AUTHOR: BEC OF 'FOR EVERY HEN' Deciding what to put in hen party bags is made easy with this fantastic list! So... you’ve organised the invitations, venue, activities, transport, food and drinks. You even have some bridal shower or hen party games in mind that will suit the celebration perfectly. You’re totally nailing this! However, despite all you HAVE done; there’s still that one little item left on your ‘to do’ list. Something that appears easy and quite often gets left until the last minute. A little something called ‘gift bags’. These gorgeous hens party favours are fantastic for guests – being anything from an ice-breaker to a game starter. Yet despite the finished product appearing easy to put together; when it comes down to it, thinking about what to put in hen party bags can actually be quite challenging (probably the reason you’re reading this article in the first place!). Well, stress less my friend! After putting together MANY of these little beauties over the years, I’m here to share the fun, thoughtful and downright cheeky party bag fillers available to you. Enjoy x Please note: at For Every Hen we encourage upcycling, recycling and reusing products whenever possible (saving both the environment and your pocket!). Below includes a variety of options - for those of you after ONLY eco-friendly ideas, please click here! This article may contain affiliate links. This means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link below. Please see our Disclaimer for more info :) 
CHOOSING YOUR HEN PARTY BAGS OR BOXESPERSONALISED GIFT BAGS
When it comes to hens party gift bags and boxes, there are so many fantastic options available; with the personalised variety being one of my faves!
From recyclable kraft paper bags (that you can write names on yourself - calligraphy works a treat for this) to reusable tote bags (that come with the option of screen-printing quotes or names); there's sure to be something wonderful out there that will not only suit your celebration to a tee, but will also make each of your guests feel loved. REUSABLE & RECYCLABLE Reusable bags can be found in many colours, patterns and sizes - making them a great option for holding your favours as they'll not only look great, but will also slot into your theme colour palette quite easily. Furthermore, they can be used again and again following the event! If you're after a more affordable option, recyclable paper bags/boxes are worth looking into. Mostly coming in packs of four or more, they too are available in a range of fun colours and patterns. And with everything from adorable little kraft squares to boxes shaped like dresses, you won't find it hard to find something amazing for your special day! SURVIVAL (OR HANGOVER) KIT BAGS
Planning on partying hard? Provide guests with sustenance (hello, chocolate) and other goodies to help them through the night (...and the morning after!).
WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE THE $$$ TO SPLURGE ON PACKAGING The bags themselves don’t need to be expensive. Rather than going all out, purchase plain paper party bags in kraft, white and/or your theme colour(s). From here you can personalise them however you wish (i.e. leave them plain, put your calligraphy skills to good use and write each guests' name on their particular bag, cut out a shape to stick to the front [such as a card heart] or purchase gift tags and write short messages to your guests that can be attached to each bag). 
WHAT TO PUT IN HEN PARTY BAGS
QUICK TIPS
When it comes to hens night gifts for guests, you have so many wonderful options! But before looking through the list, I have a couple of tips. First, you don't need to spend a ridiculous amount to delight your guests - one thoughtful gift goes a long way (as do a couple of smaller gifts!). Second, the party bag filler options below work just as well for prizes! 
ACCESSORIES18+ ACCESSORIES
Penis shaped items in general will have the girls in hysterics.
You can keep your bags zero waste by purchasing a cooking mould and making willy shaped chocolates or cookies, baking cupcakes topped with pecker shaped fondant, or even by putting together small paper bags filled with malteasers with an attached label reading 'balls'. This final option can be taken up a notch by including one penis shaped chocolate in each bag of 'balls' - making them 'dick and balls'! Whatever you decide, just make sure your group is up for such an event. You don't want anyone to be uncomfortable or offended by the treats in their bag (espeically the bride-to-be). DRESS UPS Some sort of accessory that relates to the theme of your party is a great filler. These are not only fun; but also an easy way to bring your group together/stand out from the crowd! Think anything from headgear (such as flower crowns, headbands, clip on bows, etc.) to dress ups (such as sunglasses, long gloves, feather boa's, bow ties, etc.). HANDY HINT: Try to include items that your guests will use again. Hit up your local op shop if you're after some fun yet unique goodies! Dress up accessories that you gift your guests will also make fun photo props throughout the event.
FAKE TATTOOS
A favour and party accessory all in one.
If you're having a themed event (mermaids, for example), you could gift fake tattoos that tie the whole party together (e.g. matching mermaids, an assortment of mermaids, images that represent the ocean, shells, etc.). Don't have a theme but would like your group to match in some way? Consider grabbing some fun quotes, images or even personalised temporary tattoos for your celebration. JEWELLERY Woven friendship bracelets, matching rings, sets that allow guests to create their own necklaces (e.g. a selection of beautiful wooden beads and thread set out on a table, allowing the girls to make something they love) or even earrings, etc. 
FOODIE TREATS
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MAKE YOUR BRIDE-TO-BE FEEL EXTRA SPECIAL
Now that you have some fillers to consider, I want to turn your attention to the guest of honour. She will be appreciative of anything you organise for her (meaning you could simply pass her a bag that's the same as everyone else's); BUT it is fun to spoil your hen; it's her special day, after all!
If treating that bestie of yours is something you would like to do, I recommend grabbing a larger bag and filling it with everything the girls have in theirs (minus the game cards, of course!) plus some extra goodies.
If treating that bestie of yours is something you would like to do, I recommend grabbing a larger bag and filling it with everything the girls have in theirs (minus the game cards, of course!) plus some extra goodies.
To start with, think along the lines of a custom 'Bride to Be' sash, a beautiful veil, special accessories JUST for your hen (such as a gorgeous headpiece made from real flowers), hints for the night, a gift guaranteed to make her smile (such as the biscuits pictured below, made by the talented team at ‘The Confectionist’, etc.
Then, think about gifts that would truly mean the world to her. Would she absolutely LOVE a voucher to her favourite store? A new fruit tree for her garden? Or something a little more personal - such as a keepsake photo album filled with pictures of the bride and each of her guests (along with written memories/well wishes)?
Get brainstorming with the bridesmaids and/or mother of the bride - together you will be able to come up with something that is perfect for your hen (and she'll love you even more for it)! To get you started, here's some ideas:
CONCERT AND/OR THEATRE TICKETS
If there are any bands, singers or plays touring that your bestie would give anything to see, why not purchase 2x tickets as the ultimate surprise?! If it's too risky purchasing actual tickets (booking around weddings, honeymoons and everyday life can be hard when it's for yourself, let alone someone else), you can always grab a voucher and let your bride-to-be know what the money is intended for!
ENGRAVED KEEPSAKES
Is your hen in need of a new watch? Or perhaps she LOVES wearing gorgeous bracelets? Why not purchase a special gift for your best friend and have it engraved - reminding her of the fun she had at her hen's/bridal shower, and of the beautiful people she is surrounded by!
ENGRAVED KEEPSAKES
Is your hen in need of a new watch? Or perhaps she LOVES wearing gorgeous bracelets? Why not purchase a special gift for your best friend and have it engraved - reminding her of the fun she had at her hen's/bridal shower, and of the beautiful people she is surrounded by!
GIFT VOUCHER
If there's an activity or experience your hen has wanted to do FOREVER, or if you wish to pamper the beautiful bride-to-be, consider including a special gift voucher. This could be a voucher for anything from sky-diving (something she's been talking about doing for a VERY long time) to a pamper session at her local day spa (because every bride can do with some TLC in the lead up to her wedding day!).
GIFT VOUCHER (WITH A TWIST!)
Does your bestie's group of girls have some special talents? Treat your hen with some meaningful vouchers - donated by the ones she loves! For example, have a hairdresser in the group? Why not create a voucher for a cut and colour?! A makeup artist? Gift her a makeup session! A photographer? How about a special photoshoot for the happy couple after their big day?!
HOMEMADE GIFT BASKET
Create a truly meaningful gift by asking each of your guests to bake/create something special for your bride-to-be. Muffins, slices, scones, sauces, jams, fresh produce or a knitted rug - any or all of these options would be absolutely perfect! Alternatively, you could ask guests to purchase a small gift, put them all together with some home baked goodies, place them neatly in a stunning basket and present to your bride-to-be at her celebration!
A MEANINGFUL POEM
Get creative with the other bridesmaids and put together a cute (or hilarious!) poem about your hen and her friendship with each of her guests. Make the task easier by asking everyone to email you details on how they met the hen and what their favourite/funniest memory is with her - then incorporate this information into the ultimate poetic story. Print it onto some nice paper and include it in your hen's bag as a fun ice-breaker AND a beautiful keepsake!
OTHER PARTY BAG FILLER TIPS
STICK TO YOUR THEME
If you're planning a themed event, you should definitely continue the it within your gift bags. Great ways to do this include:
- BAKED GOODS: top cupcakes with icing in your colour palette, or even add on some cute fondant decorations that relate back to your theme
- CHOCOLATES: love hearts suit a 'Love' theme perfectly, whereas chocolate coins are perfect for a 'Police' or 'Cop versus Robbers' party!
- PAMPER PRODUCTS: if you're hosting a 'Robber' themed event, add some black lipstick. Likewise, including red lippy for a 'Vintage' party will not only add to the overall costume, but be a welcome gift that can be used again and again.
- PHOTO PROPS: include props that relate to your theme - for example, tiaras and Disney quotes for a 'Princess' party.
- RECYCLE, REUSE & UPCYCLE WHEN POSSIBLE: saves you money, saves unnecessary landfill. If purchasing new products, make sure they're something your guests will use at home and/or items that can be recycled. There are also a great deal of businesses who sell eco-gifts and products that would perfectly suit a hens/shower (see link below for some ideas!).
ARTICLES RELATED TO HENS PARTY BAG FILLER IDEAS:
If you enjoyed the above inspiration on what to put in hen party bags, we think you will also love the following eco gift article. Perfect for party bag fillers, these stunning eco-friendly gifts will wow your guests! To find out what they are, click here.
And if that's not enough - check out this list of prize ideas. Not only can they be used to treat lucky winners at your event, but they also make for awesome favours.
And if that's not enough - check out this list of prize ideas. Not only can they be used to treat lucky winners at your event, but they also make for awesome favours.
ENJOY PICKING OUT YOUR HEN PARTY BAG FILLERS!
Before signing off I want to take a moment to remind you that you don’t need a ridiculous amount of hens night party favours for goodie bags to be a hit –even one item in a beautiful little box or bag will be received with delight!
And one final tip – whatever you decide to fill your goodie bags with, just make sure it relates to your overall celebration (e.g. if you have a pirate theme, gift your guests some skull shaped chocolates). It’s more memorable and builds more excitement that way!
As always, I’d love to see your gift bags in action – so please share your pictures and/or fillers with myself and the rest of the For Every Hen community via the comments section below or social media.
Cheers to an AMAZING celebration with party bags adored by all!
Much love, keep smiling - Bec x
(AUS Facebook Group | Worldwide Facebook Group | Pinterest)
And one final tip – whatever you decide to fill your goodie bags with, just make sure it relates to your overall celebration (e.g. if you have a pirate theme, gift your guests some skull shaped chocolates). It’s more memorable and builds more excitement that way!
As always, I’d love to see your gift bags in action – so please share your pictures and/or fillers with myself and the rest of the For Every Hen community via the comments section below or social media.
Cheers to an AMAZING celebration with party bags adored by all!
Much love, keep smiling - Bec x
(AUS Facebook Group | Worldwide Facebook Group | Pinterest)
P.S. THE BELOW IMAGE IS PERFECT FOR PINTEREST... GO ON & SHARE THESE FUN HENS PARTY BAG FILLER IDEAS - YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO! :-)
3 Comments
10/12/2018 12:07:34 pm
Hi Sally,
thank-you for your feedback, I'm so glad you found this article helpful!
Have a fantastic time at the hens!
Bec x