How to Throw a Magical, Low-Waste Birthday Party Your Kids Will Love
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- Andy Lees
- Our Mission Parent Life
- 06 / 11 / 2025
At Bambino Mio, we believe it’s never too early to start as you mean to go on. The first birthday party (and every one after!) sets the tone — and it’s so much easier to keep things magical and sustainable when you get ahead of the plastic toot before it takes over your nightmares. If you’re looking for other sustainable swaps – we have some great ideas to help minimise single-use plastics in daily life.
If you’re looking for eco-friendly kids party ideas that still feel full of fun, or sustainable birthday party ideas that won’t break the bank, you’re in the right place. With these low waste birthday party tips, you can show your little one that joy comes from moments, not mountains of stuff.
That’s why we’ve teamed up with No Crap Parties to bring you this inspiring guide on how to throw a magical, low-waste birthday party your kids will love.
Guest blog post:
By Charlotte Mason-Curl, founder of No Crap Parties & The Kids Party Pact Campaign
Of course, as parents we want our little one’s birthdays to be magical and memorable. Birthday parties after all, are the number one topic of conversation for young children! So how do you create the magic, without the environmental and financial fallout?
A sustainable birthday party doesn’t mean less fun. In fact, it often feels more special – thoughtful touches, less clutter, and celebrations that put people (not plastic) at the heart.
Discover eco-friendly kids party ideas to throw a magical, low-waste birthday your child will love – without the plastic waste or stress.
1. Start with the magic, not the stuff
The best parties are about moments, not mountains of decorations and gifts. Before diving into shopping lists, think about what will make the day feel joyful for your child - don’t just follow the format others do because it’s “the done thing”.
Once you have a vision, build around that. You’ll find it’s much easier to keep things simple (and sustainable).
Our Award-Winning Reusable Diaper Range
2. Give gift guidance on the birthday party invite
Gifts can be a huge source of waste (often plastic), clutter and social awkwardness. Add a little note on your birthday invitations about gifts. You can let them know they’re not expected (43% of families find buying gifts for kid’s parties a financial strain) - and steer them towards giving something more sustainable
Some lovely eco-friendly alternative suggestions to traditional gifts include:
- A book or toy swap - everyone brings a pre-loved gift for a swap (and they double as a party favour!)
- A small monetary contribution - a couple of quid in a card towards a bigger thing your child wants, or an experience.
- Encourage pre-loved gifts - even though most people would be happy to receive pre-loved gifts, people feel awkward giving them. Let them know you welcome this.
If you’re having a large party - gift guidance is a must or you’re at risk of ending up with 30 brand new toys coming into your home!
Take inspiration from our gift guidance wording examples, and use one of our free invite templates.
3. Reusable kids party decorations that lasts
Bypass single-use banners and balloons. Reusable decorations bring the same wow factor without ending up in the bin.
- Fabric bunting can be used year after year, borrowed or swapped with friends.
- Card lanterns, reusable pom-poms, and streamers can be rolled out for every party.
- Borrow or hire props for themed parties rather than buying everything new.
- Use fairy lights, ribbons and bubbles to create a magical effect.
- Get crafty with your kids to make DIY decorations in the lead up to the event.
- Use reusable plates, cups, and cutlery – your own, borrow from a friend or find your local party kit to hire (these often come with decor too).
- Plan your menu with waste in mind - try to avoid buying things that come individually wrapped and plastic, and pick food that’s likely to go down well with children (i.e. pizza!). Don’t over cater…usually little people are too excited to eat much.
- Plan for leftovers - take tupperware and make sure leftover food doesn’t end up in the bin.
- Line up recycling - make it easy to recycle the waste you do have.
- Edible treats like homemade biscuits or smarties in a cardboard tube.
- Seeds - or little plants to grow at home
- Small books, crayons, or reusable stickers
- DIY crafts made during the party itself (when the activity = party favour you are winning!)
- DIY treasure hunts with clues and riddles
- Classic games like musical statues or pass-the-parcel with reusable fabric wraps, bags or rescued wrapping paper
- Craft stations using recycled or natural materials (check out your local scrapstore)
- Costume swaps or dress-up corners to fuel imaginative play
4. Cater without the waste - eco-friendly kids’ party food ideas
Tableware and food are big sources of waste at parties.
5. Eco-friendly party bag ideas (no more plastic tat!)
Let’s be honest: no one needs another plastic yo-yo that breaks before bedtime and goes straight in the bin. Most parents hate the party bag tat - so let’s stop giving it. Firstly, if you don’t want to give out party favours - don’t do it! If you do want to give a party favour, here are some low-waste ideas:
6. Activities that spark joy, not rubbish
Children love games, and they don’t have to cost the earth.
Try:
Reframing children's parties
An eco-friendly kids’ party isn’t about doing without. It’s about doing things more consciously, while keeping the fun alive.
You might feel like you’re the only one worried about this, because so many parties you go to are feel like havens for plastic and excess.
But – you’re not alone! There is a growing movement of parents who want to shift the culture and normalise more affordable, less wasteful parties. These parents are signing The Kids Party Pact, and together are gaining the confidence to do things differently. Just like cloth nappies, these small swaps set the tone early – creating habits that save waste (and stress!) as your child grows.
The campaign is growing and has received Lottery Funding, has been featured by The Times and the BBC - and is supported by us here at Bambino Mio® UK too. I think the question we need to ask ourselves is what kind of planet do we want leave our children with? And, how can we raise the next generation to be more conscious of their impact on the environment? I want my children to learn early on that joy comes from experiences with loved ones, not more stuff. I truly believe this is a gift they will thank us for in the future.
Start reducing waste from day one
Sustainable celebrations start with small swaps — and the same goes for everyday parenting. From reusable nappies to wipes and potty training pants, our planet-friendly essentials help you cut waste (and costs!) right from the start. If you’re interested finding out more about how our reusable cloth nappies work – check out our Complete Guide to Reusable Nappies.
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