Crafty Loot Bags

Loot bags. You can't live with them...and your child's guests can't live without them. What should you buy? And how much should you spend? Consider planning a party with a craft activity so that your guests' creations become the loot!

• Buy balsa wood airplanes for everyone to decorate and race. Using markers, crayons, stickers and glitter, each child personalizes their very own plane. Or, make your own planes.
• If jewelry is your child's thing, buy all the fixings for a bead party - beads, charms, clasps, fishing wire, etc. Guests can make their own necklaces or bracelets.
• Hit a high note with guests - have them make their own musical instruments. With so many different ones to make, your party will become an orchestra in no time!
• Create memories by inviting guests to make their own picture frames. Decorate simple wooden frames (available at Ikea) or invite kids to make their own. Instant party pictures (Polaroid or digital) provide lasting memories to fill the frames.
• Making finger puppets not only provides a great craft activity, it's a built in performance too! Guests make their own finger puppets. When complete, take turns putting on plays.
• Make a batch of cookies (sugar or shortbread) and provide kids a table full of goodies - icing, sprinkles, little candies, etc. to decorate them.

When all else fails, you can always purchase goodies at your local dollar store for a reasonably priced loot bag.

By Rochelle Strauss