1. Plastic trinkets
We’ve all been there: searching for small and inexpensive items to fill goody bags with when…lo and behold! What do you spy in the party aisle so obviously grouped together and in such enticing colors? All kinds of plastic cra—stuff. Mazes, tops, mini frisbees, kaleidoscopes, shaped slinkies, hand clappers, finger eyeballs. The list is endless. But it’s time to stop the madness, parents. Let’s all agree to leave these items on the shelf.

2. Kazoos
Unless your little one’s party is at a local parade, a kazoo should never (ever) find its way into a kid’s goody bag. We know kids love them. We know they can encourage creativity and in some cases even help with language development. But we’re still giving a hard pass to this headache-inducing favor.

3. Small bubbles
We get it. Bubbles are a reliable add to any party bag, especially in summer. Kids love them at every age, and they hit that price point that makes them irresistibly appealing. But before you grab a box of mini bubble bottles or wands, think again. Little hands have a tough time getting the bubble stick out, and there’s just enough solution to make a mess if it spills (which it inevitably does). Trust us, stick with the larger wands if your kid wants bubbles in the bags.

Related: 22 Fantastic Party Favors Kids Will Actually Use

4. Train whistles
What’s not to love about a train-themed party? One where the kids get to wear those adorable train conductor hats and tie on a cute red kerchief like an old-timey conductor. But you know what parents don’t love? When you put one of those toy train whistles in with the loot (yes, even the wooden ones). Once they’re home, they’re just another noise maker we have to try and tune out while making dinner.

5. Slime
We know kids love slime. We’d be lying if we said we didn’t too. But resist the urge to drop a small container of slime, or putty, or literally any other sensory substance into your goody bags. Why? Because it always ends up somewhere it shouldn’t be—and it’s impossible to get out. On the upside—Play Doh gets on a pass on this restriction.

6. Mini squishy toys
We’re not sure what this popular item’s official name is, but if you’ve ever gotten one, you know exactly what we’re talking about. Their cuteness is only outmatched by their squishiness. And if you don’t want to squeeze these adorable little buggers like they’re the sweetest baby cheeks around, you might need help. But give it half a day and you’ll see why this one is on our list. They pick up dirt like nobody’s business and turn into totally gross (albeit cute) little masses quickly. And because we know you’re wondering, yes, those sticky hands fall into this category too.

7. Party blowers
Say “yes” to party hats but “no” to party blowers of any kind. While the two may go hand in hand, we’re banking on the fact that kids won’t miss what they never had. Not only are these suckers obnoxious noise makers, but they also get pretty soggy after a few whistles. Clearly, this is an item that should stay in the past.

8. Non-washable markers
Markers. Crayons. Colored pencils. You’ve got the green light to put all of these things in your kid’s goody bags on one condition. They must be washable. Because if they don’t come out of clothes, carpet, or the car seat cover, they’re going straight into the trash. For real.

9. Yo-yos
Show us a kid who can “walk the dog” or go “around the world” and we’ll say yes to sticking a yo-yo in their goody bag. Otherwise, there’s just no place for this old school toy that requires way more coordination than most kids can muster. Save this one for pros.

10. Gum
Gum is a definite no-no for anyone under the age of 10, even if they can chew it. Why? Because gum has a tendency to wind up anywhere other than the garbage can. Hair, clothes, on the bottom of a lone shoe. Hold off on this one for-like-ever.

11. Too much candy
Can we also all agree that anyone adding candy to a goody bag after kids have downed a huge piece of cake is clearly asking for it (and we didn’t). Unless you really want your parent-friends to think twice about attending a future party, don’t put candy in the goody bags. No good can come of it.

Related: 25 Unique Birthday Desserts That Aren’t Cake

12. Pencils
What’s the problem with an innocuous pencil adorned with cute designs and patterns? Nothing at first glance. But do people even have pencil sharpeners at home anymore? We think not. So unless you throw in a mini pencil sharpener with the loot, party favor pencils are a no-go.

13. Erasers
Along those same lines, it’s time to make adorable, multi-piece erasers a thing of the past. They don’t actually erase anything (although to be honest we haven’t really tested that one out—see above re: pencils), and once the kids pull them apart, those pieces are as good as gone. Sure, they’re as cute as can be, and it’s easy to coordinate them with your party theme, but are they really worth it? Really?

14. Glitter glue
We love the idea of including a small craft or craft item in a goody bag. It gives kids something to do after the party’s over. And while it’s tempting to get a multi-pack of glitter glue and give every guest a color or two, this is one of those craft supplies that gets everywhere, no matter how hard you work to contain it. Bottom line: steer clear of anything glitter related, including glitter glue.

Now that you know the pitfalls to avoid, let’s talk about what guilt-free goody bag items you CAN include. Here are a few winning party favors that top our list:

• Book. Pick up a few inexpensive copies at the next Scholastic Book Fair, write a quick “thank you for coming” on the inside cover and you’ve got a two-fer guests will appreciate.
• Play-Doh. This sensory item is always a hit and comes in its own party pack for a reason.
• Large Bubble Wands. This one gets them outside and having fun.
• Sidewalk Chalk. You can never have too much of the good stuff.
• Small Craft Project. Design one of your own or pick up a kit at your local craft store.
• Beach Toy. Shovel, bucket, small inflatable ball. These toys are always getting lost or broken so replacements are welcome.
• LEGO Minifig. Who doesn’t love a new Minifig?
• Shaker Egg. If you have to have music in the mix, try a shaker egg. It’s not too loud and even super young kids can play it.
• Pack of Crayons. Make sure they’re washable and pack ’em in. Our tip? Buy them at the start of the school year when they’re on sale.
• Picture frame. Put a pic of the birthday kiddo and the friend in the frame, and you’ve got a keeper.

These goody bag stuffers are easy on the wallet, lots of fun, and most likely haven’t been seen by your little party-goers. They’re items they’ll want to hang onto and (gasp) use more than once. Best of all? You can grab them all on Amazon. So take one less stressor out of your birthday party planning. We’ve got you covered.

Decorate-Your-Own Wooden Craft Kits Set

This set of 3 includes a plane, train, and car; just grab a couple of kits and you'll be able to cover the whole party.

Decorate-Your-Own Wooden Craft Kits Set ($19.17)—Buy Here!

Meanplan Mini Claw Dinosaur Machine

What's better than a claw game? A mini one. Kiddos definitely haven't seen these before. Once they've mastered dino recovery, they can attempt to snag M&Ms or any other tiny items. Available in 8, 16, or 24 count.

Meanplan Mini Claw Dinosaur Machine ($17.99+)—Buy Here!

Mini Magnetic Drawing Boards

Draw, erase, and clip it to a backpack for later. These magnetic drawing boards are sure to be hit.

Mini Magnetic Drawing Boards ($17.99/12ct)—Buy Here!

Kawaii Squishy Animal Set

Adorable, squishy animals in various shapes and a larger size than other squishies. Perfect for sensory play and stress relief.

Kawaii Squishy Animal Set ($8.54)—Buy Here!

Mini Paint Kits

A party favor that doubles as a party activity makes these mini paint kits such a win. Available in sets of 6, 12, 18, and 24.

Mini Paint Kits ($9.99+)—Buy Here!

Who Would Win Complete Collection

Hammerhead versus bull shark? Green ants versus army ants? Little party guests get to find out which critter would win when you add one of these books to their goody bags.

Who Would Win Complete Collection ($81.90/26ct)—Buy Here!

No-Tie Shoelaces

Kiddos can customize their kicks with this set of 12 no-tie laces. Each set includes a pair of 12 laces.

No-Tie Shoelaces ($7.99)—Buy Here!

Rainbow Scratch Pads

Coloring with less mess is always the goal, and these scratch pads come with wooden styluses that reveal rainbow colors that highlight your little ones' drawings.

Rainbow Scratch Pads ($16.99/24ct)—Buy Here!

Love Capsule Jars

For older kids, have everyone write 2 or 3 nice things about each party guest, put them into their friends' jars, and everyone gets to open them at home later.

Love Capsule Jars ($7.99/ea)—Buy Here!

Invisible Ink Pens with UV Light

These pens let kids write their secret message on paper and then uncover what was written with the included UV light. Available in packs of 12, 24, or 28.

Invisible Ink Pens with UV Light ($16.99+)—Buy Here!

Cat's Cradle String Activity Book

Complete with string, this easy-to-follow instruction book includes 5 different string figures little ones can create over and over.

Cat's Cradle String Activity Book ($12.93)—Buy Here!

Kellogg's Cereal Box Puzzles

Save the sugar and gift these adorable mini cereal box puzzles.

Kellogg's Cereal Box Puzzles ($9.97/6pk)—Buy Here!

LEGO City Demolition Stunt Bike Building Kit

LEGO has several options to choose from so party guests can build their own at the party or after.

LEGO City Demolition Stunt Bike Building Kit ($14.89)—Buy Here!

Creativity for Kids Paper Airplane Squadron

Create and decorate a fleet of 20 paper airplanes with this fun set.

Creativity for Kids Paper Airplane Squadron ($5.99)—Buy Here!

On The Go Water Wow! Reusable Water-Reveal Activity Pad

The chunky water pen is easy to fill and use to "color" the 4 reusable scenes in this activity book. Available in several different options.

Water Wow! Reusable Water-Reveal Activity Pad ($5.97)—Buy Here!

Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Color & Wash Set

Little ones will love decorating these cute ocean creatures, washing them off, and storing them in this handy beach environment/carrying case.

Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Color & Wash Set ($12.27)—Buy Here!

Gross Me Out Mad Libs

What kid doesn't love grossing everyone out and Mad Libs? It's the perfect combination.

Gross Me Out Mad Libs ($5.97)—Buy Here!

Polly Pocket

Yep, Polly is still going strong, even after being one of our favorites when we were kids. Pick up a few different sets, or grab the same one in your party's theme for all your guests.

Polly Pocket ($16.99)—Buy Here!

Beaded Phone Wrist Strap

This super cute phone strap comes in yellow, blue, and pink.

Beaded Phone Wrist Strap ($5.99/ea)—Buy Here!

Mess-Free Watercolor Painting Kit

These are so brilliant. Each watercolor book has thick pages, a brush, and a palette of watercolors. All your tiny artists need is a cup of water and their imagination. Available in multi-packs, too.

Mess-Free Watercolor Painting Kit ($6.39)—Buy Here!

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

So we set out on a mission to find a birthday party option that removes the stress of party planning and makes for a far more enjoyable and memorable experience for young girls.

Enter the American Girl Birthday Experience for doll fanatics anywhere from 18 months old and older (that includes adults, too!). This unique option makes coordinating, choosing a theme package, and adding personalized touches a breeze, whether you opt for an in-store celebration at any American Girl Cafe and Bistro, or host a get-together at home with their all-in-one, take-home kit.

Keep reading for seven reasons this American Girl Birthday Experience is the perfect choice for your daughter’s next celebration!

1. Hassle-free planning

When we say American Girl’s birthday parties remove the stress of hosting a celebration, we mean it. Not only does each Birthday Experience include a party coordinator to help you select a theme and map out all of the necessary details (yes, please!), you also don’t have to worry about ordering anything. That means the cake, party favors, decorations, and even a special gift for your birthday princess is all covered.

2. Party packages that’ll do the hard work for you

All birthday packages are specially curated to include all the necessities, such as a table activity to keep young party guests entertained, a selection of drinks, awesome goody bags, a signature American Girl cake paired with ice cream, digital invitations for easy RSVPs, crowns for all girls and their dolls (because doll pals are guests, too!), and a present for your guest of honor.

3. Adorable add-ons that’ll maximize fun

Want to impress your birthday girl with an experience she’ll never forget? Ask your party coordinator to add a touch of glamour to your event with DIY manicures for each doll—your mini nail tech can paint her BFF’s nails!—along with a doll hairstyle service. You can even toss in glitter bombs, doll tiaras, souvenir cups, and cupcake decorating to keep the party going!

If guests don’t have an American Girl doll of their own, don’t sweat it. Loaner dolls are also available so everyone feels included in your special celebration.

4. Budget-friendly options

Let’s face it, birthday parties can be expensive, but American Girl understands that every family has a different budget. Parents can choose from five different birthday packages to fit their needs, while still creating a one-of-a-kind birthday for their child.

If you’re looking to keep costs low, opt for the “Deluxe Party” package that comes with all the party inclusions mentioned before, but at a more wallet-friendly price that starts at $25 per kid. Add in a meal for about $40 or more per girl.

5. Party perks that’ll take your celebration to the next level

For those looking for a private experience, choose the “Private Deluxe Party” that ranges from $38 to $50 per child. This upgraded package also comes with an additional craft for the table along with all of the normal fix-ins!

If you can splurge on your private celebration, the “Private Deluxe Party with Meal” package includes a tasty meal (featuring fan-favorite dishes) for around $48 or more per child, or you can add in both a meal and a special doll hairstyling experience for each girl’s doll, that’s up to $85 each. Be sure to also specify any dietary restrictions or nut-free preferences at the time of booking.

6. Impressive goodies kids will love

Trust us when we say, American Girl goody bags will blow your typical party favors out of the water. Each set comes with a bracelet for your girl, an activity booklet and tutu craft (that’ll keep kids entertained long after the party ends, and a doll T-shirt, doll tiara, toy plate, and faux slice of cake for their doll. Impressive, right?

7. Exclusive access to the American Girl store

All guests may have access to awesome areas of the American Girl store and bistro, providing a VIP experience that makes the birthday girl and guests feel extra special. Plus, a personal shopper is available to help your family find the perfect gift—because who doesn’t love a touch of luxury?

Book your reservation here or call 877-247-5223 to speak to an American Girl customer service representative at least 90 days in advance!

Reservations are booked based on availability. Salon treatments are available for authentic American Girl dolls only. Other restrictions may apply. American Girl will use your contact information to send details about your booking and/or communications regarding your experience. By using this service, you agree to their terms of service and privacy policy.

What is a “sleep-under”?

@hillcountrydreamers

Ever heard of a sleep-under? A sleep-under is a faux sleepover party for kids who are still too young for an overnight. In this type of party, the kids are invited over in the evening to do all the usual slumber party activities, but their parents come and pick them up before bedtime. Genius. Let us handle setup and cleanup. Book today! . . . #taylorswiftbirthdayparty #taylorsversion #sleepoverrentals #hillcountrydreamers #drippingspringstx #drippingspringstexas #hillcountry #smallbusinessdrip #slumberpartyideas #sleepoverideas

♬ dont blame me sped up – r & m <3 ⸆⸉

The sleep-under brings the best elements of the sleepover and avoids the actual sleeping-over part. It’s become a trendy birthday party theme because it puts less pressure on kids and the parents hosting. How it works is that kids show up to the host house all ready for a sleepover, usually around dinner time. Guests might even arrive decked out in their coziest PJs to add to the whole sleepover vibe. The group enjoys pizza, watches a movie, plays some games, and does an activity like decorating cupcakes.

All the festivities are concluded just before bedtime, when parents return to swoop up their little ones and everyone heads back home to sleep in their own beds. Nobody is over-tired the next day. Nobody needs to call home for a late-night pickup when they have a nightmare. No parent has to stress over whether it’s a good idea to leave their kid overnight with someone they only know from the pick-up line. No kid has to feel ashamed if they aren’t yet ready to sleep away from their parents for the night. The sleep-under side-steps all those potential issues.

Honestly, it’s pretty genius. We just wish it were a thing when we were kids!

Park

Local parks are great places for a 1-year-old’s birthday party and a parent-favorite first birthday party location. Spacious and usually free, parks are a blank slate. Set up bubbles, games, balloons, kiddie pools, or anything else your child adores. Bring plenty of picnic blankets and check to see if your local park allows you to reserve picnic tables in advance.

Playground

Playgrounds with tot lots are heaven for 1-year-olds. Invite all your birthday child’s friends to their favorite stomping grounds and watch the fun unfold. Some playgrounds have gazebos or pavilions you can reserve for your guests and decorate for the party. There may be high demand, so book early!

Fire Station

One of the best-kept secrets of children’s birthday parties is that many fire stations will allow you to host your child’s birthday party there. And often for free. It’s a unique location for a first birthday party and will set the bar high for birthday parties to come.

Pool

If you are lucky enough to live near a pool with features for little ones, look into holding your party there. Most 1-year-olds love splashing in zero-entry or shallow pools. Just be sure to tell guests to bring life vests for non-swimmers. Many public pools have on-site rooms that can be booked for parties.

Community Center

For a relatively inexpensive indoor party, see if your local community center has rooms for rent. As a bonus, some community centers come pre-stocked with toys, so planning activities will be easier.

Kid-Friendly Restaurant

Parties are a great excuse to celebrate with food. A kid-friendly restaurant is a good choice for a first birthday party location since it can cater to both children and adults. If your 1-year-old has discovered a love for pizza or french fries, select a location that serves them up. Ask in advance if you can bring balloons, decorations, and cake, and definitely make a reservation. Some restaurants can provide a private room or rope off a section for your exclusive use.

Related: 13 Secrets to a ONE-derful First Birthday Party

Botanical Garden

If you want to throw an Insta-worthy soirée, head to your local botanical garden. If you are lucky enough to live near one, try to reserve a pavilion. Or, stake out a spot early in the day and set up a picnic for your guests with the blooms in the background.

Zoo

By the time your baby turns one, chances are they already already love the zoo. Hold a birthday party there if this is one of your go-to spots. It’s not only a great way to support your local zoo, but it’s also a fantastic, kid-friendly spot for a party. For a truly unique present, see if you can name one of the animals after your newly minted 1-year-old.

Children’s Museum

Another place your child may already love is your local children’s museum. This is the perfect place to celebrate your baby transforming into a curious toddler. Your birthday theme can tie into your child’s favorite exhibit. An annual membership makes a great tie-in for a gift.

Someone Else’s House

Your home may not be one of the best places for a 1-year-old’s birthday party, but someone else’s house might be perfect! Maybe Grandma has a big yard or a great room perfect for entertaining. If so, ask if you can host your little one’s party there. Even a neighbor or close friend might be willing to host a small gathering. If your baby has a buddy with a birthday around the same time, ask if you can host a joint party at their home with a fair division of labor. This is an especially good option if the guest list overlaps with daycare or the neighborhood.

Indoor Play Space

When outdoor parties are not an option because of weather or lack of available space, look for an indoor play area. Make sure they have age-appropriate gear for crawlers and new walkers. Invite a few chums, or if you have money to burn, rent out the entire building for an epic celebration. Many indoor play spots have a private room, so ask about that when booking.

Your Favorite Spot

Let’s be honest: Your 1-year-old won’t remember their first birthday party. That means there is no shame in celebrating making it through your first year as parents instead. Throw a bash at your favorite restaurant that’s all about your new family and invite your grown-up friends. Your little one will have plenty of birthdays that are all about them so no need to feel guilty about stealing the spotlight just this once.

These carefully curated gifts will please any hosts, even your hard-to-shop-for-sister-in-law. They’ll be welcome additions to their home, pantry, and every day, plus lots of them actually make their next event that much easier to put together. Scroll down for our favorite hostess gift ideas for 2024.

Pop'n Champagne Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut

Who could resist a lovely bottle of Veuve Clicquot (think lemony vanilla, apple toffee, a little bite, and a savory finish) and everyone's favorite caramel, cheese, and butter popcorn? Pop'n Champagne offers several great bottles to match every hostess's taste.

Pop'n Champagne Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut ($149.99)—Buy Here!

Benedita Bow Metal Serve Set

How sweet is this bow-adorned serving set? Handcrafted and available in both silver and gold finishes, they're such a pretty addition to the table.

Benedita Bow Metal Serve Set ($48.00)—Buy Here!

Table-Talk Place Cards, Set of 40

Keep the conversation flowing with this set of 40 place cards, each with two questions. With 80 ways to bond, there won't be any awkward silences.

Table-Talk Place Cards, Set of 40 ($26.00)—Buy Here!

Related: 13 Little Black Dresses You’ll Wear Forever

Beekman 1802 Goat Milk Caddy Set

Goat milk is known for its moisturizing qualities. We love gifting this soap and lotion set, especially since it's fragrance-free and includes a counter caddy.

Beekman 1802 Goat Milk Caddy Set ($44.00)—Buy Here!

Put a Fork In It Cheese Markers, Set of 6

Even if you're a cheese aficionado, chances are at least one of your guests needs help telling their Brie from their Bleu. This set of 6 fork-style cheese markers are labeled, so not only are they really cute, but they also keep everyone in the know.

Put a Fork In It Cheese Markers, Set of 6 ($25.00)—Buy Here!

Hoya Heart Succulent

This succulent will look darling on a windowsill, and it needs very little maintenance (which makes it the perfect gift, of course).

Hoya Heart Succulent ($39.99)—Buy Here!

Gold Leaf Glassware

Glassware with a city map in 22-carat gold leaf is sure to endear your host to you even when your kid locks themselves in the bathroom in the middle of the party. Choose from 22 popular cities.

Gold Leaf Glassware ($23.95)—Buy Here!

Rainbow Agate Coaster Set of 4

Protect furniture from glass rings and toddler spills with this lovely coaster set of 4.

Rainbow Agate Coaster Set of 4 ($45.99)—Buy Here!

Superstitchous Blanket

San Francisco mom Samira Khoshnood created Superstitchous while on maternity leave after the birth of her first child. We love gifting these cozy blankets to pretty much anyone. Especially with a variety of charming prints and sizes, you can't go wrong.

Superstitchous Blanket ($88.00+)—Buy Here!

Related: The Absolute Best Stocking Stuffers for Adults

anecdote candles Holiday Host Bundle

Made of long-lasting soy wax and hand-poured in California, these are a chic-meets-cheeky offering. There are a bunch of different single and bundle options to fit your favorite hostess's personality, but we're especially loving this Dinner Party, Charcuterie Board, and Cocktail Hour bundle.

anecdote candles Holiday Host Bundle ($85.00)—Buy Here!

Brie Baker Hosting Set

A Murray's Mini Brie, Boska Cheese Baker, and Divina Fig Spread, all in a gift box. Now it's a party.

Brie Baker Hosting Set ($65.00)—Buy Here!

Paper Vase Wraps

The perfect gift wrap for that bouquet of flowers you can grab on your way over; use a recycled jar, a can, or a simple vase and make it dressy. Coated paper stock in lots of different color choices.

Paper Vase Wraps ($19.00)—Buy Here!

Tipsy Turvy Bar Glass Set

Now this is a set of glasses. They're so much fun and can be used for champagne, mimosas, mocktails—you'll want to use them for everything.

Tipsy Turvy Bar Glass Set ($36.95)—Buy Here!

Fig Lemontini Craft Cocktail Kit

A botanical blend of fruits, herbs, and spices only requires adding the recommended spirits for the perfect cocktail.

Fig Lemontini Craft Cocktail Kit ($28.00+)—Buy Here!

Le Creuset Classic Demi Tea Kettle

A tea kettle is a classic gift, but the Le Creuset Demi Kettle spices things up with a huge range of colors to fit your host's decor to a "tea".

Le Creuset Classic Demi Tea Kettle ($84.00)—Buy Here!

 

PureWine Purifier Wands

Filter out sulfites with this simple wine filter and say goodbye to wine headaches. Just add one to each glass you pour, and in 3 minutes, you'll have a clean-tasting filtered glass of your favorite grapes.

PureWine Purifier Wands ($11.99+)—Buy Here!

Bloom Tamarind Wood Bowl

Filled with lemons or a large salad, this bowl is a stunner they'll love displaying.

Bloom Tamarind Wood Bowl ($99.95)—Buy Here!

—Kate Loweth, Amber Guetebier, Gabby Cullen, & Kate Cartia

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

1. Pregnancy pillow. It’s one of those items you may have felt frivolous buying for yourself, but trust us, it’s worth every extra hour of sleep you’ll receive.

2. Gift certificates for a local baby store. Sometimes doing the shopping yourself is the fun part: browsing through a store and marveling at the teeny tiny booties, adorable newborn outfits, and sweet nursery accents.

3. House cleaning service (before or after the baby comes). This is possibly one of the most useful baby shower gifts anyone can give. As a new parent, not only will you crave a clean home, but with a newborn around, you’ll be sleep-deprived and short on time.

4. Contribution to a doula service. If you are dreaming of a doula birth but can’t afford it, this is one way to get the birth you really want.

5. Hiring a photographer for baby pictures. This is a gift you’ll cherish forever.

6. Personalized new mom note cards. When you meet the first nice mom at mom and baby yoga, you’ll be grateful that it’s easy to keep in touch. Swapping numbers in your phones isn’t always so easy when you’re running off with a hungry newborn.

7. A subscription to Tinybeans. As new parents, there’s nothing like a secure and private way to share memories with family and friends. Your Tinybeans+ subscription includes unlimited photo and video uploads, 200GB of storage, and more—plus it’ll get all those eager relatives begging for updates off your back.

8. Paying for someone to give a CPR and infant first aid class. You’ll rest easier knowing you have these skills just in case.

9. Prenatal or postnatal massage. Be specific about the spa and/or masseuse you prefer because you deserve it.

10. Gift certificate for a pedicure. Your feet could use the extra massage right now, and you can’t see your toes for a DIY pedicure anyway.

11. Date night certificate. Do you feel like you’ll never leave the house after the baby? You’ll have extra motivation if you’ve got a free dinner for two and babysitting booked before they arrive.

12. Shower saver kit. This tongue-in-cheek gift gives a nod to the fact that finding time for a shower after baby isn’t always easy, but this clever gift grouping will make it doable: a clear plastic shower curtain, bath accessories for mom, and a bouncy seat for baby.

13. Cloth diaper service or a supply of disposable diapers. If there’s one thing you know your baby will use, it’s diapers!

14. Emergency diaper kit to leave in the car. This clever and ever-useful wet bag should include diapers, wipes, plastic baggies, and a clean change of clothes.

15. Meals for a month. Having someone organize a meal train of family and friends to provide dinners several days a week, or being gifted a meal delivery service for a month is priceless.

16. Favorite children’s books. Start building your baby’s library from day one. Classic children’s books like these will be treasured forever.

17. Uh-oh kit. This is an easy way to ensure you’re stocked with the necessary first aid supplies including a thermometer, gas tablets, teething tablets, baby pain reliever, nail clippers, diaper rash cream, etc.

18. Handmade hats or blankets. If you’ve got relatives or friends who knit, hint that handmade is appreciated.

19. Nursing pillow. If you overlooked this on your registry—don’t. It’s good for breastfeeding and bottle-feeding moms, and these pillows can be a great spot to prop your baby.

Skeleton Charcuterie Board

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A post shared by Jennifer Davis Young (@foreveryoungfarmhouse)

If everyone is too excited to sit down to eat, whip up a Halloween charcuterie board instead so they can graze while putting the final touches on their costumes.

Halloween Veggie Pizza

Kids can't resist the ranch-spiked cream cheese on this veggie pizza from Bitz & Giggles, complete with 3D cracker tombstones. 

Deviled Egg Spiders

Our friends over at Weelicious know what kids want to eat and it's definitely deviled egg spiders. A tiny bit creepy and super tasty, these are an easy addition to your Halloween festivities. 

Jack O'Oranges

Another fun option from HelloFresh for when you’ve carved all the pumpkins and apples in sight. Get started on the citrus and scoop out the insides, but don’t throw them away! You could always blend them into a juice or smoothie. Then, carve eerie faces and overload the insides with berries, apples, kiwis, and whatever else you have on hand.

Pizza Mummies

Take the kid-favorite pizzas and mummify them for a fun Halloween dinner idea like these from Weelicious. Bonus: it's perfect for group gatherings when you want some single-serving options. 

Related: The Most Popular Halloween Costumes for Kids in 2024

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Pumpkin isn’t just for pie! Halloween is the perfect time to try out a savory pumpkin dish, and this one from Tara’s Multicultural Table is bound to be a hit. The pumpkin adds an extra layer of creaminess and flavor, and the whole Halloween dinner idea will take less than half an hour to make. 

Mummy Dogs

Combine your two favorites—hot dogs and pizza dough—and you've got these too-cute-to-eat mummy dogs from Weelicious that make a perfect Halloween meal. You could even put the kids to work making these. 

Creepy, Crawly Toasts

Ewwwwww spiders. But also, YUM. These creepy toasts are the creation of our friends over at HelloFresh and are made by slathering a layer of either goat cheese or cream cheese on thick slices of toasted French baguette. Then, one half a black olive is placed in the center of the body while four smaller slices are placed on either side as legs. Sprinkle with finely chopped basil, and you’re done!

Monster Burgers

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How cute is this pair? All you need to get your monsters started are olives and toothpicks. These would be super adorable as sliders as well! We are definitely adding this Halloween dinner idea to our October recipe rotation.

Skeleton Mushroom Pasta

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This brilliant Halloween dinner idea for a spooky pasta dinner has you carving little skeleton faces into your mushroom slices. Added to squid ink pasta, this Halloween dinner is scary good.

Halloween Shepard’s Pie

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We love this idea for a ghoulish shepherd’s pie from @rachplusfive—check out this YouTube video for more tips. This is a hearty meal to serve before the candy onslaught begins.

Halloween Hot Dog Worms

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Do you think the kids will be creeped out by this spooky take on hot dogs? Head on over to Holley Grainger’s website for the full scoop. (Spoiler alert: You just need to cut thin strips of hot dogs and they will curl up when cooked).

Pumpkin Soup in a Pumpkin

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You’ll want to eat all of your soups out of a pumpkin after you give this recipe from the Pioneer Woman a try. Serve it in a large pie pumpkin when you’ve got a group coming, or use mini ones so each kid gets one of their own.

Related: Easy Halloween Treats to Make This Year

Spooky Stuffed Peppers

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How cute are these stuffed peppers from Pinch of Parsley?! Filled with a Mexican-inspired mixture of ground beef, rice, salsa, and cheese, they’re a perfect healthy Halloween dinner to keep your kiddos going through a long night of trick-or-treating. 

Mummy Sammies

Transform sandwiches into edible art with this fun idea from Feel Good Foodie. Topped off with a cute pair of candy eyes, these kabobs (along with three other suggested Halloween-y snacks!) are sure to make your kids smile. 

Chicken Fingers

We’ve never seen chicken fingers quite like this before! These super crispy bites from Create Eat Happy are called karaage, aka Japanese fried chicken. With a bit of strategically placed ketchup, you’ve got a fun twist on (literal) chicken fingers that’ll be gobbled up in no time.

Halloween Pizza

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For a tasty meal that comes together in no time, spice up a frozen pizza with this fun idea from Chewable Structures. A few carefully placed veggies become spooky witches’ fingers—easy peasy! 

Scary-Delicious Spinach Feta Pie

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What’s the best way to get kids to eat their greens? Add cheese to it and bake it in puff pastry! This spinach-feta pie from .@in_anastasias_kitchen is sure to be a hit with your whole crew, and it doesn’t hurt to get some veggies in before everybody pigs out on candy.

Spider Sammies

Looking for the easiest Halloween dinner ever? Make these cute grilled cheese sandwiches from Rachel Cooks. With pretzel legs and dried cranberry eyes, they only take a couple of minutes longer to make than normal grilled cheese, and that’s a win in our book. 

Spooky Soba

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This soba-centric idea from Bento Monsters is equal parts creativity, adorable details, and tastiness. Despite looking like a work of art, these Halloween dinner ideas are easy to make for your little monsters.

Candy Corn Quesadilla

Candy for dinner? Well, not quite—but these quesadillas from Boulder Locavore do channel classic Halloween candy corn in a big way. The best part? There’s triple the cheesy goodness.

Related: 8 Frightfully Easy Halloween Cupcakes

Spirited Pizza

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Boo! We’re digging the ghostly genius of this pizza idea from Tastes Better From Scratch. It’s got gourmet impressiveness, and kid-friendly flavors, and can be made with a team effort from the whole family.

Spider Web Soup

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We want to award extra Halloween points to The Foodie and the Fix for coming up with a Halloween-themed dinner that has tons of fall flavor and a simple spider decoration (Hint: for your awesome webbing, it’s all about the coconut yogurt!).

Pumpkin-Inspired Pizza Pockets

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Your kid crew will go gaga for these homemade pizza pockets from Dinner at the Zoo. They’re inspired by jack-o’-lanterns and are the perfect pepperoni addition to your Halloween-themed dinners.

Witchy Veggies

Need a magical way to get the kids to eat their veggies? How about this idea from Boulder Locavore, which involves arranging crudité edibles to look like a screaming witch? Now that’s what we call fun with food!

Related: Boo Baskts Are Here to Stay and Our Easy Ideas Are Hard to Resist

Skull Lasagna

Take your Halloween-themed dinners to a new level with this spooky lasagna from Brick Star. Your pint-sized chefs will love getting creative with the toppings—but they’ll love eating the cheesy result even more.

Goulish Pasta Salad

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Looking for an easy way to make Halloween a little healthier? Smile Sandwich has you covered with this festive and oh-so-cute pasta salad. The flavors are light and refreshing but the star of the show is the jack-o-lantern cucumber slices (Psst! Don’t like cucumber? Sub in zucchini instead!).

You’ve landed on your pumpkin carving design, bookmarked the easy Halloween treats you’ll whip up, and stocked the kids’ shelves with the appropriate Halloween books. All that’s left is deciding if you’re doing a Trunk or Treat instead of going door to door this year. If you do opt to go the Trunk-or-Treat route, you’re going to want to stand out with one of the best themes around.

Whether you’ve got time to be crafty or you’re scrambling to decorate your car at the last minute, we’ve got the best trunk-or-treat ideas from super simple to frightfully fantastic. Feeling extra inspired? Entertain your pint-sized visitors with some cackle-inducing Halloween jokes and kid-friendly ghost stories.

Click here and save this list for years to come on Pinterest.

Willy Wonka’s Factory

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Nobody knows candy like Willy Wonka, and with the new prequel about the candymaker’s life coming out this year, this Golden Ticket-themed trunk-or-treat is perfect for a sweet set up.

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown Trunk-or-Treat

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Peanuts for peanuts! This trunk-or-treat idea uses dollar store props and well-crafted cutouts to create a low-budget Halloween scene—Linus sitting in wait for the Great Pumpkin. This clever Charlie Brown comic strip scene used plastic pumpkins, burlap to line the trunk, some fall fabric placemats and faux leaves plus a poster board Linus and a welcome sign. Head to Lynlee’s for all the details.

Disney-Themed Trunk-or-Treat Idea

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Everyone loves Disney-themed trunk-or-treat ideas! This fun Peter Pan version has us looking for our pixie dust.

Happy Camper

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If you like to camp, then this trunk-or-treat idea will be a breeze to set up. The bonfire is especially cute!

Dead of the Dead

How colorful is this Day of the Dead trunk-or-treat theme? With a few paper garlands, blankets, pumpkins, and a sugar skull or two, you can easily pull this off. Get all the details over at Deonna Wade. 

Party City Trunk-or-Treat Kits

If you want to go big but want to find all the supplies in one spot, check out Party City's Themed Trunk or Treat Kits. You'll find The Nightmare Before Christmas, Super Mario Bros., and classic Halloween kits, and they all include balloons, serving bowls, streamers, and more!

Related: DIY Halloween Decorations to Deck Your Haunted Halls

Practically Perfect in Every Way

We love this detailed Mary Poppins trunk-or-treat idea, spotted over at An Alli Event. The faux fireplace adds the perfect chimney sweep touch, and with costumes like these and a few props, you too will be ready for any event. A spoonful of sugar optional!

Harry Potter Trunk or Treat Theme

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Harry Potter is always a favorite trunk-or-treat theme, and this incredible set up will inspire you for your own this Halloween. If your kids are fans, borrow all their dress-up accessories and then collect other tidbits to make a magical setting.

Gumball Machine

This DIY gumball machine trunk or treat idea is one we can chew on. We love that it coordinates with an easy apron costume and that it doesn't take much more than fabric, paper, and puff balls. Take a closer look here.

Spooky Graveyard

If you love Halloween decorations, just use what you already own to create a spooky graveyard! Tombstones, giant spiders, candles, skulls, and cobwebs. Go bigger with a full skeleton or a fog machine. 

Related: 53 Halloween Jokes for Kids That Are More Silly Than Scary

Minions

Here's one of those easy trunk-or-treat ideas that will pop! Fill the car with yellow helium balloons accessorized as minions, and you'll be all set with a despicable display. You could also use blue balloons for an aquatic bubbly underwater scene or multicolored ones as gumballs.

Bat Cave

A cave is the perfect Halloween backdrop whether you're a monster, ghoul, or bat. The stalagmites and stalactites for this bat cavern are made from styrofoam attached to the open trunk with paper bats hung on a string or attached with toothpicks into the foam. Head to Tikkido for the details.

Cookie Monster

A great Cookie Monster trunk-or-treat theme just requires the right color blue. This version from Love of Felt uses a wooden frame, a black fabric mouth, brown felt cookies, and poster board eyes. You can also have the open trunk as the mouth, blue fabric stretched in place, styrofoam balls for eyes, and cookies made out of cardboard.

Make sure to capture all the spooky fun—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

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1. Respect the nap.

Happy, stress-free parties require a well-rested baby, so time the birthday bash around your baby’s naptime. While this may mean a different start time than Grandma expected, everybody (especially your child!) will have a better time if you work around the sleep schedule.

2. Create a quiet area.

Since parties with babies can mean tears and gleeful shrieks, setting up a secondary party area in another room or outside for guests to go to if they need a break from the festivities is a brilliant first birthday party idea. Set out non-electronic toys for babies who may feel overstimulated, and place chairs and snacks there for adults who want a spot for quiet conversation.

3. Designate photographers.

To ensure you capture the big moments and sweet snuggles with important folks, ask a few attendees to take charge of specific photo moments. That way you can focus on your child and guests—and end up in some of the photos, too! Take all the sweetest snapshots and make them into a Tinybeans photo book to save your memories of the special day.

4. Choose a simple theme.

If planning a Pinterest-worthy party sounds too stressful, stick to a simple theme. For a summer party, you could use hearts and pops of pink and orange to make the party look cohesive, whereas some sparkle and snowflakes with blues and silver would look lovely in the winter. Or opt for an easy theme like trains, animals, or under the sea. Fun punny ideas include Baby’s “Berry First Birthday” (with berry hues and flavors) or “Beary First Birthday” (bring on the teddy bears), “Mr. or Miss One-derful,” or “Some Bunny Is Turning One.”

5. Or… skip the theme.

No, you don’t need a themed first birthday party. Promise. Instead, spend your money on fun first birthday activities your baby and guests will enjoy. Our favorite is the ball pit. Just buy an inexpensive kiddie pool and a lot of colorful plastic balls. Kids will love to play around in it, and you can set it up at home or in your backyard for your kiddo to enjoy for years to come.

Related: Best Places to Hold a First Birthday Party

6. Take photos before guests arrive.

One of our favorite ideas when planning parties for one-year-olds olds is to snap pictures before baby gets sleepy or cake-covered and when you and your family are more relaxed and focused. To ensure you get great photos, make or order a small smash cake before the big day and do a low-key photo shoot without any guests around. Baby will be all smiles, and no one flipping through the scrapbook will ever know that the picture was taken on a different day.

7. Weather permitting, opt for an outdoor venue.

A park or playground can be the perfect party spot; all you bring is the cake, balloons, favors, snacks, and a table (or use a picnic table that’s already there!). The mess will be minimal in the great outdoors, and younger guests will have lots of space to run around.

First birthday party tip: Arrive early to stake out a spot in the shade, and tell guests what color balloons or decorations you have so they know where to find you. If the weather isn’t cooperating and you need to move the party to your home, make extra room indoors by moving furniture out of the party room so little legs can crawl or walk around.

8. Put older kids in charge of games.

Delegate, delegate, delegate. Older kids, like cousins or friends’ children, usually love to be given responsibility at parties, and they’re really good at getting the younger ones’ attention. Put them in charge of party games, music-making, singing songs, and more. Chat with the older kids (and their parents) in advance to ask what they’re comfortable doing and create a plan.

9. Use a cupcake for smashing.

Smash cakes are all the rage with the one-year-old crowd and their photo-taking families, and while we say smash away, a tiny confection or cupcake works just as well with much less mess. You may even be able to salvage your child’s outfit for future events if you go for a less messy, smaller cake.

10. Personalize the party.

Highlight a few of your baby’s favorite things over the past year (first word! favorite food! favorite stuffed animal!) and make a poster you display at the party. This first birthday party idea from Kara’s Party Ideas lets guests learn about your baby and is worth snapping a photo of for your child to revisit in a few years. Better yet, make it a yearly tradition.

11. Create a time capsule.

Asking your guests to write the guest of honor a short letter to be read years from now tops our list of sweet first birthday party ideas. To ward off writer’s block, offer suggestions for what to write, such as helpful advice, a memory of the party or first year, or wishes for the future. Store the letters in a marked container that reads “Do not open until you turn 21” (or whatever age you like). For guests who can’t make it, ask them to email your submissions—print them out, and file them away for a future date.

12. Make your party treats self-serve.

Set up everything from drinks to dessert in advance so you can tell guests to help themselves, leaving you to focus on your child and having fun. For younger guests, prep cut-up fruit, applesauce pouches, and cups of Cheerios or snack crackers. For adults, a charcuterie board, crudites, and antipasto are always popular nibbles.

13. Keep it short and sweet.

Little people get overstimulated quickly and can’t handle too much of a good thing. Limit your party to two hours or less so everyone can leave on a positive note.

Related: Celebrate Your Baby’s First Birthday Without a Party

Capture all the cutest (and messiest) moments from baby’s big day—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.