13 Birthday Party Favors That Broke Instantly
This list highlights the birthday party favors that broke almost as soon as kids started playing with them.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Many birthday party favors looked exciting at first but fell apart right away. They cracked, ripped, or stopped working after only a few minutes of fun. Even so, kids still remember them because they were part of every party.
1. Plastic Noisemakers
Hyaya on Wikimedia Commons
These bright little toys were meant to turn every birthday into a celebration of sound. Unfortunately, the plastic gears inside them cracked after only a few blows. Kids loved the racket they made, even when they barely worked. The party may have gone quiet fast, but the laughter that followed was unforgettable.
2. Bouncy Balls
DaraKero_F on Wikimedia Commons
These tiny, colorful balls were exciting until they hit the floor too hard and cracked. They bounced everywhere, often rolling under furniture or disappearing completely. Parents dreaded them, but kids couldn’t get enough of the chaos. Even when they broke, the chase was half the fun.
3. Yo-Yos from the Dollar Store
Sarah Jones on Wikimedia Commons
These budget yo-yos looked fun but rarely worked as intended. The strings tangled after a few swings, and the plastic often cracked if dropped. Still, every kid tried at least once to master a “walk the dog” move. It was a short-lived hobby that ended in a snapped string and a lot of giggles.
4. Paper Party Hats
D’Arcy Norman from Calgary, Canada on Wikimedia Commons
These hats made every kid look like they belonged in the spotlight. However, once the elastic band stretched too far or the paper tore, the fun was over. Most ended up ripped, wrinkled, or covered in frosting. Even so, no birthday photo was complete without at least one crooked party hat.
5. Tiny Mazes with the Rolling Ball
https://wellcomeimages.org/indexplus/obf_images/3b/f5/6df41624a40ca6379a5ee0cc468c.jpg on Wikimedia Commons
These pocket-sized puzzles seemed challenging at first glance. The small silver ball often got stuck, no matter how carefully kids tilted it. Many ended up shaking it so hard that the ball popped out completely. It was more frustration than fun, but still a must-have favor for every goodie bag.
6. Plastic Rings and Jewelry
Саша Круглая on Pexels
These sparkly accessories made every kid feel fancy for a moment. Unfortunately, the paint chipped off quickly, and the bands snapped after a few wears. The fake gems usually fell out long before the day ended. Still, they were traded like treasure, no matter how fragile they were.
7. Tiny Water Pistols
Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels
These mini squirt guns looked like endless fun until they started leaking. The pumps jammed, the nozzles cracked, and the water usually ended up everywhere except the target. Kids still lined up to fill them again and again. Even broken, they were a guaranteed source of chaos.
8. Plastic Spinning Tops
http://www.turnertoys.com/ The Best Toys for all creative Boys and Girls. on Wikimedia Commons
These tops promised endless spins but barely made it past a few seconds. The lightweight plastic could not handle rough surfaces or clumsy hands. Some cracked right after the first launch. Still, watching them wobble was oddly satisfying while it lasted.
9. Mini Puzzles
DS stories on Pexels
These small puzzles came in cheerful designs but often had bent or missing pieces. The thin cardboard peeled apart as soon as it got damp fingers on it. Kids spent more time trying to fit pieces that didn’t match than solving the picture. They were impossible to complete, but always worth a try.
10. Inflatable Hammers and Swords
Antonius Ferret on Pexels
These oversized toys brought instant laughter to every party. They made for epic duels until someone swung too hard and popped them. The air leaked out quickly, leaving sad, floppy weapons behind. Even deflated, they stayed in photos as proof of how much fun everyone had.
11. Glow Sticks
Slyronit on Wikimedia Commons
Glow sticks were the highlight of nighttime parties. Kids cracked them too early or bent them too far, causing leaks that ended the glow too soon. Still, everyone loved waving them around until the light faded. Even after the glow was gone, they were a symbol of pure birthday joy.
12. Fake Mustaches
amira_a on Wikimedia Commons
These stick-on mustaches always got a laugh at first. The adhesive wore off quickly, and the mustaches ended up hanging by one corner or falling off completely. Kids often tried sticking them back on, even upside down. They may not have lasted, but they definitely made for funny photos.
13. Plastic Slingshots
Santeri Viinamäki on Wikimedia Commons
These small toys seemed daring until the rubber bands snapped mid-shot. The plastic frame often cracked after a few rounds of target practice. Parents dreaded them, but kids loved every second. Even when they broke, they made the party just a bit more exciting.