What do you use as prizes??...

[Andy Goodtimes]

I tend to use Poundland but am always on the look out when out shopping, the other day got some packs of Vimto sweets, 7 packs for £1 in Cool Trader. I always have a box of various prizes for kids and adults just in case.

[djdave01]

maybe im doing it wrong, but i let the parents supply the prizes, only been asked if i'll supply them a couple of times.

[DazzyD]

Larger prizes are supplied by the parents but I got a bulk-guy of plastic winner's medals and little world-cup-style trophies. They're only simple little gimmicks but the kids seem to take pride in the fact that they've "won" them.

[ppentertainments]

Larger prizes are supplied by the parents but I got a bulk-guy of plastic winner's medals and little world-cup-style trophies. They're only simple little gimmicks but the kids seem to take pride in the fact that they've "won" them.

Not just kids - adults go daft for those little plastic medals too
BTW Dazzy - where did you bulk buy from ?? I currently buy boxes of 200, but they work out at nearly 13p each.

[Gary (GDK)]

I buy medals from Wilko's, I would be interested into knowing your source to Dazzy.

[JTRS]

I use poundshops and use the kids next door as test bunnies, they tell me if something breaks easy, if so I avoid it. If I get good reports I stock up on those items (typically skipping ropes for girls, model cars for boys, paint sets and face masks to paint for either sex, bubbles for team game prizes, or glider kits and kites if it is summer-time and we have an outdoor area)

I prefer to do the prizes myself for a few reasons,-

1) I know I'll always have enough prizes for all the games and dance contests

2) I know the prizes will be appropriate for whichever sex wins

3) I know the prizes are reasonable quality and won't drop to bits in 5 minutes

I only have one price for a kids party and thats £175 for 2 hours which includes prizes and a pass the parcel (if required), but I make sure that every guest wins a prize (yes every guest at every party). Over time it works out on average that I spend £30 on each party (prizes and sweets) but the feedback is brilliant, the parents love the fact that they don't have to worry about the prizes and also that every guest wins something.

The amount of bookings I get from recommendations or parents who were at a party is very high, so for me it's worth doing it this way.

JTRS

[DazzyD]

Not just kids - adults go daft for those little plastic medals too
BTW Dazzy - where did you bulk buy from ?? I currently buy boxes of 200, but they work out at nearly 13p each.

I buy medals from Wilko's, I would be interested into knowing your source to Dazzy.

I get a lot of my stuff from PartyDelights.co.uk:

http://www.partydelights.co.uk/produ...A001&src=gbase

However, these work out at nearly 16p per unit so you've probably got the best deal there, Chris.

I have been known to pop in to Wilkinson's if I need stock in a hurry or, better still, Dainty Supplies in Washington.

As for online suppliers, PartyRama is pretty good, too!

[ppentertainments]

I get a lot of my stuff from PartyDelights.co.uk:

http://www.partydelights.co.uk/produ...A001&src=gbase

However, these work out at nearly 16p per unit so you've probably got the best deal there, Chris.

I have been known to pop in to Wilkinson's if I need stock in a hurry or, better still, Dainty Supplies in Washington.

As for online suppliers, PartyRama is pretty good, too!

Cheers dazzy. It is dainty supplies I use, but bought 8 boxes a few years ago so prices probably shot up since then - do you know businesses get a 10% discount there ??

[Corabar Entertainment]

PartyRama is pretty good, too!

Personally, wouldn't touch them with a bargepole after some VERY bad service from them a few years ago.

[DazzyD]

Cheers dazzy. It is dainty supplies I use, but bought 8 boxes a few years ago so prices probably shot up since then - do you know businesses get a 10% discount there ??

I didn't know that but I've never bought in bulk from Dainty - just bits and pieces when I need them. I'll remember that in future!!

Personally, wouldn't touch them with a bargepole after some VERY bad service from them a few years ago.

I first used them 2 years ago for a custom printed vinyl banner and a "balloon drop net" (these are a complete nightmare if anyone was thinking of doing balloon-drops then my advice is DON'T!!). I ordered it on the Tuesday and it arrived on the Friday which I thought was an excellent turnaround. I've never had cause to complain since, but then again, my orders have always been web orders so I've never had cause to contact them by phone or letter, either. Maybe I've just been lucky.