Make Extra Loot
with Goodie Bags
by
Flora M. Brown, Ph.D.
Parting gifts. You know them as party goodie (a.k.a.loot) bags. They’re a must for even the most modest child’s party. Goodie bags are pint-sized versions of adult favors--a little something given by the host to the guest to remember (and savor!) that very special day.
Goodie bags come in whatever style, shape, and size the host deems. As to the contents--anything goes. Candy, stickers, novelty items are all commonly found in goodie bags. The only real criterion is that the treats reflect the party theme and the guest’s ages.
Sounds like work pulling these bags together? It is. In this era of instant this and that (It began in the Mc90’s!), enterprising retailers are plugging into the parents’ lack of time by offering pre-made goodie bags alongside their usual novelty bins. The bonus: You can charge a nice little sum for these quick, no-fuss, no-muss party bags. The result: Extra loot for you!
When planning to offer goodie bags, consider these five tips.
1. THE NO-BAG BAG. Goodie bags don’t have to be “bags” at all. Toy goodies for toddlers and preschoolers should not be so small that they can be swallowed. Instead, take one larger item, such as a ball or top, and wrap it in a party streamer, just as if you were rolling a ball of yarn. Elementary school-aged children love trinket boxes, small baskets, even envelopes. Sherri Sellman, former owner of The Goodie Bag, Yorba Linda, CA, finds that teenagers who want to give goodies at the end of their parties like to place candies in plastic containers shaped like cars or hearts.
2. SUGAR SUBSTITUTES. Filling goodie bags with candy isn’t an absolute must. In fact, many parents want to stay away from adding to children’s sugar intake. Here’s a chance to push your non-food items, such as erasers, pencils, pads, and crayons. Younger and older children,, even adults, are fascinated with stickers and stampers.
Elementary-age children get hours of enjoyment from hand puppets, coloring books, washable markers, small pop-up gift books, squeeze balls, and even items for pets. Older children in the nine to 12-year-old range may want to be considered grown-up, but they still need guidance and definitely will expect goodie bags. For them, stickers and stampers still fascinate, as do picture frames, magnets, note pads with matching pencils and washable tattoos.
3. THEMED TREATS. Coordinate your bags with your other merchandise. For example, if you sell Barbie paper tableware, offer Barbie-inspired goodie bags and display the entire ensemble. Manufacturers have helped in this regard by making coordinated paper products, gifts and goodie bags in theme areas.
4. ENCOURAGE CREATIVITY. While goodie bags can be pre-made, there are still those people who enjoy the do-it-yourself versions. Recognizing this, in your retail store you could offer a wide range of candies such as jelly beans, licorice pastels, and bubble gum as well as many types of containers, such as plastic and paper bags, plastic containers in shapes, and so on. Don’t forget to stock non-food gift items such as whistles, pencils, balloons, stickers, spinning tops, and squeeze balls.
5. DON’T LIMIT THE NEED. Although goodie bags are ultra-popular for birthdays, there’s no “law” that says you can’t offer them for a variety of other occasions such as Valentine’s Day, Halloween, Christmas or Hanukkah parties.
Goodie bags can also serve as “prizes” for party games. Promote them as surprise or grab bags and place by your check-out as impulse items. Here’s a chance to liquidate isolated remaining items and make a profit at the same time. Some moms love the suspense of buying grab bags--no matter what’s inside. When Shirley Frazier, president, Sweet Survival, Paterson, NJ makes goodie bags for children her favorite items are yo-yos, mini puzzles, blow bubbles, heart-shaped bracelets, toy soldiers and whistles.
Ask an adult what they remember best about a party and they’ll probably say, “the food”. Ask a child the same question, and they’ll probably say “good prizes”. When you offer imaginative goodie bags you not only help create parties that children and their parents will long cherish, but you also bring in extra loot and assure repeat business for future special occasions.
About the Author
Flora Morris Brown, Ph.D. is a Professor Emeritus at Fullerton College, educational consultant, gift basket expert, writer and professional motivational speaker. From her websites, blogs and newsletters she motivates small business owners and gift retailers with sales-generating ideas, marketing tips, design ideas and business success strategies. She is mother of four and grandmother of three. When she's not traveling she enjoys her home in Anaheim, CA.
