It’s often late at night, the party is fast approaching, and you’re typing the same question into Google that thousands of other parents ask every week: what to put in party bags that isn’t plastic, pointless or destined for the bin? You want something affordable, easy to organise and genuinely appreciated, but the usual options rarely deliver.
At Cotton Twist, we hear this question again and again. The good news is that party bags don’t have to be filled with disposable toys to feel generous or fun.
Why plastic party bag fillers disappoint (almost every time)
Plastic party bag toys tend to look appealing in bulk, but their appeal rarely lasts beyond the car journey home. They break easily, clutter drawers, and often end up thrown away within days, sometimes hours. For parents trying to reduce waste, this can feel frustrating and unavoidable.
There’s also the disappointment factor. Children are excited to receive party bags, but flimsy toys rarely live up to expectations. When parents search for what to put in party bags, they’re often really asking how to give something that feels worthwhile without overcomplicating things.
Increasingly, families are looking for alternatives that are practical and aligned with more sustainable values.
A practical alternative: keyrings that children actually use
Keyrings are one of those rare party bag items that genuinely earn their place. They’re small, useful and easy for children to attach to backpacks, pencil cases or coat zips. When children make the keyring themselves, it becomes even more meaningful.
Craft-based keyrings offer a simple but effective answer to what to put in party bags. They provide a short, enjoyable activity followed by something children can use every day. No batteries, no noise, and no plastic gimmicks - just a thoughtful, low-waste alternative that feels like more than a filler.
Cotton Twist keyring kits that work perfectly as party bag fillers
Cotton Twist keyring kits are designed with party bags in mind: compact, plastic-free and easy for children to enjoy independently. Each one offers a creative moment as well as a finished keepsake.
Make Your Own Letter Keyring Kit: A brilliant personalised option, these kits allow children to create an initial keyring they’ll instantly recognise as their own. They’re especially popular for mixed-age parties and make a safe, universally appealing choice.
Make Your Own Flower Cross Stitch Keyring: This is a lovely option for slightly older children who enjoy crafting. The gentle, repetitive stitching offers a calm activity and results in a keyring that feels special rather than disposable.
Make Your Own Teddy Keyring: Classic and comforting, this kit appeals across ages and themes. It’s a great all-rounder when you want a reliable answer to what to put in party bags that won’t divide opinion.
Make Your Own Caterpillar Keyring: Bright, cheerful and easy to assemble, this kit is ideal for younger party guests. It’s simple enough to be accessible while still creating something children are proud to take home.
Make Your Own Shark Keyring: Playful and bold, this kit is a hit with children who enjoy character-based designs. It feels fun and modern, while still answering the question of what to put in party bags without resorting to plastic toys.
Why keyring fillers are a better party bag solution
Keyrings solve several party bag problems at once. They’re small enough to be practical, but useful enough to avoid being thrown away. Because they’re handmade, children feel more connected to them than to mass-produced toys.
From a parent’s point of view, they’re easy to source, easy to distribute and align with growing concerns about waste. From a child’s perspective, they’re something they can use every day, which is exactly what most people are hoping for when they search what to put in party bags.
This approach also pairs well with our wider party bag filler options and low-waste content, such as our blog on peg doll kits as thoughtful gifts.
So, what should you put in party bags?
If you’re looking for a direct answer, the best party bag fillers are items that are useful, creative and sustainable. Craft-based keyrings tick all three boxes.
They reduce waste, avoid noise and plastic, and give children something they’ll actually keep. For anyone needing ideas of what to put in party bags, keyring kits offer a calm, practical solution that feels thoughtful rather than last-minute.