The Backyard Olympics (Kids Budget Edition)
Kids party ideas on a budget: garden relay events, handmade medals and an opening ceremony with adult supervision.
At home · Pocket budget
The Build-Your-Own Party Favour Station
Party bag, party favour and giveaway ideas with age-appropriate fillers, clear labels and a non-food choice.
PLAN
READY 6–12 people Low-key
READY 6–12 people Low-key
Best for6–12 people
BudgetPocket budgetEstimate: $15+
LocationAt home
EnergyLow-key
01
Before you begin
Gather your supplies
Tick these off as you shop, borrow or pull them from the house. The list is a practical starting point, not a claim that every item is required.
02
The plan
How to run it
-
Plan for Ages and Allergies
Plan for Ages and Allergies: Ask families about choking hazards, allergies and dietary needs before buying. For children under three, omit loose small items and provide a large-format, age-appropriate favour instead.
-
Label Every Filler
Label Every Filler: List ingredients prominently, especially nuts, dairy, gluten and egg. Keep products in original packaging where possible, separate them and prepare an allergy-safe bag before opening the station.
-
Decorate First, Fill Second
Decorate First, Fill Second: Supervise children as they decorate a large paper bag with stickers and drawings, then offer parent-controlled quantities of labelled treats. Use child-safe scissors and keep the station away from food.
-
Include a Non-Food Choice
Include a Non-Food Choice: Provide a sticker sheet, crayon set or other age-suitable item in every bag. Offer sealed non-food alternatives for allergy-sensitive children and let families skip the station entirely.
03
Keep the room moving
A practical run of show
-
20 min before
Plan for Ages and Allergies
Plan for Ages and Allergies: Ask families about choking hazards, allergies and dietary needs before buying. For children under three, omit loose small items and provide a large-format, age-appropriate favour instead.
-
10 min
Label Every Filler
Label Every Filler: List ingredients prominently, especially nuts, dairy, gluten and egg. Keep products in original packaging where possible, separate them and prepare an allergy-safe bag before opening the station.
-
60 min
Decorate First, Fill Second
Decorate First, Fill Second: Supervise children as they decorate a large paper bag with stickers and drawings, then offer parent-controlled quantities of labelled treats. Use child-safe scissors and keep the station away from food.
-
15 min
Include a Non-Food Choice
Include a Non-Food Choice: Provide a sticker sheet, crayon set or other age-suitable item in every bag. Offer sealed non-food alternatives for allergy-sensitive children and let families skip the station entirely.