Wait… the Guests Get Gifts?! How a French Parent Learned to Love Goodie Bags in Canada

My story around goodie bags in Canada: from discovering the tradition to rethinking party favors for kids.

When we first moved from France to Canada, we thought we were coming for a one-year adventure. We didn’t picture ourselves becoming parents here, or that ten years later, we’d be raising our Canadian-born kids in a culture that’s now as familiar as it was once surprising.

Among the many unexpected discoveries along the way, one stands out:
At the end of a birthday party, the guests, not just the birthday kid, were going home with gifts.

That small detail caught us completely off guard. In France, when we were growing up in the 90s, the birthday child received the presents. The guests got cake and a fun afternoon. That was it. Things may be shifting now, but back then, the idea of giving each guest a gift bag just wasn’t part of the celebration. It was one of those customs we initially resisted, and yet, it quietly marked the beginning of a bigger shift in how we thought about birthdays, parenting, and thoughtful giving.

Learning the Loot Bag Customs

During our first few years in Canada, we didn’t have kids yet, so we weren’t really exposed to birthday party traditions. Our friends were mostly in the same life stage, so loot bags weren’t on our radar.

That changed once we became parents.

Our oldest was born in 2017, and as she started getting invited to parties, the loot bag expectation became clear. At some point, I turned to my husband and said something like, “Wait… are we supposed to give gifts to all the guests at our kid’s party?” We were both baffled, not in a judgmental way, but definitely confused. It felt like a lot. We even swore we’d never “fall into that habit.”

But then, like most parenting promises… we evolved.

Why Goodie Bags Matter More Than We Realized

Once your kids start attending birthday parties, you see just how much goodie bags mean to them. For children, the loot bag is the grand finale. It’s the thing they ask about on the car ride home. It’s a moment of magic, a little mystery bag full of something just for them.

Eventually, we understood what they represent: a thank-you for coming, a way to make every guest feel special. They’re a small gesture, but one that turns party favors for kids into something memorable.

It’s a lovely gesture, but for parents, it often feels like one more thing.

The Hidden Cost of Traditional Goodie Bags

Whether you're putting them together or receiving them, goodie bags can be… tricky.

As a parent, you notice the pattern: the small plastic items that break by dinner time, the candy that gets stashed in high cupboards, the clutter that quietly makes its way to the garbage. It’s no one’s fault. You get it. You’ve done it too. Putting together loot bags takes time, money, and energy, and most of the quick options just don’t feel that thoughtful. Especially when you’re trying to avoid plastic or sugar-heavy fillers and wish there were more non-candy goodie bags out there.

I still remember the year my daughter said she wanted to invite fewer guests to her birthday party, “because then it’ll be easier to make the goodie bags.” That’s when it really hit me.

From Frustration to Founding a Company

We started looking around for better options. But there weren’t many.

You could spend hours assembling your own meaningful goodie bags… or default to big box stores and bulk plastic. Either way, it added to the mental load of party planning.

As two parents with business backgrounds, we’d always been on the lookout for ideas that solve real problems. And this one clicked.

So we created ODIDOMI, a small, family-run company in the Okanagan Valley offering ready-to-go goodie bags that are eco-conscious, creative, and joyfully hands-on. Every bag includes a hands-on activity kids can actually make or build, a thank-you puzzle card, a temporary tattoo, and a bag of your choice to hold it all.
See how it works.

What We Believe (And Why It Matters)

We didn’t want to copy one culture or reject another. We just wanted to create something meaningful, something that feels as special as it looks.

ODIDOMI is our way of blending the best of both worlds: the thoughtfulness and simplicity we grew up with, and the joyful celebration we’ve come to love in Canada. It’s about making party favors feel easy for parents, exciting for kids, and just a little more intentional for everyone involved.

We believe thoughtful party favors should feel as meaningful as the celebration itself, not just a rushed task on the to-do list.

We have so many ideas for what could go into future kids birthday party bags and beyond. Whether it’s for thoughtful gifts, classroom celebrations, or something truly unique, there’s so much potential.

Looking for Thoughtful Goodie Bag Ideas?

If you're searching for goodie bag fillers kids actually love, or hoping to skip the candy and chaos, we’d love to show you what we’ve made in our collection of thoughtful party favors for kids. You can also explore how each kit works or read our full story.

🎈 Discover Our Eco-Friendly Goodie Bag Kits

FAQs About Goodie Bags in North America

Q: Why do kids receive goodie bags at birthday parties in North America?
A: In North America, it’s common to give guests small thank-you gifts at children’s birthday parties. This tradition reflects appreciation, hospitality, and a touch of fun. Goodie bags often include inexpensive toys, crafts, or treats, and have become a go-to party element for many families.

At ODIDOMI, we see them as more than just a party favor. They’re a way to make each guest feel special and to give kids something meaningful to take home. That’s why our goodie bags are hands-on, creative, and designed with care.

Q: What can I put in goodie bags instead of candy?
 A: Non-candy goodie bags can include stickers, puzzles, temporary tattoos, DIY kits, or hands-on activities like the ones you’ll find in our kits.
 These are fun, clutter-free, and often longer-lasting than sweets.

Q: Where can I find eco-conscious goodie bags in Canada?
A: ODIDOMI offers ready-to-go goodie bags that are eco-conscious, thoughtfully designed, and packed with creativity. Every kit includes a hands-on activity, a thank-you puzzle card, a temporary tattoo, and a cotton bag of your choice to hold it all.