How To Make Sweet Cones For Party Bags

Sweet cones are a popular choice for party bags and they go down really well with small guests! They are really easy to put together yourself too. Read on to find out how to make sweets cones yourself at home.

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Why give sweet cones instead of party bags?
What you will need...
How to make sweet cone bags
Eco-Friendly or Sustainable Packaging Ideas
Ways to Personalize Your Sweet Cones
Themed Variations and Inspiration
Serving and Presentation Ideas
Budget Friendly Tips
FAQ's
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Why give sweet cones instead of party bags?

This year instead of making traditional party favors for the girls parties we made sweet cone bags! The girls adore sweets and they are a real treat for them so they loved the idea. We had no idea how to make a sweet cone but figured it couldn't be too difficult and we actually had lots of fun making sweet cones together.

We are really trying to reduce our plastic waste and although these cones use cellophane cone bags they are much less wasteful than the usual plastic tat that you get in party bags. If you wanted to make more eco-friendly version of sweet party bags by using fabric or paper bags instead of the cellophane. You can also get compostable clear bags you can use - although these aren't cone shaped, but that doesn't really matter.

Making these DIY sweet cones works out cheaper than buying pre-made sweet cones and also cheaper than buying lots of plastic toys and sweets to fill party bags. Children love sweets so these are always a big hit at the end of a party.

What you will need...

Cellophane cone bags - or paper / fabric or compostable bags if you don't want to use plastic sweet cone bags.
An assortment of sweets for party bags. We used millions, marshmallows and hearts but you could also use bubble gum, jelly candy or haribo for these party favors for kids.
Twist Ties (sometimes these come supplied with the cone bags)
Ribbon
Tags

How to make sweet cone bags

Just fill the cone bags up with the sweets - take care that smallest sweets are put in first. Create pretty layers then use the twist tie to secure the bag. You might want to put the cone into a glass or cup to hold it upright while you fill it.

Finish off the look with a ribbon and gift tag. You can buy tags, find some lovely free printable ones online or buy stickers to stick on the front. I also have some free printable tags you could use...

Voila - beautiful handmade cone shaped sweet bags. So cute and the kids will love them!

Eco-Friendly or Sustainable Packaging Ideas

Biodegradable or recyclable cone bags: Instead of traditional plastic bags, look for compostable cellophane or paper-based bags. These often break down more quickly and won't linger in landfills for years.

Alternative packaging ideas: Simple paper cones made from recycled craft paper or specialty compostable materials are a great substitute for plastic. They're easy to decorate and you can even create your own designs if you're feeling crafty.

Disposal and reuse tips: Encourage your guests to recycle or compost the packaging after use. You could also suggest ways to reuse materials-for instance, using leftover ribbons or paper to wrap small gifts or arts-and-crafts projects.

Ways to Personalize Your Sweet Cones

Custom ribbons, stickers, or tags: Add a personal touch by including each guest's name or a short message on ribbons, stickers, or mini tags. This small detail can elevate your sweet cones from basic to boutique-quality favors.

Match the party's color scheme: Select candy colors, ribbons, or labels that align with your event's theme-whether it's a pastel baby shower, a rainbow birthday party, or a chic monochrome wedding.

Extra surprises: Slip small gifts like mini toys, confetti, or little notes inside the cone before adding the candy. It's an easy way to make the favor feel more like a special treat rather than just another bag of sweets.

Themed Variations and Inspiration

Color coordination: Use candies in a matching color palette (e.g., pinks and pastels for a princess party, bold reds and blues for a superhero bash).

Seasonal themes: Incorporate festive candy colors and flavors-think red and green sweets for Christmas or orange and black treats for Halloween.

Custom decor: Enhance your cones with stickers, ribbons, or tags that match the overall event theme. For instance, add mini superhero logos, glittery unicorn stickers, or elegant calligraphy tags for weddings.

Inspiration boards: Suggest pairing sweet cones with other theme-related elements, like matching table linens, cake toppers, or paper plates. Linking to a mood board or Pinterest board can also help readers visualize the final look.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Display in baskets or decorative trays: Arrange your sweet cones upright in shallow baskets or trays lined with tissue paper for a polished look.

Use stands or foam blocks: If you want each cone to stand on its own, consider using a foam block or specialized cone stand. This not only prevents tipping but also looks neat and professional.

Match your theme: Incorporate your party's color palette by wrapping the base in themed paper or ribbons. Add small props (like mini balloons or confetti) to tie in the party decor.

Create a focal point: Position the cones on a dedicated "favor station" table or integrate them into the dessert buffet so guests can easily spot and grab one as a takeaway treat.

These party favours aren't just for birthdays - you can style them for different events - you can make halloween sweet cones, Christmas sweet cones, Easter sweet cones - the possibilities are endless!

Budget Friendly Tips

Bulk Buying and Seasonal Sales

Buy in Bulk: Purchasing large quantities of sweets from wholesalers or online bulk retailers usually cuts the price per item significantly.
Seasonal Discounts: Stock up on candy right after major holidays-such as Christmas, Easter, or Halloween-when stores tend to offer deep discounts on leftover stock.
Cheapest way to fill a sweet cone: One of the cheapest ways to fill a sweet cone is by opting for bulk-bought, cost-effective confectionery and incorporating a variety of textures and flavors without splurging on premium brands. Choose items like colorful jelly beans, gummy candies, and chocolate-coated raisins from discount or wholesale stores, where large quantities are available at lower per-unit prices. Mixing in affordable fillers such as popcorn or pretzels not only adds extra volume but also provides a fun sweet-and-salty twist, reducing the total cost further.

DIY Decorations and Labels

Printable Templates: Instead of buying pre-made labels, look for free printable designs online. You can even create your own using basic graphic design tools.
Crafty Details: Ribbons, stickers, or tags can be bought cheaply in craft stores or in multi-packs online. A personalized DIY approach often looks more unique and thoughtful than store-bought versions.

Reuse and Repurpose

Leftover Supplies: If you have ribbons, stickers, or paper goods from past events, incorporate them into this project. Reusing materials not only saves money but also reduces waste.
Alternative Packaging: Instead of cone bags, consider paper cones fashioned from decorative paper or newspaper for a quirky, eco-friendly twist.

Set a Budget in Advance

Breakdown of Costs: Estimate how many cones you need and roughly calculate the total budget for candy, packaging, and decoration. This will help you avoid overspending.
Allocate Funds Wisely: If you have a tight budget, spend more on high-quality sweets and less on extravagant decorations-or vice versa, depending on your party's priorities.

FAQ's

How far in advance can I make sweet cone party bags?

You can typically prepare sweet cones up to two weeks in advance. Just make sure to use fresh, individually wrapped candies and store the finished cones properly so they don't lose freshness or flavor.

What's the best way to store them?

Keep your sweet cones in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. An airtight container or storage bin will help maintain the candies' freshness and prevent them from getting sticky or stale.

How many sweets should go into each cone?

This depends on the size of your cone and the type of candy you're using. A good rule of thumb is to aim for about a small handful or around 50-80 grams of sweets per cone. You can adjust according to your budget or your party's style (e.g., lavish vs. minimalistic).

What's the average cost per sweet cone?

The cost varies based on the types of candies, packaging materials, and any additional decorations. On average, a simple sweet cone can cost anywhere from £0.50 to £1.50 per cone (or roughly $1 to $2 in the U.S.). Buying candy in bulk or during sales can help keep costs down.

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