Clever Ideas for Creating a Kids Party Favor Bar

A fabulous display of party favors gives guests one last thrill at the end of a party and makes it easier for the birthday boy or girl to hand out the treats as everyone leaves. These loot-filled treasure chests are just what the Captain ordered for a SpongeBob-themed party. (Some items are only available seasonally.)

Have kids pick up their loot buckets and grab some tiny favors at a mini favor bar. Bright wooly balls, mini hand clappers, yo yos, compass rings and small kaleidoscopes on keychains appeal to boys and girls of all ages. A starfish-shaped chip 'n' dip platter serves up just the right amount of fun stuff to get everyone's pails primed.

Neon accessories are really popular with girls, so set out a favor bar fashion station full of neon dress-up fun. Roll-on body glitter, nail polish, hair bands and lip gloss will make girls feel extra-girly. Let guests practice their makeup and hair skills in front of a mirror or have girls make each other over – you can even give them some makeup tips! Once the fun is over, let them take home their fashionable favors in a party bag.

Let kids explore by setting out a favor bar full of goodies that will keep them occupied. For a Prehistoric Dinosaur party, create a mix of toys and wearables like sunglasses, magnifying glasses, toy dinosaurs and puzzle mazes. The boys will be able to spend time playing with their favors, and when they are done, they can pack their favorites in a loot bag to take home with them.

Give out favors right at the beginning of a party and watch the excitement heat up fast. For a tween girl's birthday party, a combo of Rocker Girl and Rocker Princess fashion accessories are just what's needed for all the invited VIPs (Very Important Princesses). They'll be thrilled to put on sunglasses, hairbands, barrettes and sparkly jewelry and rock on as pretend stars. Remember that when it comes to young ladies, the container is just as important as the favors inside.

Got a limit on your time and space? Then keep it simple. Line the top of a small table with bright wrapping paper and set out eye-catching favors sure to grab everyone's attention. These Rocker Girl favors, including star-shaped glasses, glittery barrettes and pink plaid fedoras, make it easy to create a favor bar any tween girl would love. Funky square bowls in pink and turquoise play up the party colors and keep favors tidy.

This living room hutch was transformed into a complete favor bar and dress-up center for a SpongeBob and the Pirates birthday party. A custom banner lets everyone know that this is where the party starts. Kids can get dressed up to play shipmates on an exciting treasure hunt. These pirate hats, hand hooks, telescopes and inflatable swords will make hilarious party photos, too!

Everyone's a winner when you create a prize table at a carnival-themed party. Hand out real carnival-style tickets to guests after completing an activity or game. Then guests get to spend their tickets at the prize table and pick their own prizes. Spread out a colorful assortment of favors and make a "Prizes!" banner, using a Giant Personalized Banner Kit, to hang along the front of the table.