There are many engaged couples who decide to rather not have children present at the wedding for various reasons. But the couples who do should find a way to manage these kids in a way that ensures everyone still has a good time.
The honest truth is that there are many parents, obviously not all of them, who will just let their kids roam free and cause havoc at events such as your wedding day, and that is why they need to be kept busy.
Tips: Besides having an actual table with activities for the kids, consider having a babysitter as well to keep an eye on them. Also, if you can find one, there are wedding venues that have separate rooms or areas where children can be kept busy, and some even provide babysitters.
Busy boxes and books for kids at your wedding
Make the kiddies’ table at your wedding extra special by having busy boxes for the kids! You can order these already assembled with goodies inside, or you can put your own boxes together (see the next section of this blog post for items to add to your boxes)… You can also provide coloring and activity books as an additional item to keep the kids busy!
“Our Wedding Day Busy Kits make the perfect gifts for your flower girl and ring bearer—or any little ones in attendance on your big day. Each 7×5″ box is gift-wrapped to help your youngest guests feel extra-special and welcome at the wedding, and customized with the child’s name on the front. The wrapped box looks great in a place setting. Inside are 9 quiet, mess-free activities to keep kids busy and happy from the ceremony to the cake-cutting.” – Meghan from CraftandBoogie on Etsy
“These Wedding Day Busy Kits make perfect gifts for the pre-teens in your wedding party—or any big kids in attendance on your special day. Each 7×5″ box is gift-wrapped to help kids feel welcome at the wedding, and customized with their names on the front. The wrapped box looks great in a place setting. Inside are 9 fun, low-mess crafts and activities* to keep kids busy, engaged, and having fun at your reception.” – Meghan from CraftandBoogie on Etsy
“Our Wedding Day Busy Kits make the perfect gifts for your youngest flower girls and ring bearers—or any little ones in attendance on your big day. Each 7×5″ box is gift-wrapped to help your youngest guests feel extra-special and welcome at the wedding, and customized with the child’s name on the front. The wrapped box looks great at a place setting. Inside are 9 quiet, mess-free activities to keep babies and toddlers busy and happy from the ceremony to the cake-cutting.” – Meghan from CraftandBoogie on Etsy
“These great little activity books will be a hit at your wedding. A classic wedding activity book with a Wedding Toolz touch. We have included heaps of pages full of activities, games, and color in pages. Defiantly not your standard activity book.” – Will from WaterGumPressStore on Etsy
“Each book is filled with activities to suit the age of your guest; with ages 1 to 16 years available you’ll be sure to keep their little minds occupied during those ‘boring’ wedding moments.” – PaperBallards on Etsy
“Wow your young guests (and their parents!) with our personalised activity books! We fully personalise each book with the images of your choice, the names of the guest, names of the bride and groom, and wedding date.” – PaperBallards on Etsy
“Give the kids at your wedding a special, personalized favor that will keep them occupied and having fun throughout the night! These printed wedding activity books are perfect for the kids table and offer lots of fun activities!” – Trinity from hootevents on Etsy
“An ideal gift for any child over 36 months to enjoy. Fabulous for a craft party! Thoughtful as a party favor!” – Sarah from TheGiftPage on Etsy
“Our Kids Painting Packs are the perfect creative gift for all children. They are great to keep the kids busy during [weddings]” – Kayleigh from LeoIvyCo on Etsy
The Editable Wedding Planner templates are fully customizable in the free version of Canva, and include everything you need – from the wedding budget, guest list, and catering, to planning a bridal shower, engagement party, and more!
Create your own busy boxes and kits
If you’re thinking about creating your own custom kits or boxes for the kids at your wedding, here are a few ideas of what to add… Let’s look at some boxes and containers first!
“Mini Gable Boxes are cute packaging for your homemade wedding favors. These little treat boxes come personalized with metallic foil labels in your choice of custom text.” – ModParty on Etsy
“Wedding Favor Boxes with Personalized labels make great packaging for your homemade wedding favors and a unique way to thank guests for attending your bridal shower or wedding. These uniquely shaped favor boxes come complete with a convenient handle when assembled. Fill them with candies, cookies, or your other favorite goodies for an unforgettable party favor that your guests are sure to enjoy!” – ModParty on Etsy
“This personalized lunch box is an amazing gift for yourself, your family, and friends! With a smooth polishing surface, the container is very easy to clean. The long buckle lock makes your foods not easy to fall, suitable for many occasions such as School meals, Work lunch, Outdoor picnic and so on!” – Kelly from LittleBunnyAustralia on Etsy
“These beautifully designed favour boxes can be fully personalised to include the name of the Bride and Groom and the date of the wedding as a unique memento from your special day. These designs can be customised to suit whatever celebration you are planning and also your colour scheme. They would make perfect favour boxes for baby showers or hen parties.” – Chloe from ThePartyBoxShop on Etsy
“This bag is handwoven in the souks of Morocco, from a palm leaf. It is a “Slow Fashion” product representing everything that is eco, ethical and green. Even though this Spring & Summer season is all about straw.” – Kanwaljit from Nursebysuccess on Etsy
Things to add to the boxes and baskets
“Just a cute addition for a little diva who has to have a fabulous set of accessories.” – Laura from bespokemadebylaura on Etsy
“Great for the little loves in your life — use in gift baskets, at parties, for small group crafts, or even in the classroom (no glue, no mess)! They can easily be turned into ornaments or added to wreaths.” – Amber from WhiskerWorks on Etsy
“Great for gift baskets, parties, small group crafts, or even in the classroom! All materials are provided.” – Amber from WhiskerWorks on Etsy
“Each project includes all materials needed, whether it be paint, brushes and/or yarn. Easy step-by-step instructions are also included within each kit.” – Amber from WhiskerWorks on Etsy
“This is a complete kit – no need to buy anything else! Six colors of yarn are included in each color set. Easy-to-use tools and simple instructions are also included. Expect this project to last 2-3 hours, though it could be a little longer with younger children.” – Amber from WhiskerWorks on Etsy
“Any letter or number of your choice, plus yarn and tools to decorate it! This is a complete kit, so you’re ready to craft as soon as it arrives. Any color set you choose will include 6 colors. Use all 6, or pick and choose your favorites from within your set.” – Amber from WhiskerWorks on Etsy
The Editable Wedding Planner templates are fully customizable in the free version of Canva, and include everything you need – from the wedding budget, guest list, and catering, to planning a bridal shower, engagement party, and more!
“Interested in other colors, please send me a message. I can make a custom order for you!” – GiftsandKnots on Etsy
“Beechwood tac-tik games for 6 players in travel version so smaller, perfectly suitable to be taken on vacation with cards, storage bag and game rules included. A real hit in the west of France, game a little identical to the game of small horses but only with cards with the possibility of trapping other players.” – Mathieu from Woodapero on Etsy
“Handmade and laser engraved personalized tic tac toe board game.” – Amber from AmbersKraftStudio on Etsy
“What a cute way to give your kids something special for Valentine’s Day! These can also be used for the classroom as a DIY painting activity. Add your own personalization!” – TM Studio from GifterStudioShop on Etsy
“Create, craft, and mine with this video game inspired collection! These 24pcs of stampers are also great for school projects, chore charts, creating your party invitations, scrapbooking, and decorating stationery. Have this stamp assortment in your party favors bags or the crafts table at your party, for home, in the classroom, or in art class! Our stamps are non-toxic, lead-free has passed all CPSIA and ASTM testing. Safe for children to use.” – Scott from paulandlucyshop on Etsy
“Personalize this dainty heart name necklace for the perfect flower girl proposal gift. It can be customized to fit all ages, making it a perfect kids jewelry, baby jewelry, little girl necklace, flower girl necklace, and adults necklace alike. Dainty and sweet, this charm necklace is for keeping sweet sentiments close to your heart.” – Dohee Lee from MignonandMignon on Etsy
“These Personalized Kids Sunglasses will be a big hit at your next Summer Party, Pool Party, Spring Party! Perfect Personalized Kids Birthday Party Favors!” – Danielle from MiraculousMakings on Etsy
“Unicorns are magic. Everyone knows this. So, if you have a Unicorn pen, your writing is magic, too. Your adventures in creativity and writing come to life with this enchanting pen. PLUS – these adorable mini pens have 4 fun colors!” – Risha from TheFinePrintPaperie on Etsy
“Make reading fun with this personalized animal bookmark. Whether it’s for back to school, everyday reading or even a party favor these bookmarks can be personalized with your child’s name!” – Shirin from OtterDesignsCo on Etsy
“Our Rainbow Heart Rainbow Crayons are the perfect, handmade gift to express your love for COLOR and all things crayon! Gift to your young artist or use as class Valentine’s Day favors!” – Krayonshop on Etsy
“Great Craft Sets for Party Bag Fillers and other occasions. These can also be used as a Craft Activity for any party.” – Gemma from CraftCabinPartyShop on Etsy
“…everyone LOVES our lip balm for weddings, parties, and any celebration!” – Monica and Megan from SugarLipsParty on Etsy
“These sparkly fairy dust necklaces are the perfect party favor for your next whimsical birthday party [or event]!” – Jenny from LittleFairyLab on Etsy
“Jallie Jars!! Can we humble brag just a little bit and say how amazing these are?!
A little bit of magic packed into a perfectly portable jar that is easy for on the go!! These jars are perfect for party favors, goodie bags, and class gifts! You can customize the theme to fit whatever you like or choose from our popular themes. All jars come packed with little trinkets, figures, gems, and more to encourage natural exploration along with 6oz of homemade non-toxic taste safe playdough! The jars are shatterproof plastic with an airtight metal lid.” – Sharlene from JalliePlayCo on Etsy
“Mix up your dough! Swirl it around, have some fun! Create your own swirl dough mix up! Or get a jar of a single color, too!” – Sharlene from JalliePlayCo on Etsy
“These awesome Name Crayons are made from 100% non-toxic crayons. All the products are 100% recycled, hand poured, and packaged. They are perfect for gift-giving, classroom favors, stocking stuffers, or just to have!” – Elena from VintageGiftsHome on Etsy
“Mini Rainbow Glazed & Drizzled Donut Crayons™ by Krayonshop™ make the perfect Valentine gift for kids, birthday gift, party favors, and box/basket fillers for just any occasion! This is a listing for a 4 pack of Mini Donut Rainbow Glazed Crayons by Krayonshop®.” – Krayonshop on Etsy
“These children’s flower shaped sunglasses are so the perfect addition to your flower girl proposal! Pair these shades with the children’s sized beaded bracelet!” – Taylor from GiftsyBox on Etsy
“A sweet addition to any donut or dessert party, these crazy straws (12 count) are sure to delight your guests at the table or in their party favor bag. Straws are reusable, BPA free and measure 10.62 inches tall.” – Emily from partytreasuresco on Etsy
“Throw the perfect Fiesta, Cactus, Llama party with these super cute Llama Party straws!” – Emily from partytreasuresco on Etsy
The Editable Wedding Planner templates are fully customizable in the free version of Canva, and include everything you need – from the wedding budget, guest list, and catering, to planning a bridal shower, engagement party, and more!
by Tanya Guilfoyle
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Tanya has been an active contributor and planner in the wedding industry since 2016. When not writing useful content for brides and wedding professionals, she can be found designing templates for her Etsy shop, TWCprintables.