Color Your Own Tote Bags: The Best Birthday Party Activity & Favor in One

If you've ever spent $40 on plastic goody bags that ended up in a junk drawer by Tuesday, this one's for you.

The smartest kids birthday party craft trick I've seen lately doesn't come from Pinterest or some kids' party blog. It comes from parents who got tired of buying disposable favors. They started ordering blank tote bags, setting them out as the main activity, and letting kids take their own decorated bag home. The activity is the favor. One thing. Done.

It works because kids are weirdly proud of stuff they make. A bag they colored themselves doesn't get tossed. It goes to school, to the beach, to grandma's house. You'll see it for years.

Here's how to actually pull it off — without losing your mind or your weekend.

Why This Works (When Goody Bags Don't)

Most goody bag stuff has the same problem. Kid gets it, plays with it for ten minutes, forgets it exists. A coloring tote bag is different because:

• The kid is busy for 30-45 minutes during the party (you're welcome)
• They take home something they personally made
• It's reusable, washable, and doesn't add to the plastic pile in your kitchen drawer
• The other parents quietly love you for not sending home another whistle and 47 stickers
• It checks every box people search for these days: non-candy party favor, eco-friendly party favor, and an actual party activity

The bags cost about the same as a stuffed plastic favor bag. Sometimes less. And they don't end up in a landfill three days later.

How to Set It Up (5 Quick Steps)

Step 1 — Order bags 2 weeks early. One per kid, plus 2-3 extras. Siblings always show up. Cousins always tag along. We have a full range of coloring tote bags for kids ready to ship in bulk for parties.

Step 2 — Pick washable fabric markers, not paint. Paint sounds fun until you realize you're spending the next morning scrubbing your dining table. Markers dry fast, don't bleed onto laps, and the bags can be re-colored later. If your party theme leans more art-heavy, throw in some kids coloring aprons so nothing gets ruined.

Step 3 — Set up one coloring station. One long table. Cardboard slipped inside each bag so colors don't bleed through to the back. Paper towels nearby for the inevitable. A coloring pencil case at each seat keeps markers contained and makes cleanup faster.

Step 4 — Run it for 30-45 minutes. Right after cake works best. Kids are still in one spot and the sugar focus kicks in. Show one example you made earlier and let them go.

Step 5 — Send them home. That's it. The bag IS the favor. Drop a small treat or thank-you note inside if you want, but honestly? You don't need to.

Pick Your Party Format

Two main directions, depending on your party vibe. Both work.

Color Your Own Tote Bags

Pre-printed designs — kids just fill them in. Best for ages 3-8. View →

Coloring Drawstring Backpacks

For older kids who'd rather sling it on their back. Ages 6-12. View →

6 Themed Tote Bag Party Ideas

🦕 Dinosaur Discovery Party

Kids color dinosaur outline bags with greens, oranges, and browns. Pair with a "dig for fossils" activity in the backyard. Works great for ages 4-7. Look for pre-printed dinosaur tote bags if you don't want kids drawing from scratch.

🌈 Rainbow Art Party

The classic. Plain bags, every marker color, no rules. Perfect for younger kids (3-5) who just want to scribble freely. This is where blank canvas coloring tote bags shine — no design to follow, full freedom.

🧜♀️ Under the Sea Mermaid Party

Pre-printed bags with mermaids, fish, or shells. Kids color, then you fill with seashell candies and a small bubble wand. Ages 5-9.

🚀 Space Adventure Party

Bags with planets and rockets. Black, silver, and metallic markers if you can find them. Great theme for a glow-in-the-dark birthday twist. Ages 6-10. Pair with matching space-themed coloring backpacks for older kids.

🌸 Garden Fairy Party

Flower-printed bags, soft pastel markers, maybe some glue and glitter for the brave. Pair with a small terracotta pot and seed packet inside. Ages 4-8.

⚽ Sports Champion Party

Football, soccer, baseball outlines. Team colors. Kids decorate their own "sports bag" to take to practice. Ages 7-12.

Add These to Your Party Setup

Two extras that turn a basic coloring station into a real craft setup.

Coloring Pencil Cases

One per seat. Keeps markers organized and makes a great take-home bonus. View →

Coloring Aprons

Save the party clothes (and your sanity). Especially smart for paint-based parties. View →

What to Put Inside the Bag (If You Want To)

You don't have to fill them. The decorated bag is enough. But if you want a small extra:

• A pack of stickers
• A bouncy ball
• A bubble wand
• A few crayons or a mini coloring book
• A handwritten thank-you note from the birthday kid
• A small healthy snack pouch

Skip the candy if you can. Parents will notice.

Budget Per Kid (Real Numbers)

For a party of 10 kids:

That works out to about $10-12 per kid for an activity AND a favor that gets used for years. A standard plastic goody bag with junk inside runs $8-15 per kid. You're paying about the same and getting something the kid actually keeps.

For parties of 15+, the per-kid cost drops further. If you're ordering for a school party, a class celebration, or any group event, our bulk and B2B page has volume pricing for coloring tote bags in bulk.

A Few Things Parents Always Ask

What age does this work for? Kids 4 and up handle it well on their own. Kids 3 and under need a parent helper or a simpler "scribble" version with chunky markers. For toddlers, our pre-printed coloring tote bags work better than blank ones — they have lines to follow.

How long does the activity last? About 30-45 minutes. Younger kids may finish in 20, older kids will keep adding details for an hour if you let them.

Will the colors wash out? With fabric markers, mostly yes. Which is actually a feature. The bag can be re-colored later. With fabric paint, no. Pick based on whether you want a one-time keepsake or a reusable canvas.

Do I need an apron for every kid? If you're using fabric markers, no. If you're using paint, absolutely. Our kids coloring aprons are sold in singles or sets and they're the easiest way to keep birthday outfits clean.

Can I customize bags with the birthday kid's name? Yes. For custom orders, message us through the contact page at least 3 weeks before the party.

Where do you ship? All across the US. Free shipping over $150, which most party orders hit easily.

Ready to Plan?

The hardest part of a birthday party is keeping 10 kids occupied without losing your mind. A coloring tote bag activity solves that and gives every kid something they made. Something they'll actually use.

Pick your bags, order 2 weeks early, set up one table, and you're done. No goody bag assembly line at midnight. No regret purchases at the dollar store. Just a real activity that doubles as a real favor.

Looking beyond birthday parties? Our kids coloring activity kits guide covers classroom craft hours, summer camp favors, and family-night kits in one place.

🎨 Shop Pamusan Coloring Tote Bags →

Free US shipping on orders over $150. Bulk pricing available for parties of 15+.