Plastic-Free Party Bags: Thoughtful Alternatives to Birthday Loot in Malta

Party bags often go home full of plastic that breaks by bedtime. Here are simple, lovely alternatives that children actually enjoy.

4 min read

Wooden toys and a basket of shells on rocks by a clear bay

Children's birthday parties in Malta are often big, happy affairs, with cousins, classmates, neighbours and grandparents all invited. And at the end of many parties comes the party bag: a small bag of sweets and trinkets for every child to take home.

Many parents have mixed feelings about party bags. Children love them, but the contents are often small plastic toys that break quickly, get lost under the sofa or go straight in the bin. If you would like to send guests home with something more thoughtful, this guide is for you.

Do you need party bags at all?

It is worth asking. Many parties work perfectly well without them, especially for toddlers who will not remember. If you would like to give something, one small, good thing is often better than a bag full of bits.

Ideas for toddlers and young children

A small wooden animal or figure
A wooden spinning top
A packet of seeds with a small pot
A mini colouring book and a couple of beeswax crayons
A small shaker egg
A cotton or linen pouch to keep treasures in
A small board book
A homemade biscuit, wrapped in paper

For children under three, make sure every item is free of small parts and safe to mouth.

Ideas for preschool and older children

A pack of colouring pencils
A small magnifying glass
Chalk for drawing on the pavement or balcony
A paperback story book
Modelling clay or homemade play dough in a jar
A seed bomb or small plant
A shell or stone painting kit

Packaging that matches

The bag itself is part of the picture. Paper bags, small fabric pouches, recycled jars or kraft paper tied with string all look lovely. A fabric pouch can become a child's treasure bag long after the party. Avoid plastic film and glitter.

Experiences instead of objects

Some families give something to do instead: a small pot to plant seeds in at the party, a crown children decorate themselves, or a painted shell from a beach party. Children take home something they made, which often means more to them than anything bought.

Keeping costs sensible

Plastic-free does not have to mean expensive. A single packet of seeds split into paper envelopes, homemade play dough in small jars, or a batch of biscuits can cost very little. Charity shops and second-hand book sales are good sources of small books.

Party food and decorations

If you are rethinking party bags, you might also like to rethink decorations. Paper bunting, fabric garlands that can be reused, flowers from the garden and real plates and cups reduce waste. Our article on celebrating baby's first birthday meaningfully has more ideas, and our piece on the Maltese quċċija celebrates a simple tradition.

Talking to other parents

Some parents worry that children will be disappointed by a plastic-free bag. In practice, children are usually delighted with something small and special, especially if it is presented beautifully. Other parents often appreciate it too.

Gifts at the party

If you would like guests to bring plastic-free gifts, gentle wording on the invitation can help. Our guide to asking family for wooden toys instead of plastic has phrases you can adapt. Some families suggest a book swap, where each child brings a wrapped book and takes another home.

Gift ideas for the birthday child

If you are a guest looking for a present, our guides to second birthday gifts, third birthday gifts and auntie and uncle gifts have plenty of ideas. For a larger gift from several families, see our guide to pooling for one heirloom toy.

Why it matters

Small choices like party bags add up. Malta is a small island with limited space for waste, and every plastic toy that breaks quickly ends up somewhere. Our article on why we choose plastic-free for Malta's next generation explains more of our thinking.

A simple template

If you would like a starting point, try this: one small wooden toy or book, one consumable such as crayons or seeds, and one homemade treat, all in a paper bag tied with string and a name tag. It looks thoughtful, it costs less than many shop-bought party bags, and almost nothing ends up in the bin. Older children can even help assemble the bags in the days before the party, which builds excitement.

For very young guests, consider giving the party bag to the parents rather than the child, so that anything not suitable can be kept for later or passed on.

Little Curio is curating plastic-free toys and small gifts for families in Malta. See what is coming to the shop or browse our gift edits.