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Now that Jolie is almost 3, she has started to be invited to friends' birthday parties more often. Now, it's a much bigger deal since she can really appreciate the finer points of a birthday party, namely, cake. Boy, does our girl love cake. Whenever we tell her that a birthday party is coming up, she's all about the cake and, preferably, a chocolate cake.

I have to admit, I've been just as excited about these parties for a different reason (although, I do love me some sickening sweet birthday cake too). Seeing her have fun with her friends and interact in that fun, social setting is too much for me. I can feel her excitement, her unbridled joy. I can watch her running around with her friends, having the time of her life, it seems. I don't miss these for anything.

The parties we've been to lately have shared some common threads. They've been held in big, festive kid-geared places that have been veritable birthday factories. Think large singing mouse and inflatable jumping structures. Of course there's the food: usually pizza and cake. Lots of cake.

And then, there's goody bags.

I wonder when the tradition of having goody bags started. They are a nice idea- thanking participants for coming. I used to think they were basically a consolation prize for having to bring a birthday present--like hey, sorry you don't get the nice present, but here's a big full of small crap to enjoy!

I mean, really, when have you looked in a goody bag and been like, YEE HAW! A small plastic yo-yo that doesn't work!

The worst is when they're filled with candy. The other day, to distract Jolie from doing something we didn't want her to do (which is constantly), I sat down with her on the floor to inspect a goody bag full of hidden treasure. Out came some pieces of candy to which she immediately said, "What's that, Mommy?" (She has an amazing ability to detect sugar-containing substances no matter how packaged.)  Well, I couldn't lie but as soon as I told her, she wanted them. Like NOW.

As I defused the situation, I couldn't help but think, I will never but candy in a goody bag. NEVER.

Besides candy, I often find treasures involving small pieces of plastic and throw-away chokable items. There must be a better answer to goody bag innards!

So, I'm thinking about Jolie's upcoming birthday and what kind of goody we can give that would make parents happy and not go directly into the trash.

I like the idea of art materials, something functional. Educational. Kid appreciation-worthy. And very importantly, parent appreciation-worthy. Is there such a thing?