AUTHOR: BEC OF 'FOR EVERY HEN'
THIS ARTICLE MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS, PLEASE READ OUR DISCLAIMER FOR MORE INFO. 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 little party favors 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. Please note: at For Every Hen we encourage upcycling, recycling and reusing products whenever possible (saving both the environment and your pocket!). For example, create gifts yourself (e.g. jokes, outlined below), hit up some op-shops (for items such as dress-ups/props) or get baking! LET’S START WITH THE PARTY BAGS THEMSELVES
When it comes to favor bags and boxes, there are so many fantastic options available! From recyclable kraft paper bags (often with the option of screen-printing quotes or your hen's name) to reusable tote bags; there's sure to be something wonderful out there that will suit your celebration perfectly!
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 - handy for guests, especially when it comes to grocery shopping! If you're after a cheaper 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 liked dresses, you won't find it hard to find something amazing for your special day! 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, fill with tissue paper, 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
18+ ACCESSORIES
For those of you wanting to take the party to next level naughty! Condoms or penis shaped objects/accessories in general will have the girls in hysterics! If you want to keep your bags zero waste, consider purchasing a mould and making penis shaped chocolates, baking cupcakes that are topped with pecker shaped fondant or even putting together small paper bags filled with malteasers and attaching a label that says 'balls' (up the ante by including one penis shaped chocolate in each bag and labelling them 'dick & balls'!). Whatever you decide, just make sure your group is up for such an event - you don’ want anyone to be uncomfortable or offended by the treats in their bags. If you are planning a naughty night out click here for some hilariously cheeky tips! 
BAKED GOODS
Whether you cook them yourself or purchase from a local bakery, small baked goods will always go down a treat! Think anything from cookies or cupcakes to cake slices or brownies. When deciding what to include, make sure you go with the option that best suits your celebration (i.e. for a healthy hens getaway you might include protein balls; whereas a naughty night on the town would be a great excuse for some 18+ biscuits!).
BUBBLES
Bubbles are so much fun, and not just for kids! There are also so many variations of containers (from love hearts and long tubes, to cheeky, penis shapes) that you can’t go wrong. Handy hint: purchase or make bubble mixture in bulk and refill old containers rather than buying new ones! 
CHOCOLATE
Always a winner. Always. Because, let’s be honest, there’s not many people out there who don’t enjoy these delicious treats. So, the hard part isn’t really deciding whether or not to include chocolate in your hen party gift bags – it’s more a question of what TYPE of chocolate it will be! Will you go for something along the lines of small chocolate hearts, little frogs, fun-size packets or favourites? Purchasing in large packs (even better if they’re on special) will save you money, so keep an eye out at your local supermarket when doing the weekly shop. Alternatively, will you be going down the 18+ road – where it’s all about the male appendage? Filling small see-through bags with malteasers and labelling them as ‘Balls’ could be a winner (especially for those who just want a hint of cheekiness). Otherwise, purchasing a naughty chocolate mould and creating your own 18+ treats is always fun (I once placed malteasers along with penis-shaped chocolates into bags and labelled them ‘Dick and Balls’ – the girls loved them!). Basically, get creative and have fun with it. Just remember to keep your bride-to-be and guests’ in mind when making your decision, because you don’t want anyone to be uncomfortable or offended by the contents of their bag. 
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, devil horns, flower clips, headbands, clip on bows, etc.) to dress ups (such as sunglasses, long gloves, feather boa's, necklaces, shot glass necklaces, handcuffs, 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 to some fun yet unique goodies! 
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 the group to match in some way? These days you can get your hands on options such as 'Bride Tribe' tattoos in metallic colours.
GAME CARDS
Hen games that require some sort of guest input without your bride-to-be seeing also make great, cheap fillers. My absolute FAVOURITE fame for this purpose is ‘Truth or Dare... with a Twist!’. To make, create cards with the following information: Name: _________________________________________________________________________ Truth or Dare: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Print off as many as there are guests, mount them onto card (once again, stick to your hen night and/or bridal shower colour palette for best results), and place into favor bags. Either on your invitations or as people arrive, ask that guests write their name along with a truth or dare for the hen to complete throughout the day/night. Collect all of the cards and present them to your bride-to-be; explaining loud enough for everyone to hear, that each guest is actually to complete the truth/dare they wrote down for the hen, WITH the hen! Have her read each card out after your announcement – the group will be in hysterics! If you're after more game ideas for your party bags, click here for the ultimate list! 
HAIRTIES
It gets to that time of the night when at least one person wants to tie their hair up... but has no hairties! Solve this problem by gifting guests their very own set of gorgeous hairbands.
JEWELLERY
Friendship bracelets, matching rings, sets that allow guests to create their own necklaces (e.g. a selection of beautiful beads and thread set out on a table, allowing the girls to make something they love), earrings or even a small charm that represents the day.
JOKES & RIDDLES
Everyone loves to have a laugh – so this option is not only cheap and easy to put together, but also guaranteed to go down a treat with your guests’! To organise, search for jokes/riddles related to hens parties, relationships and friendship (even some sneaky wedding jokes would work!); then write down the ones that resonate best with your particular bride-to-be/group of party-goers. In other words, if you have some more conservative guests in the mix, don’t choose the raunchiest jokes you can find! Once you’re happy with your selection, simply type up the jokes/riddles, print them off, mount them onto card (stick to your party theme colour palette for best results), and place into your loot bags. I recommend providing each guest with their own unique joke/riddle to read out at the beginning of the party – it’s a great ice-breaker! If you're after a more finished look, you can also opt to have jokes, riddles and even quotes professionally printed onto small cards that suit the occasion. Handy Hint: For hilarious riddles that will force people's mind into the gutter (but actually have a VERY clean answer!), Check out these 'riddles that sound dirty' #toofunny 
LARGE GIFTS
If you have a smaller group or a large budget, more expensive gifts are definitely an option. For instance, those hosting a pamper themed event might want to invest in some beautiful robes/dressing gowns for the bride and her friends. Alternatively, someone hosting a Hollywood Glamour themed event might organise professional makeup for each of the girls (along with some take-home makeup products). Get creative! Keep in mind: Whilst thoughtful and useful, these types of gifts can get quite expensive - especially when you have a large group to buy for. 
MAGIC BEANS
Surprise your guests with a little bit of magic! These fairy-tale beans have words or images engraved on the central pod (their seed), thus displaying message as they grow. And speaking of growing, once planted they will sprout for about a month in their tin. You can then transplant them to your garden where you'll probably be repaid with a flower. It’ll also produce its own seeds if you pop it in the ground, keeping the magic growing forever. In other words... it's a gift that just keeps on giving!
MINI ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Your guests are preparing to party. And there’s no better kick-off than yelling ‘cheers!’ and knocking back a delicious (or cringeworthy) bev as a group! Whether you go for pre-made shots or miniature spirits/champagne is up to you, your budget and the drinking preference of your hen (i.e. if she never drinks spirits, add mini bottles of wine or champagne instead; and visa versa). 
PAMPER PRODUCTS
Items such as floating candles, actual candles, nail polish, body creams, hair products and even makeup can be the perfect thank-you for your guests - especially when your celebration is based around pampering. 
PENS, PENCILS & TEXTAS
Probably not what you were expecting to see on a party bag ideas list, but there’s a great reason behind it! For my sister’s hen do I wanted to create an extra special and memorable keepsake. To do this, I took her shopping prior to the party for a white dress; one that she wouldn’t use EVER again. On the day of the party, each guest was gifted one coloured permanent marker via their goodie bag, and asked to sign the ‘guest book’ with them. Trick being that the guest book was actually the white dress being worn by our beautiful bride-to-be! Throughout the night everyone wrote notes to my sister on her dress; with the messages getting more and more risqué (and the laughs louder and louder) as the night went on! Handy Hint: Pens, pencils and textas are great for completing game cards as well as unique keepsakes (such as the one mentioned above). Purchase in bulk (or large packs) for a discounted price, then collect them all after the party to use around the home so they don’t go to waste 
PLANTS & FLOWERS
Plants make stunning favours that guests can decorate their homes with. Succulents, cacti, herbs or even growing flowers are great options. If you would prefer something easier to transport, seeds are another wonderful idea (your guests can then grown anything from sunflowers to their own vegetables!).
PLAY-DOUGH (HOME-MADE)
If you're planning on including hen games such as 'moulding' (think along the lines of moulding a man, body parts, etc.!); consider placing balls of play-dough in your goodie bags. A great home-made recipe that has been tried and tested by yours truly is on the side of McKenzie's Cream of Tartar containers (no affiliation, just LOVE the result!). Add food colouring in your theme colours to tie everything together. To view the recipe, click here.
SURVIVAL ITEMS
Items such as hairties (as mentioned earlier), painkillers, bandaids and chewing gum (JUST in case one of those drinks happens to come back up!) can all come in handy throughout the evening. You can even use a 'Survival Kit' as your actual party bag - a practical option that will be appreciated and used by guests. YOUR BRIDE-TO-BE
MAKE HER 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.
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), hints for the night, etc.
Then, think about gifts that would truly mean the world to her. Would she absolutely LOVE a new bottle of her favourite perfume? A fun prop to take around with her during the night? 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:
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?!
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 IDEAS
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:
HAVE THE BEST TIME!
Before signing off I want to take a moment to remind you that you don’t need a ridiculous amount of fillers for goodie bags to be a hit –even one item in a beautiful little favour 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 gold chocolate coins). 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 (Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram). Cheers to an AMAZING celebration with party bags adored by all! Much love, keep smiling - Bec x
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