In my previous post, I delved into the world of having kids at your wedding, covering topics from crafting the perfect invitation to preparing tiny ring bearers and flower girls for their big moments. Now, I’m shifting gears to focus on a crucial aspect of keeping little ones occupied during dinner: creating goody bags or activity packs that cater to their unique needs and tastes.
What to include in a child’s activity pack
When planning a kid-friendly activity for your wedding, it’s essential to consider toys and games that are quiet and don’t require constant adult supervision. To ensure everyone’s safety, avoid small items that can be choking hazards and musical instruments, which can get noisy. Instead, opt for inexpensive options from local discount stores like pound shops or dollar stores (or equivalent in the US). You may also want to consider alternative stores like Wallgreens. Remember to use your common sense when selecting activities, and if you’re unsure about any specific item, always check with your venue coordinator. Some venues may have restrictions on certain types of play materials, such as Play-Doh or stickers, especially if you’re hosting the event at a heritage site or upscale hotel. Keep these factors in mind to ensure a fun and safe experience for all attendees.
Children’s Wedding Activity Pack (Ages 3-6)
For a stress-free and enjoyable party experience, consider incorporating some creative and engaging activities for your little guests. One idea is to provide each child with a disposable camera, allowing them to capture the fun moments throughout the party. Alternatively, you can create a scavenger hunt list of items for them to find during dinner, such as bridesmaids dancing.For some artistic expression, consider setting up a creative station with sketchbooks and pencils or crayons. You can also cover a designated area with brown craft paper or thick white paper for kids to draw on the table itself! To keep things interactive and fun, prepare an activity book filled with simple mazes, coloring pages, and templates. This can be a pre-made book or one you create yourself.Finger puppets are another great way to encourage imaginative play and storytelling. You can purchase sets of 5 finger puppets or make your own using felt. Other party-favorite activities include blowing bubbles and playing with a little pot of non-toxic Play-Doh. Make sure the brand you choose is suitable for your venue and that parents are okay with it.For some quiet time, provide a sticker book and stickers featuring farm or zoo animals, which are suitable for both boys and girls. Finally, don’t forget to plan for treats! Be sure to consider any dietary restrictions and have fun-sized packets of Haribo or chocolates on hand. Alternatively, you can offer healthy options like grapes, carrots, or apple slices.
Older Child’s Wedding Activity Pack (6-11)
To take entertainment to the next level, you can incorporate more challenging activities that cater to different age groups. For instance, consider including mini puzzles that require problem-solving skills, such as metal puzzles with interconnected pieces or Rubik’s cubes. These types of challenges will keep children engaged and stimulated.Another idea is to create a scavenger hunt checklist that kids can use at events like weddings. This DIY activity was well-received by parents and wedding professionals alike, providing hours of entertainment for young guests. You could also include retro toys that have stood the test of time, such as spinning tops, yo-yos, or kaleidoscopes. These classic toys are suitable for a wide range of ages and can be enjoyed by children with varying interests.
DIY Activity Books
For a fun and interactive twist on traditional party favors, consider creating or purchasing DIY activity books filled with engaging mazes, puzzles, coloring pages, dot-to-dot challenges, and blank templates for kids to fill in. To make it even more special, include a set of crayons or color pencils at each place setting (or in a designated container) to encourage creativity. Online marketplaces like Etsy offer a range of reasonably priced activity kits, while websites like The Wedding Of My Dreams and Not On The Highstreet provide unique and inspiring ideas. If you’d prefer to make your own, numerous free online resources are available, including Crayola’s coloring pages, Print Activities’ printable templates, and Printables For Kids’ fun activities. One of my personal favorites is the charming and free PDF activity book from Lovely Indeed.
Packaging
When preparing a thoughtful gift basket, start by selecting a vibrant pail, paper box or bag. To add an extra layer of excitement upon opening, fill the container with colorful tissue paper and sprinkle it with glitter or confetti. However, be sure to check with the venue beforehand, as not all may permit the use of confetti. This delightful touch is inspired by Style Me Pretty and Bridal Buds.
Ready Prepared Activity Kits
If you’re short on time or prefer not to create your own kid-friendly activities, consider purchasing a ready-made kit. A budget-friendly option is the £2.59 gender-specific goody bag from Cocoon Party. Alternatively, for a more extensive selection of games and activities, opt for the £22.50 set from Yo-Yo Me via Not On The High Street. Another cost-effective choice is the bulk activity set of 6 from Kids Wedding Fun, which works out to approximately $5 per child. Regardless of whether you choose to buy or create your own, these kits are sure to delight and keep little ones engaged for a while. If this helps, I suggest visiting my previous post on entertaining children at weddings for even more ideas. Do you have any suggestions on what to include in a child’s activity bag or box at a wedding?