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Is it appropriate to give out prizes at kids’ parties or does it lead to too much competition at an otherwise fun, relaxed party?
Way back when, the only way that party guests got to take anything home from the party was if you won a prize playing a party game. Yes, it lead to the kids being a bit competitive with one another, but there was something really special about it…if you won, you, along with the birthday kid, of course, each got stuff at the party. The kids cared and thought “How lucky!” It was a big deal because stuff at kids’ parties was a limited resource…you didn’t just “get something” for attending.
Today, it is different. Many people provide goody bags to each guest and so noone goes home empty-handed. As a result, winning prizes during the party games strikes me as less competitive simply because everyone knows they are going to get something before they depart.
One way to limit the goody bag syndrome is to go back to the “olden” days and make the prizes be the sole item that is given away to party guests. This definitely may lead to some friendly competition, but the adults supervising should be able to keep it on a friendly level and not let it escalate. Otherwise, take your goody items that you were going to give out as guests depart, and provide them as the prizes that all kid win during the games. Everyone gets something and you don’t have to double up buying both prizes and goody bags.
Even in a friendly, party environment, if there are only limited prizes to be won, it is natural that competition may arise. That is not necessarily a bad thing, rather how it is managed will be the key.
