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Now that we’re finally past the creepy, ghost-filled Halloween, it’s time to embrace the festive warmth of Christmas—a season of gift-giving, glowing lights, and nutty scents that I both love and dread.
Along with gifts for family and friends, I also need budget-friendly Christmas favors for holiday gatherings. Etsy offers beautiful, ready-to-ship options with labels and packaging, but the cost can add up quickly—especially when preparing for both of my kids’ classrooms, totaling about 60 students.
I don’t have time to search for the perfect mix of gifts or shop at multiple stores for materials. While that might be the cheapest route, it’s definitely more time-consuming. To balance cost and convenience, I’ll be ordering bulk-packaged favors online and assembling them at home.
PACKAGING
Before we dive into the different budget friendly Christmas favors, let’s explore several packaging options. For kits that contain smaller items, like accessories for figurines, consider using self-sealing cellophane bags and placing them along with other materials in a separate holiday-themed cellophane bag.
If you’re not using bags with twist ties or drawstrings, stickers can seal the openings and prevent items from falling out when kids are running around with them.
Finally, finish off the packaging with gift tags or stickers so everyone knows which parent took the time to prepare these special gifts.
BUNDLE WITH TREATS
While majority of these ideas can be given out as they are, you are welcome to bundle them with some Christmas treats like a wrapped-up candy cane, a bag of Christmas-themed Oreo, or few drops of Hershey’s Kisses.
FAVOR #1 – BUILD A SNOWMAN
Self-sealing cellophane bags are strongly recommended for this one and then placed inside another holiday-themed gift bags with handles or drawstrings. Buy a snowman kit and oraganize the clay and its accessories into each bag before sealing them.
To help the kids understand these are snowman-building tools, you can add a snowman tag or gift sticker to indicate what they’re for.
FAVOR #2 – CHRISTMAS SUNCATCHER WITH PAINT
Just as with the snowman kit, self-sealing bags work well for this kit too. Holiday-printed bags with drawstrings also add a festive touch and work nicely for these larger items.
Select from these holiday-themed sun catchers with the suction cups place them in the bags. Adding just two or three colors from the paint pens pack is plenty.
FAVOR #3 – CHRISTMAS WOODEN MAGNET WITH MARKERS
This makes an ideal budget-friendly Christmas favor since it’s easy and fun to assemble. For this option, self-sealing bags aren’t necessary since the 8-color markers come in individual pack. Just include one or two wooden magnets along with the markers, and you’re all set! Use a medium-sized holiday-themed bag with a drawstring or a small paper bag with a handle, sealing it off with a sticker.
If you want to add a little more, include a small Christmas coloring book or a coloring bookmark for an extra touch.
FAVOR #4 – PACKAGED BOOKMARK
For a simple yet festive option, check out Winlyn’s 24-set Christmas snowflake bookmark craft kit on Amazon, which includes all the materials you need, as well as sized cellophane bags and gift tags. After you receive the set, just separate the parts and accessories into individual bags, attach the gift tags, and you’re done!
These can be given out as they are once assembled or bundle them with a candy cane or a bag of Oreo cookies in an additional paper bag.
FAVOR #5 – PHOTO FRAME WITH MAGNET
These foam picture frames make perfect budget-friendly Christmas favors for kids! They’re easy to assemble and include self-adhesive magnets, so they’re fridge-ready as soon as they’re done. Kids will love displaying their creations at home!
Each frame set includes a front and back frame along with fun foam sticker decorations to personalize each one. Extra cellophane bags will help you pack the small decorations and magnets separately. While the magnets and decorations are self-adhesive, the frames themselves aren’t, so you won’t find extra glue or adhesive strips in these bulk craft kits. These frames are a simple, mess-free way to bring creative fun to your holiday gathering.
FAVOR #6 – PLASTIC BALL ORNAMENT
For a festive DIY activity, bundle plastic Christmas balls with small figurines and crinkle-cut shred paper for kids to assemble at home!
Half-shell opening balls are much more versatile than the top-opening kind. They let you place a picture inside and arrange the figurines before adding the shred paper, making these especially fun and personal.
For the hanging string, try pipe cleaners or ribbons for a bit of handmade charm.
FAVOR #7 – POPSICLE STICK TREE
Unlike some other kits, this one comes pre-packaged, so you won’t need extra bags. Each set has all the necessary materials, including a gift label, making it one of the most time-saving options among budget-friendly Christmas favors.
This bulk pack includes 27 sets with 9 different Christmas tree designs. Each kit contains popsicle sticks, foam stickers, pom-poms, chenille stems, jingle bells, adhesive dots, satin ribbon, and instructions. You’ll also find festive foam stickers with images like stars, pinecones, poinsettias, wreaths, polar bears, and more.
Most importantly, there’s no additional work needed! Just attach the gift tag, write your child’s name, and these are ready to give out. It’s a great time-saver for busy parents.
FAVOR #8 – SANTA & SNOWFLAKE TIC-TAC-TOE
When traveling with kids, portable games are a must, and this type of tic-tac-toe game is a hit. My kids love it, even though it’s simple and can be finished in seconds.
My daughter actually received this mini felt version last Halloween, and we’ve taken it everywhere—from after-school classes to dinners and playdates. It’s lightweight and easy to pack, making it perfect for kids who love to play.
With this bulk purchase, you’ll want to use an additional Christmas bag and label. Bundle it with some sweets, and you have a wonderfully useful holiday favor!
FAVOR #9 – BUILDING BLOCKS
For something useful and versatile, consider building blocks as a universally loved, kid-friendly option that appeals to children of all ages and genders.
This set includes 24 packs, featuring 36 different animals, each individually packaged so no extra gift bags are needed—just add a label, or bundle them with sweets in a handled bag. Each box has all the blocks needed, along with step-by-step instructions.
For a Christmas-themed option, there’s a 12-set package featuring designs like reindeer, snowmen, and Santa Claus. While each kit is individually wrapped with instructions, they come in plastic bags rather than decorative boxes, so you might want to add a holiday gift bag for an extra touch.
FAVOR #10 – STATIONARY
For a simple yet thoughtful option, consider holiday-themed stationery! This is a versatile choice, and kids love having their own special supplies to write, draw, and create with during the holidays. From cheerful notepads and festive stickers to fun-colored pens and holiday stamps, there’s plenty of room for creativity.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Candy Cane Pen
- Christmas Pencils or Stackable Pencils
- Pencils with Erasers
- Star Highlighters
- Christmas Color Your Own Bookmarks
- Invisible Ink Pen
For other Christmas related posts, check out the following:
24-Day Advent Calendar Ideas for Kids (No Junk, No Candy, Act of Gratitude & Kindness)