What to Put in Halloween Party Bags (That Kids & the Planet Will Love)

When putting together Halloween party bags, it's a great idea to think outside the box and find items that are fun for kids, practical, and all the while being gentle on the planet. This can be a refreshing change from the usual candy and plastic trinkets. Here are some new, imaginative, and fun suggestions that kids and the planet will love:

Reusable Glow-in-the-Dark Trick-or-Treat Tote

• What: A small, reusable fabric tote bag with glow-in-the-dark Halloween designs (like pumpkins, ghosts, or bats) that kids can use for trick-or-treating or as a lunch bag.
• Why Kids Love It: The glow effect is magical and practical for nighttime trick-or-treating.
• Eco-Friendly: Made from organic cotton or recycled materials, these bags replace plastic buckets and can be reused for years.
• Where to Source: Look for eco-friendly totes from sustainable brands or DIY by decorating plain totes with non-toxic, glow-in-the-dark fabric paint.

DIY Monster Slime Kit

• What: A small glass jar or compostable container with ingredients for kids to make their own slime (e.g., cornstarch, biodegradable glitter, natural food colouring, and a recipe card).
• Why Kids Love It: Slime is a sensory hit, and the Halloween-themed colours (green, purple, orange) with spooky add-ins like googly eyes make it extra fun.
• Eco-Friendly: Use natural, non-toxic ingredients and biodegradable containers. Avoid plastic packaging.
• Pro Tip: Include a recipe card with a spooky story about a "slime monster" to spark imagination.

Mini Pumpkin-Shaped Beeswax Candles

• What: Tiny candles moulded into pumpkin or ghost shapes, made from 100% natural beeswax.
• Why Kids Love It: These candles feel like a grown-up gift but are safe and fun for supervised use (with parental guidance). They also make great decor.
• Eco-Friendly: Beeswax is biodegradable, renewable, and burns cleanly compared to paraffin candles.
• Pro Tip: Include a small card with a "light this to ward off ghosts" spell for imaginative play.

Wooden Halloween Puzzle Toys

• What: Small, handcrafted wooden puzzles shaped like witches, cats, or haunted houses, designed for quick assembly or play.
• Why Kids Love It: These tactile toys are fun to fiddle with and double as decorations for their rooms.
• Eco-Friendly: Ensure it's crafted from sustainably sourced wood and finished with non-toxic paints. Avoid plastic versions.
• Where to Source: Check local artisans or eco-conscious toy brands for durable, biodegradable options.

Eco-Friendly Temporary Tattoos

• What: Non-toxic, plant-based temporary tattoos with Halloween designs like glowing skeletons, friendly ghosts, or enchanted forests.
• Why Kids Love It: Kids adore temporary tattoos, and spooky designs add a festive vibe they can show off.
• Eco-Friendly: Choose tattoos made with vegetable-based inks and biodegradable backing paper.
• Where to Source: Brands like Tattly or EcoTats offer sustainable options that are safe for kids and the planet.

Palm Leaf "Monster Face" Craft Kits

• What: Turn palm leaf plates into a DIY kit for kids to make their own Halloween monster faces. Include non-toxic paint (in Halloween colours like orange, black, purple), googly eyes, biodegradable yarn (for hair), and eco-friendly glue in a compostable bag.
• How to Make: Pre-cut plates into circular or oval shapes if needed. Include a simple instruction card (on recycled paper) with ideas for painting monsters, witches, or jack-o'-lanterns. Kids can glue on eyes and yarn to customise their creations.
• Why Kids Love It: The hands-on activity sparks creativity, and the plate's natural texture makes the monsters look extra spooky.
• Eco-Friendly: Palm leaf plates are biodegradable, and using non-toxic, plant-based craft supplies keeps them sustainable.
• Pro Tip: Add a small tag suggesting they hang their monster face as a Halloween decoration.

Natural Pumpkin Spice Playdough

• What: A small glass jar of homemade playdough scented with natural pumpkin spice (using cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove). Colour with plant-based dyes in orange or brown.
• Why Kids Love It: The sensory experience of squishing and smelling pumpkin spice is irresistible, and kids can sculpt spooky shapes.
• Eco-Friendly: Made with natural ingredients (flour, salt, water, spices) and stored in reusable glass jars.
• How to Package: Seal in a small, recyclable glass jar with a "Pumpkin Potion Dough" label.
• DIY Tip: Mix 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup salt, 1 tsp cream of tartar, 1 tbsp vegetable oil, and a pinch of spices; cook until dough forms.

Spooky Story Starter Cards

• What: A set of 3–5 cards with Halloween-themed writing prompts (e.g., "You find a glowing pumpkin in the woods…" or "A friendly bat needs your help…").
• Why Kids Love It: Encourages creativity and storytelling, perfect for kids who love to write or share spooky tales.
• Eco-Friendly: Print on recycled cardstock with soy-based ink. Include a small pencil made from reclaimed wood.
• Fun Twist: Add a blank card for kids to create their own prompt to share with friends.

Tips for Assembly

• Packaging: Use compostable paper bags, recycled tissue paper, or reusable cloth pouches instead of plastic bags. Decorate with natural twine or raffia.
• Personalisation: Add a handwritten or printed tag with each child's name and a spooky message (e.g., "Happy Haunting, Emma!").
• Sourcing: Shop from local artisans, eco-friendly brands, or bulk suppliers like Etsy or zero-waste stores to keep costs down and sustainability up.

Curating Halloween party supplies in an eco-friendly fashion is a great and fun way to introduce sustainability to kids. If you are interested in many such party bag ideas, check out our blog here: Eco-friendly Halloween party bag fillers

You can further extend this planet-friendly theme to your Halloween party by picking out compostable dinnerware and party supplies. Here is a starter guide on this topic for you.