Present bags can be given to guests at the beginning or end of a party to thank them for coming.
At all manner of celebrations, it is customary to give guests present bags, also known as party bags, as they leave. According to Debrett's etiquette website, it is not compulsory to give present bags at the end of a party, but it is very much the thing to do, particularly at children's parties. However, there is nothing to say they have to be expensive, and party throwers have free rein over what to put in them. Does this Spark an idea?
Present Bags
The occasion will play a role in dictating the sort of bag to use. For children's parties, supermarkets sell ready-made plastic bags with brightly colored decorations. However, these can be garish, and some parents may prefer to buy simple paper bags and decorate or personalize them as they see fit. For other occasions, miniature gift bags made from paper and with paper or string handles look great.
Children's Present Bags
Present bags given at the end of a children's party are simple to put together. Traditionally they will contain a slice of the birthday cake for each guest to take away with them as well as some candy or small toys. To save money, buy selection packs of candy and small toys at supermarkets. Bubble mixture is a fun addition, too. Other ideas include sourcing interesting, unusual or fairly traded, handcrafted toys, but this can prove costly.
Party Bags for Older Girls
Older boys are less interested in present bags, meaning that parents of boys might not feel obliged to make the bags as their son gets older. For older girls, sweets and toys may seem patronizing, so inserting "girly" gifts such as notepads, hair slides, nail polish or lip gloss might be appropriate. These items can be bought cheaply in supermarkets.
Bachelorette Parties
Bachelorette parties, or hen nights as they are known in the United Kingdom, are another occasion at which hostesses may wish to give their guests present bags. Often at parties like this the bags may be given at the beginning of the party and may contain items that will be enjoyed through the night. Depending on the bride's personal taste, this may involve novelty items, bubbles, sparklers, cards featuring playful dares or chocolates, cakes or truffles.
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