Lollies, bubbles and a bouncy ball. That’s what goes in a party bag, right? WRONG.

Once upon a time, birthday party bags were simple affairs – usually a hand-sized colourful paper bag filled with assorted lollies and, if you were really lucky, maybe a party popper, bouncy ball or bubble blower. They sent a simple message: “Thanks for coming, kid, here’s a little somethin’ to extend your sugar high at home.”

But these days… Well, no pressure or anything, but they’re SO much more than that.

The modern party bag and its contents are often more elaborate than the birthday pressies brought along by guests – and far more political. There’s a lot at stake here – you want the guests to enjoy their little goodies, but perhaps even more importantly, you want to stay in their parents’ good books. After all, nobody wants their kid blacklisted from all future birthday parties.

Lacking inspiration? Check out these party favour ideas – some that will make you say “Aww”, and others that will make you go “Really?”

Seeds and planting tools

Cookie cutters and dough

Matching pyjamas

A mixed CD

A toothbrush

A mini mani kit

Play-doh

A book

Personalised pillowcases

A little somethin' for mum and dad

And finally: What NOT to pack

 What do you usually pack in your kid’s loot bags?