Planning a children’s birthday party is a labour of love — and the party bag is often the last thing on the list. But for the kids, it’s the first thing they dive into on the way home. Getting it right doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. This guide walks you through everything you need to know: from choosing the right paper party bags for kids in the UK, to filling them with things children will actually enjoy.
Parents across the UK have made a clear shift away from plastic party bags in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. Paper party bags are widely recyclable in UK kerbside collections, biodegradable, and far easier to personalise than their plastic counterparts. They are also sturdier than you might expect — provided you choose bags made from at least 90 gsm paper, they hold up perfectly well to small hands, loot hauls, and the journey home in a school bag.
Beyond the eco credentials, paper party bags simply look better. A kraft bag tied with twine, or a coloured party bag in the birthday child’s favourite colour, adds a thoughtful finishing touch that elevates the whole party experience.
Before you think about what goes inside, it helps to get the bag itself right. Here is what to consider when buying paper party bags for kids in the UK.
Most children’s party bags measure approximately 18 × 8 × 22 cm — large enough for a small toy, a few sweets, a sticker sheet, and a piece of cake wrapped in a napkin. For very young children (babies and toddlers), a slightly smaller bag is more appropriate, since the fillers tend to be simpler and lighter.
If you are including a colouring book or activity pad, size up to a medium bag (around 24 × 10 × 28 cm) so the contents lie flat and the bag can close neatly.
Look for bags made from at least 90 gsm paper. Anything lighter risks tearing when filled, especially if you are including small bottles, sticker books, or wrapped treats. For older children whose bags tend to be heavier, 100–120 gsm is worth the small additional cost.
Coloured party bags in the UK come in a wide range of shades. Matching the bag colour to the party theme is a small detail that makes a big impression — think red and black for a superhero party, pastel pink or lilac for a princess theme, or bright primary colours for a rainbow party.
Flat-fold tops are the most common style for paper party bags and are perfectly functional. If you want something that feels a little more special, twist-handle bags or ribbon-handle bags are easier for children to carry and look more like a gift bag than a standard party favour.
Matching the contents to the party theme transforms a generic goody bag into something the child will remember. Here are some popular paper bags for kids parties to go with them.
Dress up pastel coloured bags — blush pink, lilac, or mint — with a holographic sticker on the front. Fill with:
Use bold red, blue, or black bags and add a custom label with each child’s “superhero name.” Fill with:
Kraft brown bags are perfect here. Add animal-print washi tape across the top and a luggage-tag-style label. Fill with:
Green or olive bags with a hand-stamped “ROAR!” in black ink set the tone. Fill with:
Dark blue or black bags with silver star stickers look fantastic for a space theme. Fill with:
One of the most-searched questions about birthday party bag ideas in the UK is what actually to put inside. The golden rule: choose fillers that children will use or eat, not trinkets that end up in the bin before bedtime.
A wrapped sweet or small chocolate is a party bag staple — and one of the few fillers that every child is genuinely happy to receive. Keep portions modest: one or two items rather than a full bag of sugar.
Good options include:
Always check for allergy information if you are distributing to a school class, and consider including a nut-free or allergen-friendly option.
Stickers are one of the best-value party bag fillers available. Children love them; they are lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to source in bulk. A sheet of themed stickers — matched to the party theme — costs very little per bag and fills space beautifully.
Look for:
For a slightly more generous option, a mini sticker book (usually 6–8 pages) gives children hours of entertainment and feels like a proper gift rather than a filler.
Small toys work well as the “main item” in a party bag — one per bag, supported by sweets and stickers. Choose items that suit the age group:
Avoid anything with very small parts for parties where toddlers or young children may be present.
A personalised element — even a simple one — makes a party bag feel curated rather than generic. Some easy options:
These details cost almost nothing but leave a lasting impression.
If you have bought plain white or kraft paper party bags, personalising them yourself is straightforward and satisfying. Here are the most effective DIY techniques.
Rubber stamps and ink pads are the most versatile option. A themed rubber stamp — a star, a dinosaur, a crown — applied to the front of the bag in a complementary ink colour creates a cohesive, professional-looking result. Ink pads are reusable, so the setup cost is quickly recouped across a large batch.
Sticker labels printed at home or ordered from an online label printer allow you to include the child’s name, the party date, and any design you like. Adhesive labels stick cleanly to matte paper bags and hold well, provided the bag surface is not damp or waxy.
Washi tape along the top fold of the bag adds a pop of colour or pattern with minimal effort. Combine with a twist of twine for a rustic finish.
Metallic marker pens allow you to draw patterns or write names directly onto the bag. Gold and silver work beautifully on white and kraft paper.
For anyone making 30 or more bags, it is worth investing a small amount of time into a simple system: stamp all the bags first, then label, then fill, then fold. Assembly-line style preparation is significantly faster than completing each bag individually.
Order slightly more bags than your guest count. A working rule is to add 10–15% to your expected number. This accounts for:
Most UK suppliers sell paper party bags in packs of 10, 20, 50, and 100. If your guest list is 25 children, a pack of 30 gives you comfortable headroom without excessive waste.
For reliable quality and fast UK delivery, The Paper Bag Store stocks a wide range of paper party bags in multiple colours, sizes, and finishes — available in packs suitable for any party size. Plain bags from UK stock are typically dispatched within 1–3 working days, making them a practical choice even for last-minute planning.
For a broader overview of the different paper bag types available — from boutique bags to bulk kraft carriers — see The Ultimate Guide to Paper Bags in the UK.
What size paper party bags do I need for a children’s birthday party?
For most children’s parties, a bag measuring approximately 18 × 8 × 22 cm is ideal. This fits a small toy, a few sweets, a sticker sheet, and a piece of cake. If you are including a colouring book or larger activity item, go up one size.
What are the best fillers for kids’ party bags in the UK?
The most well-received fillers are a small toy (matched to the party theme), a sweet or chocolate bar, a sticker sheet, and a personalised tag. Avoid very small parts for parties with toddlers, and check for allergens when including food items.
How many paper bags should I order for a children’s party?
Order your expected guest count plus 10–15% extra to account for last-minute additions or damaged bags.
Can I personalise paper party bags at home?
Yes. Plain white or kraft bags are easy to personalise using rubber stamps, sticker labels, washi tape, or metallic marker pens. For large quantities, a simple assembly-line process saves significant time.
Are paper party bags recyclable in the UK?
Yes. Paper party bags are accepted in most UK kerbside recycling collections. Remove any non-paper elements such as plastic handles or ribbon before recycling.
Where can I buy coloured party bags in the UK?
The Paper Bag Store stocks coloured paper party bags with handles uk in a range of sizes and shades, available in packs of 10 to 100. Plain bags are dispatched from UK stock within 1–3 working days.
