Creative Giveaways for Parade Floats
Throwing items to the crowd during a parade brings joy to both the giver and the receiver. Here are some ideas for what to toss and how to manage your supply.
By Reese Rivera
Be prepared with handouts for the crowd.
For those riding on a float, parades offer a chance to interact with the audience by tossing small gifts. The types of items you distribute may vary based on the group you are with, but candy and beads are common choices for many floats.
Instead of throwing everything at once, spread out your giveaways over the entire route. This ensures you still have items left for the spectators at the end of the parade.
Economical Candy Options
You can find large bags of candy at discount and big-box stores to use as throwables. Opt for individually wrapped pieces to avoid spreading germs and to make it safe for kids to pick up from the ground.
Lollipops, gum, jawbreakers, and mints work well. If your budget allows, consider bite-size or fun-size candy bars. Buying in bulk from warehouse clubs or after holidays like Halloween—when party-size bags are often discounted—can significantly reduce your expenses.
Affordable Small Toys
Bulk purchases of small toys are available from online sellers or catalogs. Bouncy balls, plastic slinkies, and tiny animal figures make great parade giveaways. Avoid tossing these into areas with mostly adults; save them for children's groups.
Mardi Gras Beads
Bead necklaces and bracelets are a staple of parades. Once limited to Mardi Gras, they are now thrown from floats at many events. Buy them in bulk. Throw them one by one rather than in bunches, as bunches tend to stay together and one person might receive 20 necklaces.
Business Fliers and Pamphlets
If you're promoting a business or organization, create a small pamphlet or flier to hand out along the route. To prevent them from being discarded, attach a magnet or tape a piece of candy to the back. Include a coupon to attract new customers.
Religious Tracts as Handouts
Some churches and religious groups use parades to distribute tracts about salvation. If you do this, avoid being pushy or trying to discuss the tract while the parade is ongoing. Simply smile, place it in the person's hand, and continue walking. Those interested will read it. Add a sticker with your organization's contact details so people can reach out for more information.
Small American Flags
During patriotic parades like the 4th of July, Memorial Day, or Veterans Day, hand out small American flags. Give only one per person to avoid running out. Distributing them near the start lets attendees wave them throughout the event.
