E.,
It's so refreshing to see that I'm no the only one who struggles with this issue!! Thank you for your post.
What wonderful replies from the Moms. I love the pre-decorated cookie idea! Also, I know my daughter LOVED getting a little craft kit that was a "decorate your own photo frame". It was one of those foam kits. I think the mom who gave them out got it at Michaels or Hobby Lobby. Then with her Thank You notes she sent a picture of her child with mine from the party. It was a cute "friendship" thing we had posted in the frame for a long time.
Also, another bit of info...the Thank you notes....you cane make your own on colored paper. We found cute ones that said, "Dear ________. Thank you for coming to my party. I loved the ___________ gift. Your friend."
My daughter loved putting her name on the bottom (or trying to) and then I only had blanks to fill in! All the mom's loved these cards. (Ours were found on the clearance rack at a local Hallmark store.)
Best of luck with the party.
Sara