When planning and selecting wedding favors, brides often take into consideration what their guests would enjoy. Often though, some of our guests are children, and more often than not, are forgotten when the time comes to purchase wedding favors. However, giving children a small gift or special wedding favor just for them will not only show them that they are important and thought of too, but depending on the gift, can also occupy and entertain them during your wedding reception.

The wedding favor market however, doesn't particularly cater to children's wedding favors, because the demand for children's wedding favors is quite small. However, that does not mean that you should exclude your younger guests from receiving favors. With a little imagination and some creativity, you can create the perfect favor for your youngest guests. To find the perfect children's wedding favor all you have to do is think back to when you were a child - what activities did you enjoy?

When thinking of children's wedding favors, the first thing to consider is the age and gender of those children who will be attending. An older child has different interests than a younger one, as a boy is entertained differently than a girl. You can select a different type of gift for each age group or gender, or you can select something with universal appeal; but it is not necessary to purchase a different favor for each guest. If you're having a mixed group of ages and genders, you may want to hand out coloring books for the younger children and mini-board games for the older children. The best place to shop for children's favors is their favorite place; the local toy store.

Some Unique Ideas for Children's Wedding Favors:

• Coloring Books or Activity Books. Some companies do make wedding themed books for children. However, these are usually more expensive than something you can pick up at a toy store. Remember to include pens, pencils or a small pack of crayons so that the children can use them during the reception if they choose to.
• Stickers - available in a variety of themes, even wedding ones! There are also stickers which children can color in and create their own designs. Usually "color me" stickers come with markers or pencils - but if they don't include them.
• Inflatable Balls (such as beach balls or basketballs) you may even be able to find them to match your wedding colors. Granted you may not want balls thrown around your reception hall, but if there is a foyer or other area children can partake in this activity - balls can potentially keep them entertained for hours.
• Frisbees or Bubbles are wonderful for outdoor receptions. You may want to exclude these from indoor events for obvious reasons.
• Dolls, Figurines, or Cars. Little girls love playing with dolls, and there are bridal dolls on the market. Boys may enjoy a new shiny matchbox car to play with.
• Puzzles A small puzzle, word search games, or mad libs are available in wedding themes. If you cannot find these in a wedding theme - any children's theme will do. Make sure to include a pencil (or maybe a pack of pencils with the child's name) with any puzzle books.
• Mini Board Games are available from age three and up and can be played and enjoyed by all the children. You can choose simple travel style games such as Connect, Simon, Battleship, etc... If you give a different game to each child, they can take turns playing each other's game - which will keep the entertainment alive for hours.
• Playing Cards small playing card games such as Uno, Memory, Magic Cards, Rummy, Hearts, Crazy 8's, War, Old Maid. Even a small deck of cards will work. You can even search the web for "children's card games" and print instructions on how to play some popular children's card games.
• Mini Electronic Handheld Games: Although these could be a bit pricier than board or card games, these will provide entertainment for all age groups.
• Play Dress Up: Give a little goodie bag to each guest. The girls will love to dress like a princess complete with a small tiara and some costume jewelry. Boys can play magician with a top hat and a wand. Both top hats and tiaras will match a wedding!
• Small Lego Sets: A young child may enjoy building a small castle for a Cinderella, Medieval or Fairytale themed wedding. Lego sets are available in a variety of sizes, and some small sets can be purchased for about 8 to 10 dollars.

With a little imagination and a visit to the toy store, you can find small, usually inexpensive items which the children will enjoy, keep them happy and entertained. It will help the parents keep their children occupied during your event. Everyone, parents and children, will thank you for being so thoughtful.