Happy Friday: Homemade Piñatas

By Bryn | Operations Manager

Jun 23, 2017 @ 6:30 PM MDT

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Sent from reader, Erin:

I make my two sons a piñata for their birthday parties every year. They are so easy and cheap to make. I just use free cardboard boxes, tape (free from Staples with rewards), Crepe paper from the Dollar Tree, Construction paper from the Dollar Tree and candy (I use candy that we get from the many parades that we attend, Halloween, other parties, etc.). I do an internet search to model my piñatas after. All the kids have a blast with the piñatas!

Just cut out the cardboard boxes into desired shape. I usually do one side, then track the next to make it match and then use the extra cardboard to create the side panels. Tape everything together very well so that the piñata holds up to the beating. Before you secure the top, fill with candy. Cut a small hole on the top to insert the rope for it to hang. I also tie a small washer type item to keep the rope from breaking through. Next take crepe paper and scrunch it in your hand as you unravel it. Lay it back out and glue down the center. Apply it to the piñata. Repeat until you have it onlinepletely covered. Lastly, I add the construction paper to make the faces, or whatever design needed. It’s a little time consuming, but totally worth it! Thanks!!!

HAPPY FRIDAY!

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Join The Discussion

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Brittany June 23, 2017 at 6:34 pm MST

Cute!

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ohiogirl June 23, 2017 at 6:45 pm MST

Who knew!? Thank you. My son is always wanting to do this for his birthday. Going to try this.

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Jessica (Hip2Save Sidekick) June 23, 2017 at 6:48 pm MST

You’re welonlinee! Have fun! 😀

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Anna June 23, 2017 at 7:01 pm MST

Super cute. Brilliant idea, I will pin it to my list of clever things that will never get made lol

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AP June 23, 2017 at 7:02 pm MST

I think we are a long lost soul sisters!

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Becca June 23, 2017 at 7:01 pm MST

Super cute! I make pinatas for my son’s birthdays, only I use tissue paper and make the giant number he is turning. They are time consuming, but I enjoy making them. You did a great job!

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Heather C June 23, 2017 at 7:07 pm MST

You are one talented woman – nice job!

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Rose June 23, 2017 at 7:29 pm MST

How Awesome I do the same! I use Glue Sticks easy to work with.

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Nichole June 23, 2017 at 7:34 pm MST

Wow! Nice job. Not sure if I could pull it off.

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Erika June 23, 2017 at 7:48 pm MST

We made a pokeball pinata for my son’s birthday party last year and it turned out great. We watched a YouTube video on how to do it and it was super simple but looked better than store bought.

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visitor3 June 23, 2017 at 7:57 pm MST

Love the inspiration to DIY. Who knew this was so easy, fun, and custom!? Would probably stick to newly bought candy to be on the safe side. And some non-edibles for kids with food allergies. Went to a party with a pinata recently and learned a good tip of lining the kids up in size/age order, so the littlest ones can get a turn before the big kids destroy it.

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lily June 23, 2017 at 10:18 pm MST

Blindfold older kids with bandana or scarf and spin them a few times for added fun haha

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KK June 23, 2017 at 8:10 pm MST

Super cool!

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ilovehip2save June 23, 2017 at 8:26 pm MST

I made this before and it was too hard to bust open. How do I avoid that

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Les June 23, 2017 at 8:55 pm MST

Use a thinner cardboard next time, I have four kids I’ve done many piñatas before, cause my kids always ask for a character that cannot b found already made (special dinosaur, pirates of the Caribbean treasure box, etc)
I prefer to hand paint mine to make the details onlinee out more

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Susan K June 23, 2017 at 8:59 pm MST

Those are awesome. Thanks for the steps and materials list.

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momo June 23, 2017 at 10:28 pm MST

Awesome post, I’ve been wanting to attempt this for my lo. Wish u had some pics with your tutorial.

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Beth June 23, 2017 at 11:22 pm MST

I teach preschool and I’ve made them out of boxes. I cut a trap door poke a couple of holes in it and tie ribbons in the holes. I tape the door shut and score the tape in a dashed line with scissors. Then I just tape enough ribbons so that each child can pull one. They stand in a circle., hold onto the ribbon and everyone pulls at the same time. I am usually able to reuse the piñata several times before needing to make a new one. I made a frankenstine for Halloween

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Amy June 23, 2017 at 11:33 pm MST

This seems much easier than the piñatas I made for a party!

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Frankie June 24, 2017 at 8:43 am MST

There is also a paper bag version that is even easier. Great for little kids who don’t hit as hard.

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Frankie June 24, 2017 at 8:44 am MST

These are awesome by the way! Bet the kids will never forget them!

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Beverly June 24, 2017 at 10:46 am MST

I’ve made pinatas by covering a balloon with paper mache, pop the balloon and pull it out, then paint and decorate. They’re a lot of fun for kids.

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Erin June 24, 2017 at 4:01 pm MST

Thank you for all of the positive feedback!

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