupons or discount vouchers for future visits and offer a small gift card or a loyalty card to encourage repeat bookings.
✅ Eco-friendly options: Use sustainable materials for bags and contents, like reusable totes and wooden toys, and avoid single-use plastics by opting for environmentally friendly packaging.
✅ Safety and age appropriateness: Ensure all items are safe for the intended age group, avoiding small parts for younger children, and include clear age recommendations on any potentially hazardous items.
✅ Variety and balance: Mix different types of items to cater to various interests (e.g., toys, snacks, educational items) and aim for a balance between fun, practical, and educational items.
✅ Quality over quantity: Focus on providing a few high-quality items rather than many low-cost ones, ensuring all items are durable and have a positive impact on the guest’s experience.
✅ Packaging presentation: Make the party bags visually appealing with themed or colorful packaging.
Using party bags to gain repeat business
Memorable party bags aren’t just about making guests happy; they’re a strategic tool for driving repeat business. Here’s how to leverage party bags to boost your venue’s success.
Enhance guest satisfaction
Well-thought-out party bags show your guests that you care about their experience from start to finish. When guests leave with a memorable and enjoyable gift, they are more likely to remember the event positively and consider returning in the future.
Create lasting impressions
Party bags that include high-quality, personalized, or themed items can leave a lasting impression. This positive reinforcement helps build a connection with your guests, making them more likely to choose your venue for future events and recommend it to others.
Encourage word-of-mouth marketing
Exceptional party bags can turn guests into advocates for your venue. When guests are impressed with their party bags, they are more likely to share their experience with friends and family, driving new business through word-of-mouth recommendations.
Provide incentives for return visits
Including discount vouchers or coupons in your party bags gives guests a tangible reason to come back. These incentives can drive repeat bookings and help build a loyal customer base.
Showcase your attention to detail
A carefully curated party bag reflects your venue’s commitment to excellence and attention to detail. This can enhance your reputation and set your venue apart from competitors, encouraging guests to return for the quality experience they expect.
Gather valuable feedback
Use party bags as an opportunity to collect feedback from your guests. Include a QR linking to a short survey in the bag to understand what guests loved and where you can improve. This information can help you continuously refine your offerings and better meet guest expectations.
Read this next: How Wanneroo Botanic Gardens Mini Golf Reduces Party Admin by 75%
Why include branded merchandise in your party bag?
Including branded or venue-specific items in party bags can enhance the overall experience and drive brand loyalty. Items such as custom water bottles, t-shirts, or even simple branded stickers can keep your venue top of mind. These items act as subtle reminders of the great time had at your venue, encouraging guests to return.
Did you know? Brand recall is highest for apparel items, with 85% of people remembering the advertiser who gave them branded clothing or accessories.
How to prepare your party bag idea: DIY vs. pre-packaged options
When it comes to party bags, you have two main options: DIY or pre-packaged. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
DIY party bags
Advantages: Complete control over the contents, ability to personalize, often more cost-effective.
Disadvantages: Time-consuming, requires more effort and planning.
Pre-packaged party bags
Advantages: Convenient, time-saving, and often comes in a variety of themes.
Disadvantages: Less personalized, can be more expensive.
Ultimately, this will depend on the volume of your party bookings. Fortunately, there is a way to eliminate some of the hassles that come with hosting parties and group bookings at your venue.
Streamline the party experience with technology
To reduce the admin involved with party booking logistics, consider utilizing a smart platform like ROLLER. Our party package product automatically calculates the number of party inclusions based on the number of partygoers selected during online checkout.
This feature allows party planners to easily book a personalized party experience, ensuring their special day is stress-free. It also eliminates the need for back-and-forth communication over email and phone to confirm food choices and other details.
In short, you save your guests time, reduce admin for your team, and increase revenue for your venue!
In two days, we received around 90-100 party bookings after switching to [ROLLER’s] progressive checkout. That's a massive number!
Jospher Nadar
IT Operations Specialist, Chipmunks Playland and Café
Read more: How to increase party bookings with ROLLER Analytics
Take your party bag game to the next level
Creating exceptional party bags is an art that combines creativity, psychology, and strategic thinking. By curating memorable party bags, you not only delight your guests but also pave the way for repeat business. Remember, the little details make a big difference. So, take the time to craft party bags that leave a lasting impression, and watch your venue’s reputation and bookings soar!
