New Years Eve Party Ideas

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I can't believe the year is almost over. I am beginning to think and plan for New Years eve. As a child we always celebrated New Year's with my grandparents. They were the designated babysitters whilst my parents went off to the Gold and Green Ball.

We stayed behind, had party food, watched the big ben on tv and sung Happy New year. Now I have a family of my own, we celebrate with party food and a glass of Sparkling grape juice. It's a fun tradition and something we love to do.

Today I'm sharing a New Year's Eve idea. It's a New Yea's Eve Countdown bag with free printable clock faces. This is a fantastic New Year's Eve party idea for the kids and can make the party a little more exciting. Enjoy!

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💖 Why You'll Love This Craft
🎨 Supplies Needed
🖌️ How to Make Your New Year's Eve Bags
🧑‍🎨 Expert Tips
💭 FAQs
Download Template
🖌️ Related Crafts
New Years Eve Party Ideas DIY Bag

💖 Why You'll Love This Craft

Sparkly & Fun: Kids can decorate their bags with glitter, sequins, and shiny stickers—perfect for that NYE glam!
Perfect Countdown Bags: Use them to hold hourly treats or little surprises as you count down to midnight.
Keeps the Mess Contained: Fill them with confetti, horns, and glow sticks—everything fun in one place!

🎨 Supplies Needed

Printable clock faces
2 ½ inch circle punch
Paper gift bags
Hole punch
Curling ribbon or gift twine

🖌️ How to Make Your New Year's Eve Bags

Step 1: Print clock faces and cut apart using a 2 ½ inch circle punch. Glue clock faces, one to each paper gift bag.

Step 2: Fill bags with card games, craft supplies, snacks, and other surprises. Fold down the top of each bag. Punch two holes toward the top of each bag. Add curling ribbon or gift twine to seal. To use, have guests open a bag according to the designated time and enjoy the goody inside.

💡 Pro Tip: Create take-home celebration bags with leftover crafts, party hats, and a thank-you note so each child leaves feeling part of something special.

🧑‍🎨 Expert Tips

Timed Stations: Set up four mini activity stations—like coloring, mini games, or a craft table—and rotate kids through every 30 minutes to keep energy focused and fresh.
Quiet Zone: Designate a cozy area with books, pillows, or puzzles where overstimulated kids can take short breaks without leaving the celebration.
Music Queue: Prepare a kid-safe playlist and let kids take turns being “DJ,” adding their favorite songs and creating ownership in the party mood.
Countdown Craft: Have kids assemble a basic paper clock or headband with removable number tabs they can pull off each hour as time passes.
Snack Spread: Set up a kid-friendly grazing table with labeled bins (e.g. “midnight munchies” or “sweet countdown bites”) for self-serve access.
Photo Backdrop: Use metallic streamers and props to create a kid-height photo area so children can take party snapshots on their own or with friends.

💭 FAQs

How does this activity teach time concepts?

Using countdown bags introduces children to the concept of time intervals. Opening a bag each hour helps them grasp the passage of time.

Can it help establish routines?

Scheduled evening activities are essential because they reinforce the importance of routines, creating a sense of structure even in a festive environment.

Can simple games keep the energy up?

Yes, short rotation-based games like freeze dance or charades maintain momentum. They prevent boredom without needing long attention spans.

How to wrap up the evening smoothly?

Concluding with a group cheer or an early balloon drop provides closure. It helps children unwind while still feeling included in the celebration.

Download Template

Get this free Printable New Year Eve Party Template here!