New Years Eve Activities For Kids~ “Goody Bags”
New Years Eve with kids is an experience. Sometimes that is good, sometimes…not so much. No matter how tired they are, or how bored they become, some kids are determined to stay up until midnight when they have the choice. So why not make it more pleasant for everyone that has to gets to spend New Years with an over tired child? Don’t get me wrong, it can be fun too! My kids enjoy it for the most part, but they get a little bored at times and having something to look forward to each hour really helps the night go faster for all of us! This thrifty idea gives them a reason to celebrate each hour, and if you have the right items in your bag, can keep them entertained the rest of the time!
You will need:
Brown lunch bags
A marker (to write on your bags)
Items for the inside of each bag
You could do this for as many hours as you like. My kids go to bed around 8 on a school night, so I thought that would be a good time to start the surprises. They aren’t anything big; maybe a treat for the first or second one followed by some small activities. If you are planning this for multiple children, dollar store party supplies work great. Here are some ideas I came up with:
coloring books and/or crayons
candy
magazine or book
puzzle
yo yo
play-doh
card game (go fish, crazy eights, uno)
play makeup/ hair supplies
etch a sketch or magnadoodle
craft supplies
paints
Silly string
nail polish and nail stickers
Lego set
recipe for a favorite treat you could then make together in the kitchen
have them fill out a printable about who they are and what they want to be in the next year (great for older kids)
DVD or video game (Redbox rental would be great)
homemade photo booth props and then have your own mini photo shoot
The possibilities are endless depending on how much you want to spend and what your kids like to do! You don’t have to spend a lot of money, can even be things from around your home that you already have. I promise that this will help everyone from getting bored and keep your sanity so you can enjoy making memories as you introduce your little ones to the joy of New Years Eve. Now, if we could just find something to put in the bag to guarantee they will sleep in the next day!
This is a fantstic way to keep children entertained especially if you have to go out to someones party with the kids. You at least know you wont be getting hassled with “Im bored ” all night.
Amanda Simmons This is what we’re doing
I love this idea! And I like Tiffany Mitchell’s idea except my older kids are 11 & 8 and want to take any opportunity to stay up really late (it rarely ever happens).
For anyone that “has to” i mean….
Thts a great idea
Tiffany Mitchell is a genius!
Is it bad that we pretend its Midnight at around 9-10 and celebrate the countdown so the kids are in bed earlier lol? my kids are 2 and 5 🙂
Love this idea! I think silly string for midnight is going to be fun!
Looks fun to me!!
Thanks!