Gifts for Religious and Cultural Rites of Passage

As is probably obvious, I have much more experience with Christian rites of passage than those of other religions or cultures. If I've made mistakes, please let me know.

There is a huge variety of rites of passage in many religions and cultures. What makes for an appropriate gift is going to be dictated by that religion or culture, as well as the age of the person. A baby having his bris is going to get different gifts than a teenage girl having a quinceañera, who in turn wouldn't be getting gifts appropriate for an adult man being ordained into the priesthood. Especially if you're not from the same background as the person celebrating the rite of passage, do your research. For example, a Bible is a reasonable gift for a Christian rite of passage, but there are different versions and translations, and some are more appropriate for one denomination than for another. 

The key to giving a gift directly related to the specific rite is to find something that will continue the recipient's journey. For example, when one of my children celebrate First Communion, she got a beautiful missal (a book that aids in following and understanding our church services) from one of her godparents. It's a keepsake she'll be able to use for decades. 

Of course, especially with non-perishable gifts, you have to consider the recipient's position in life, and age. A missal would have been hopelessly redundant for my cousin when he was ordained a priest in his thirties--not only does he already have his own, he'll be able to use the ones at any church he serves. But a set of towels that my mom embroidered with his initials for when he moved into a rectory shared with two other priests? Practical and thoughtful.

Children's versions of holy books are popular gifts for childhood rites of passage, and can be very well-received: more than three decades later, I still have the children's Bible my godparents gave me at my baptism. For younger children or babies, there are also many toy versions of various religious objects. Provided they wouldn't be considered sacrilegious (some religions don't allow art depictions of deities or religious founders; for those that don't such a restriction, religious art like icons are wonderful), many parents will be happy to have these tools to help their children learn about their faith on their level.

For teenage rites of passage, older gifts are more appropriate. Though the person may as young as twelve, these rites indicate a person's adult decision to live according to the particular beliefs. In-depth books about the history of the specific culture or religion are a great idea, or other ways to broaden and encourage the person's journey. When people enter a new religion or culture as an adult convert, similar consideration should apply.

If you're concerned that your recipient may become too overburdened with things, especially if the rite of passage includes a long-distance move, a heartfelt card can be perfect. Food is is another wonderful gift--with a rite of passage, be sure to take extra caution that you aren't using any ingredients forbidden by that particular culture or religion! 

Bonus points if the food is related to the occasion:
these dove cookies were for the baptism of a pre-teen family friend

Some rites of passage might require a person to abstain from material goods or wealth. If religious in nature, a promise to pray, light a candle, offer a mass, or other invocation particular to the religion should be appreciated. Another idea is to donate to the person's cause as allowed by the group's rules--for example, in-kind donations like food might be allowed but direct gifts of money might not. In general, if you have any doubts, ask if the gift is appropriate. When you're giving a gift to support someone through a rite of passage, it's more important that you respect the recipient's beliefs than that the recipient is surprised by the gift.

If you're uncomfortable giving a gift specifically tied to religious or cultural significance, or even if you know the recipient well enough to have an outside-the-box-idea, there's no rule that you have to give a "traditional" gift. When my first godchild was baptized at six months old, I knew she already had a children's Bible, and that her grandfather who's a deacon was likely to give her any religious item you could name. I also knew that she was fascinated by looking at patterns of swirls and dots, so I gave her a framed print of Van Gogh's Starry Night. It was hung in her room right away. 

And when her grandfather (my uncle) was ordained as a deacon, I baked him some of the bread his grandmother used to make--in the course of his study, my uncle had amassed and read more religious books than I could count, and he already had many sentimental religious items. The bread wouldn't take up space in his home for more than a few days.

The bottom line is that you want your gift to show that you're excited the recipient is entering the next phase of their journey through life. Whether you find a way to show that through attending the ceremony, finding or making the perfect thing to help them with that journey, or know just what will make them happy on that special day, you're saying you acknowledge the importance and the impact of the rite, and that you care.

Gifts for Collectors

At first glance, it seems like it would be easy to pick a gift for a collector. But collecting can be specific, so you'll need to communicate with your recipient or have an inside source.

Many collections need to be stored specifically--shadow boxes, coin holders, protective cases. If you know a specific container is needed, you can pick one up. If you're not sure what kind is best, a gift card to a store that sells them is better. You might also consider special lighting to display the collection, if needed.

A lot of collections have various guides and books that go along with them. If you know the collector doesn't already have them, they're a good option.

Some items are best collected at conventions. You might be able to sponsor all or part of a trip to one, or a day pass. If the location makes it possible, you could go along too and let the collector get to experience the fun with a friend. 

If you know a collector is after specific items that are hard to find and you see an opportunity, jump on it. Worst case scenario is that the collector found one in the meantime and either loves having a back up or you can sell it again. Just be sure it is the right item--maybe the postage stamp is only good if it's unused or the action figure if it's unopened or from a particular production line, for example. Be warned though that some of these items are very expensive. Certain coins that numismatists might be seeking are hundreds of dollars.

If the collection centers around popular culture, you might be able to get relevant autographs. An internet search for a particular actor or author or artist can reveal a PO box or agent's address for sending fan mail. If you mail a nice letter and include stamps and a return envelope, it's possible you'll get an autograph sent back to you. It won't always work and can take a few months, especially if you're requesting an autograph from someone in another country. It's worth a shot, though.

Gifts for Families

With having nieces and nephews, I find it fun to give a gift the family can enjoy. My own family receives gifts for everyone as well, which we also appreciated.

MOVIE NIGHT

You have several options here. For going out, you can give gift cards to movie theaters (or to a play, if the family's children can sit through one) that will cover tickets and snacks or to a drive-in plus some popcorn. You can give a subscription to an online streaming service or a gift card to a rental company like Redbox with movie snacks. If you know what sort of movies the family likes and doesn't yet have, give the treats with the movie itself. Depending on your budget, you could even give some blankets or pillows to sit under or on while watching a movie at home.

For a fun presentation, you can pick up a popcorn tub at a dollar store to wrap the gift in.

EXPERIENCES AND MEMBERSHIPS

If the family lives near a zoo, science center, aquarium, museum, or other such place, you can give a family membership. They're usually good for one year. If that's too much, you can often also find day passes. A place like the YMCA is also great for a membership; it has classes for everyone whether taken individually or together and childcare for when the parents need a break during their own workouts.

There might be a class the family would enjoy taking together, maybe an art or cooking class. A family who enjoys going to the library or farmer's market together could use a tote bag that you buy, sew, knit, crochet, or embroider. Think or ask about what the family likes to do together to get started brainstorming.

There are also play areas specifically geared toward kids. If you know the family likes being able to take their kids places like this, a pass card or membership will be very appreciated. Many indoor play areas require socks--if you knit, handmade socks can be a nice conveyance gift to go along with it.

For families who like outdoor activities, you can give items for a picnic (maybe include a handmade picnic blanket and napkins or homemade trail mix) or a hike. There are lots of little accessories for many outdoor activities that get used quickly--sunscreen, bug spray, camp stove fuel, bicycle inner tubes, flashlight batteries. You'll need to be sure you get the right sizes and specifications. For example, inner tubes must be not only the right diameter and width, but the right valve shape too. If you're unsure of the specifics and don't want to ask, a gift card to a store that sells the right items, like REI, works well. 

Indoor activities can be good ideas, too. Pair a jar of dry ingredients for cookies with some fun cookie cutter shapes, for example. Get plain ceramic cups or plates and food- and oven-safe paint so everyone can decorate them. Give a set of stepping stone kits for everyone to make one. A board game for family game night is fun, too.

Even a gift card to the family's favorite restaurant works well. My kids are always thrilled to know they can get dinner at Spaghetti Factory, and we parents are happy that it's paid for and that the portions are generous enough that it will be dinner the next night, too.

MEMORIES

A family photo album or collage is a nice way to preserve memories. Depending on what you have access to and what the family likes, you can put one together yourself or provide the supplies to do so. For example, a friend of mine likes going camping with her family and to put up pictures of the family, so I've given her a few collage frames that she's since filled with camping pictures.

You can do a lot with family pictures: portraits, mugs, calendars, stationery (one of my aunts prints custom postage stamps from her pictures), home decor, even puzzles. There are many services online and in brick and mortar stores that will help you print gifts.

Another idea is collecting stories or recipes or other such memories from the extended family. I gave my older brother's family an album filled with family recipes, from my side and from my sister-in-law's side (her mom helped). I also sewed matching placemats for the family and got some fun kitchen accessories that I knew my niece and nephews would have fun playing with.

If the family is facing a situation where someone is terminally ill, offer to do some housework or set up a meal train of dinners so they have more time to make memories. When a family member has passed away, do something with the memories you have: write a letter, make a relevant donation, paint or print a picture. If appropriate, offer to use items from the deceased in a way that shares memories, like a quilt or stuffed toy made from the person's clothes or decorative pieces and ornaments made from jewelry.

A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

If you think a single item won't work for the whole family, you can still make several smaller gifts fit the same thing. You can get each person a specific Christmas ornament or book tailored to individual tastes, or make pillowcases or other items in each person's favorite color or motif. Just don't let your desire for it to be a family gift end up leaving a person out--it wouldn't be fun to feel like the black sheep when the gift gets opened. A well-thought-out family gift, however, will give the family something to enjoy together.

Gifts that Miss the Mark

Unfortunately, not every gift is going to be the right one, no matter how hard you try. Some tips to lessen the chances:

THE RECIPIENT CAN'T USE IT

-Food or drinks that your recipient is allergic to, can't have due to health or religious or ethical reasons.

-Tickets to events or places the recipient can't get to.

-Experiences requiring mobility or health the recipient doesn't have.

-Items meant to be outside for people who don't have yards.

-Gifts in other languages that your recipient doesn't understand.

-Re-gifted items embroidered or otherwise marked with someone else's name, wedding date, etc.

OBLIGATIONS

-Gifts that require time, like concert tickets if you're not sure the recipient wants to go.

-Craft items the recipient can't or doesn't want to use.

-Items meant to be worn or displayed that you insist on seeing used--you have to be okay with the idea that your recipient might use things differently or pass them along to someone who would enjoy it.

-Precious heirlooms that are special to you but not the recipient. There may be someone else in the family who would like it more.

-Animals, and to a lesser extent, plants. 

IT'S INNAPROPRIATE

-Gifts meant for someone younger or older than the recipient, like baby toys for a ten-year-old.

-Clothing in the wrong size or wrong style.

-Super expensive gifts that make the recipient feel awkward receiving or obligated to make up to you.

-Obviously cheap presents that leave the recipient feeling like an afterthought. Note that I don't mean you have to spend a lot, but if I only had five dollars to spend for my dad's birthday, I know he'd be happier with some candy bars than a tacky bumper sticker. If I had no spare cash, a phone call would be much better than some worn-out thing I could dig up from the closet.

-Gifts that you yourself would prefer instead of ones that show you took your recipient's taste into account. Doubly so if you live with the recipient so you end up using it instead.

-Donations to a cause the recipient doesn't support.

A JOKE THAT FALLS FLAT

-Not realizing the gift exchange is meant to be nice gifts instead of gag gifts (this is more on the host of the gift exchange, but always clarify if the theme isn't mentioned).

-Clothing or home decor with sayings that are funny to you but too risque or bland for the recipient.

GIFTS WITH ULTERIOR MOTIVES

-Books or other items meant to "hint" at the recipient's perceived failings, like etiquette books or weight-loss items.

-Many self-help gifts if given out of the blue. Even if your marriage has benefited from counseling or affair prevention books, don't give such things to newlyweds unless they're requested. Offering advice is one thing, assuming everyone has the same stumbling blocks you do is different.

-Basic cleaning products, in most cases. A fancy bar of soap is luxurious, a plain bar of soap by itself is insulting. A new mop, broom, and floor cleaner are nice for someone moving into a first apartment, the same to someone who already has those is a not-so-subtle dig at the state of one's home.

TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING

-I used to make beaded bells for my grandmother, at her request. One year, she slipped the two I made that Christmas into a display case and declared, "There, now it's full and looks perfect." She didn't need any more, and found a nice way to tell me. 

-Loads of food that has to be eaten right away and can't be frozen for later.

-Knick knacks, jewelry, hobby accessories, decorations, and other non-consumables that your recipient already has a lot of.

WHAT HAPPENS WITH THE GIFT?

Whether you give or receive a gift you can't use, there's no real obligation to keep it. Thank you notes should be sent (depending on circumstances, emailed or texted thanks can be appropriate) acknowledging the thought put into the gift. For gifts intended to be an insult...feel free to be sarcastic in thanking or fake obtuseness regarding the gift.

Food can be donated to food banks or places like fire stations and most other things can be donated or sold. If the gift was bought and you know where, see if you can return it for cash or store credit. Depending on the relationship between the gift giver and the recipient, it's possible to gently point out why the gift won't work and give it back or suggest someone who might appreciate it more.

Some people say you should never re-gift, but I think it's fine with certain precautions. Be sure the gift isn't personalized to you, with your initials or birth date or something similar. Re-gift to someone in a different social circle so whoever gave it to you first doesn't see someone else being given it. Make sure it's still appropriate for whoever you re-gift it too.

You want your gifts to be enjoyed, so make sure they're gifts, not edicts.

Gifts for Older Children and Teenagers

For most teenagers, cash is king. They desire to be more independent, but can't quite be on their own yet, so they appreciate the freedom of choice allowed by spending money. If you aren't comfortable giving straight cash, another option is a gift card. Amazon and eBay are good choices because there are so many products a teen can find there. If you know a teen is into fashion and which clothing stores the teen prefers, a gift card there is also good; or any specialty store you know the teen is interested in. If you prefer to give a physical gift, perhaps as a conveyance for cash or a gift card, here are some ideas.

MILESTONE MARKERS

Teenagers have a few special occasions to mark, like getting a driver's license, becoming a legal adult, and graduating high school. You can tailor a gift to commemorate these, like a gift card for gasoline with a keychain on a sixteenth birthday, or supplies for the camping trip a group of friends is going on before they all head off to college and post-high-school work. If an older teen is setting up a first apartment, you can give household essentials, like cleaning supplies stored in a mop bucket or kitchen staples in a baking dish.

BOOKS, MOVIES, AND MUSIC

There are three categories here: entertainment you know the teen likes, entertainment you liked or found useful as a teen, and material for studies.

For ones you know the teen likes, make sure yours will be the only copy or that it's unique somehow, like a first edition or special pressing or something autographed. You might also be able to find mementos of a concert or decorative items related to a book or movie. If the author, musicians, actors, etc are hosting a talk or concert or attending a convention, tickets to see the event could work well.

If you're looking to share your own interest, start small. Your interests might not match up with the teen's. If it doesn't, don't take it personally. As fun as it would be to be able to share a passion, it might not happen. If it does, don't go overboard.

If a teens is interesting in pursuing higher education or learning a trade or other skill, materials toward that are useful. College textbooks in particular are absurdly expensive, and training programs for various trades can be costly--not all are paid for upfront, and reimbursement, if offered, can take a long time.

HOBBY HELP

Especially as teens are able to explore electives in school and other interests through jobs and social activity, they might have specific interests you can cater to through gifts. Accessories for the hobby, gift cards to use to enhance collections, help replacing musical or athletic equipment that gets quickly worn out, a magazine subscription or book about the activity, tickets to a talk or event related to it, donation to a charity for an important cause, travel help or foreign currency if the teen wants to go to a convention far away--talk with the parents or teen first to be sure you're giving what can be used best, because there are a lot of options.

TECHNOLOGY

Many teens are interested in new technology. They are often excited about and maybe saving up for new phones, tablets, computers, or games. Depending on how close your relationship is with the teen and your budget, you might want to buy the thing itself (check with the teen and parents for the right specifications first). You could also sponsor a month or two of service payment.

You could also look into accessories for the technology a teen already has, like a car charger for a phone, speakers for handheld device, or an external hard drive for a computer. Again, you'll need to be sure it's compliant with the device.

GENDERED GIFTS

There seems to be a small trend that teen boys get cash and teen girls get scented candles, lotion, or plush animals. Especially for siblings, check first that the girl will appreciate getting something so different from her brother. Sometimes these can be a perfect gift, but a lot of girls would like the cash too, and sometimes boys would like a bit more thought, even if that's just getting a gift card for a specific things or writing a note to go with the cash that you know he's been saving up for something.

And please, unless you know the girl wants the occasion marked, skip presents, cards, or anything to acknowledge her menarche. The only thing most girls need after "becoming a woman" is to know where she can find feminine hygiene supplies. If she's in a situation where she can't get them herself for whatever reason, then it's reasonable to take her to pick some out, but generally a simple, "If you need anything, it's in the cabinet in the bathroom" will suffice.

Gifts for Young Children

Most people have at least a few young children in their lives who they want to give gifts to, from nieces and nephews to godchildren to friend's children to their own children. It can be tricky to strike the right balance between fun and useful, especially as younger children are still learning to appreciate the thought behind gifts. Here are some ideas to get you started brainstorming.

BOOKS AND MOVIES

Most kids love being read to. Books are easy to tailor to tastes, whether the parents' or the kids' or both. And a lot of books can be found second-hand in great shape for very little money. The same can be said for movies, and many families enjoy watching classic family films together--one of my brothers has made it a tradition to give my kids a Disney movie each Christmas with some snacks to enjoy while watching it.

If you're not sure what title is best, gift cards to bookstores work well too. By the time kids are about four or five, they have fun feeling grown-up by picking out and paying for their own things at stores, and most parents will appreciate that the children are picking a book which is relatively easy to store instead of a toy that can get lost or broken. Gift cards to movie theaters are good choices too, if the children are out of the baby stage.

TOYS

So long as you know the parents aren't already overwhelmed with THINGS, a small age-appropriate toy is certain to be appreciated. Puzzles, art sets, figures or plushes of favorite animals or characters, dolls and action figures--you have a lot to choose from. You can also ask if there are sets you can add to, like more Brio train tracks, Barbie accessories, toy food for a kitchen, or LEGO.

SWEETS AND OTHER FOOD

Most kids have a sweet tooth and will be thrilled to get candy. The main concerns with these is dietary restrictions. A bag of lollipops can't be enjoyed by a child sensitive to food dye, and package of cookies is frustratingly tempting to a Muslim child during Ramadan, a Jewish child on Yom Kippur, or a Christian child during Lent. Some food isn't safe for younger children, for example, toddlers who keep swallowing gum might choke on it. Check with the parents if you have any questions about the appropriate kind of treat for a child.

HOUSEHOLD AND PERSONAL ITEMS

Even young children can understand and appreciate having something just for them. Every preschooler and elementary-aged child that I've made a purse, wallet, afghan, pillowcase, or similar item for has loved that it's personalized in some way, even if that's just the favorite color. My mom has had great success embroidering keychains, washcloths, and handsewn plush toys for my cousins' children.

A lot of children seem to be enamored with kitchen items, stationery sets, and garden tools. If you know a child into these things, they're fun to pick out and easy to personalize as well.

Clothing can be good if you know the child will appreciate it. My daughters love getting new Christmas dresses from their grandparents each year. Not every kid does though, so check with the parents first, and be sure to get information about the right sizes.

GIFT CARDS, SUBSCRIPTIONS, CASH

My children have most of my old toys and most of my husband's old toys. They don't need many more. But they have piggy banks and enjoy filling them up. They also love being able to get a treat at an ice cream or fast food store. 

Getting mail is fun for kids--they almost never get any, so the novelty is pretty special (and it's never a bill!). My husband's grandparents renew a subscription to a children's nature magazine every year, and I give my nieces and nephews a subscription to another. There are other fun things to get in the mail too: a family friend once sent us a coupon to redeem for caterpillars we could raise into butterflies! My kids absolutely loved the experience (do check that such coupons can be redeemed where your recipient lives; some are only good in certain areas).

Money for the future is a common gift from grandparents and great-grandparents, such as savings bonds or college tuition credits. These are so appreciated by the parents, but the thought might go over a young child's head, so be prepared for that. If you're concerned such a gift might not be fun enough, you can always add a packet of stickers, markers, candy, or other small conveyance gift. 

GIFTS THAT NEED CARE

Always, always, always talk with the parents before giving children an animal, even caterpillars you only keep a couple weeks. Parents generally don't appreciate having to be the "bad guy" who says the child can't keep the puppy or kitten or fish, or having to go buy all the necessary equipment for an animal.

A plant is a much safer option, but if you have any doubt whether it will be difficult for the family, talk to the parents. There's a chance someone might be allergic to the plant or that they may not have the space in the yard for it (if they have a yard at all) or that they're about to go on a trip that means they'll come home to a dried-out, dead plant.

Fragile items can be beautiful heirlooms, but be sure that they're appropriate. A delicate crystal figurine is very nice for a Christmas ornament, but less ideal for sitting on a toddler's dresser. 

When in doubt, ask!

Goody Bags, Party Favors, and Other Gifts for Multiple People

Some events call for multiples of gifts, whether as a thank you for coming or as part of the event itself. In general, consumables are a good idea, although if it's food you do need to be considerate of allergies and other dietary restrictions. If you're aiming for more of a keepsake, small is best. You'll need to take into consideration your budget, your audience, and your time.

CONSUMABLES

I have literally dozens of aunts, uncles, and cousins, and I see many of them during the holidays. Buying them all individual gifts would bankrupt me, and making the same by hand would take all year (not to mention the cost of supplies). Instead, I bake three or four varieties of cookies, double or triple batches of each. Each family gets a bag of cookies from me without my needing to take out a loan or spend more than part of a few days baking. Some of them give bags of their own homemade cookies, breads, candies, or jams. Other people I know make vanilla extract (this takes a few months; plan ahead), brownies, fudge, snack mixes, home-brewed beer or other alcohol, small cakes, applesauce, nut butters, spaghetti sauce, spice mixes, home-roasted coffee beans, and even honey from their beehives. You can also put together dry ingredients for baked goods. And of course, there are myriad store bought food treats, often ones made locally.

You do have to be mindful of dietary restrictions. For example, one of my cousins is allergic to peanuts, so I don't add peanuts to any cookies and I don't make peanut butter cookies (for her, other nuts are fine so I can still use almond extract or other nuts). If you don't know the recipients well, in the case of an office party for example, food might not be best. You also need to be sure whatever you give will be okay without refrigeration for at least a few hours. One way around potential food restrictions for a crowd is something like a candy bar. When my brother got married, the wedding favors were organza bags we could fill with our choice of a variety of his and my sister-in-law's favorite candies. At a different wedding, the candy bar was every kind of blue candy the bride and groom could find, as the wedding colors were navy and sky blue. Both times the treats were great for the plane ride home.

Some events give away plants and seeds. While not quite consumable, these are fun for those who have the space to grow them. They're also easy to tailor to the occasion: pots painted in seasonal colors, some of the same flowers as in the wedding bouquets, plants that represent the occasion, that sort of thing.

Other consumables include candles, soap, lotion, sugar scrubs, lip balm, and stationery. As with food gifts, any of these can be store bought or handmade, and you need to be aware of allergies. They don't need to be fancy either, especially if your recipients are more practical. Some years my grandparents have given us simple toiletries like shampoo and shaving cream (with some cash, being grandparents) and it always gets used.

GIFT CARDS

If you have the budget, gift cards in $5-10 denominations are good. The standard is coffee shops, but you don't need to limit yourselves to that. Bakeries, specialty grocery stores, online music services, ice cream stores--as long as your recipients can actually get something for $5 or $10, it can work. One Christmas, a cousin of mine passed out Redbox gift cards with packets of microwave popcorn. 

If you know your recipients would appreciate donations given in their names, you can also pass out notes acknowledging such. One wedding I attended recently had notecards at each table setting stating that in lieu of wedding favors the bride and groom, who had both lost their mothers to cancer, had made a donation to the American Cancer Society. Especially with as extravagant as the wedding and reception was, I thought the donation was far more touching than wedding favor to take home.

KEEPSAKES AND TOKENS

There are a variety of choices for small gifts, some better than others. The issue with gifts meant to be kept is that it's impossible to cater to everyone's tastes. With consumables, people who get something they don't like don't feel as obligated to keep it.

Christmas ornaments are an obvious choice for Christmas parties, and most people aren't too selective about what goes on their trees. Other decorative or household items can be more versatile, like prisms or sun catchers, paper weights, drink coasters, fridge magnets, pins, kitchen accessories, and knick-knacks. Some of these can be handmade, like knit washcloths, sewn hot pads, etched glass coasters, and so on.

If the event is for a specific activity, it's easier to pick out an appropriate favor. For example, a sewing club party could pass out sewing notions; a garden club might give away plant starts. 

For kids' birthday parties, the usual fare seems to be a bag of small plastic toys. I'm not a fan of those myself, as my kids have too many of those already. Goody bags we've found easier to enjoy include more useful items like pencils or other school supplies, a single larger toy, treats like a few cookies or some candy from a piñata, or things that get used up like bubbles and stickers. But don't feel limited to those; feel free to be creative. My brother's birthday is Halloween, so every year his party guests would trick-or-treat. Our parents figured the kids didn't need more candy, especially since they also got birthday cake...so the party favors were toothbrushes and floss!