These fun and interactive construction party favors are perfect for a little digger’s construction-themed birthday party. I’ll show you how to shop and assemble DIY party favors for kids that they’ll cherish even after the big day.
I made the kinetic sand sensory play kits below for my eldest son’s 3rd birthday party, which was construction-themed. They complemented the construction cake perfectly!
Construction Themed Party Favors for Kids
As a mom of two boys, we’re very much in our trucks and dirt era. Most recently, I made a Monster Truck cake for my youngest’s 2nd birthday, and before that, I made this Rubble Paw Patrol cake for my eldest son’s 4th birthday. Besides the cake and decorations, party favors are my next favorite thing about party planning!
I spent loads of time planning and gathering construction party supplies, including materials for construction-themed party favors. I always make a special effort to put together party favors for kids that aren’t filled with plastic junk that gets tossed in the trash the next day.
What Makes These Construction Party Favors So Great
- Sensory play. I use a combination of kinetic sand and cute toy trucks to create interactive sensory play kits that young partygoers can take home. It’s on-theme and still a little educational. I also include custom party favors for smaller children/toddlers and budget-friendly options.
- They’re a fun keepsake. The best part about these construction-themed party favors is that you can get plenty of play out of them even after the party is over. They’re a keepsake that kids can come back to, and the option to assemble them in jars makes the kits portable.
- Easy to assemble. These construction play kit jars are quick and easy to assemble. So easy, that you can even get your birthday boy (or girl) involved in filling the jars with kinetic sand and adding the toys and props.
Kinetic Sand Play Kits (Sensory Kits)
I made these kinetic sand sensory kits in two different ways. I assembled one version in plastic jars and the other inside these cute toy construction hats wrapped in cellophane favor bags. Both options are great, and the convenient thing about the jars is that you can repackage the play kit.
Materials Needed
Here’s a quick look at the materials you’ll need to make your play kit party favors. You’ll find more construction party décor and favor ideas on my Amazon Storefront.
- Kinetic Sand – Kinetic sand is colorful, moldable sand. It can be expensive, though, especially if you’re preparing a lot of party favors. I always recommend shopping the sales. Target often has buy-one-get-one-free specials or discounts on these items. One bag of sand makes 5-6 party favors (about ½ cup of sand each). Alternatively, homemade or storebought playdough is another less expensive option.
- Toy Trucks – These CAT trucks are my favorite play trucks, and they often go on sale for $5 for the entire pack, making these trucks $1 each. It’s another area where you can plan ahead and shop the sales.
- Mini Construction Props – I found these adorable mini cones and mini hard hats, along with these tiny shovel spoons, to add to the kits.
- Rocks and Blocks – I picked up these pebble rocks and Mini Jenga blocks (from the Tumble Tower) from the Dollar Tree. They’re great for sensory bins.
Not pictured here, but I also sent the kids home with this tool box from the Dollar Tree. It makes a perfect party favor, and you can order them in bulk and have them shipped to a store near you. I also love these mini craft pallets from the Dollar Tree, as they’re great for sensory play and are easy to include.
How to Make the Play Kits
Assembling these construction party favors is super easy to do. After you’ve put together the construction-themed play kits, dress them up with a ribbon and printable tag (or a sticker), and they’re ready to go!
- Start with the sand. Place ½ cup of kinetic sand in the bottom of the jar (or construction hat). You can top this with a small handful of rocks if you’d like.
- Add the trucks. Place a toy truck inside the jar. Make sure it’s positioned so that you can still close the lid tightly.
- Add props. Fill the rest of the jar with the remaining items, then seal it closed. If you’re using the construction hats, wrap them in cellophane bags.
Custom Party Favor Bag
Technically, I prepared a third play kit for smaller builders! I found these custom favor bags and construction-themed bubbles on Etsy and added extra toy trucks and shovel spoons along with these fun truck stickers. These customized party favors are great options for a younger child, say 2 years of age.
Edible Favors & Small Gift Bags
These are the most cost-effective options if you’re party-planning on a budget (we’ve all been there). Fill small gift bags with edible favors like the following:
- Chocolate Rocks – I found a 2.5-pound bag of chocolate rocks on Amazon. You can also buy chocolate rocks at Hobby Lobby, specialty candy stores, and in the bulk bins at Winco.
- Shovel Spoons
- Mini Construction Trucks – These assorted mini pull-back construction trucks come in a 24-piece set on Amazon.
- Mini Jenga Blocks – From the Dollar Tree.
If you’re celebrating a little builder’s birthday soon, I hope these party favors serve as some fun inspiration!
What a great idea! I’m going to do this for my son, but since his birthday has passed, use this for items in an advent calendar. Thank you for posting!!!
Oh thank you so much Michelle! I love that!