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Make a Gacha Panda

Make a Gacha Panda
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Design and build a Gacha Panda surprise capsule toy using paper, markers, small prizes, and a simple cardboard dispenser to create collectible panda characters.

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Step-by-step guide to make a Gacha Panda

What you need
Adult supervision required, cardboard tube or small cardboard box for dispenser, glue stick or tape, markers or colouring materials, paper or cardstock, pencil and ruler, scissors, small prizes or trinkets, stickers or googly eyes optional

Step 1

Gather all your materials in one clear workspace so everything is easy to reach.

Step 2

Draw several panda character shapes on paper or cardstock using simple circles and ovals for heads and bodies.

Step 3

Colour each panda character with markers or colouring materials to give them fun faces and outfits.

Step 4

Cut out each panda figure carefully along the lines.

Step 5

Fold small rectangles of paper into tiny envelope pouches to hold prizes.

Step 6

Put one small prize or trinket into each paper pouch.

Step 7

Roll small squares of paper around a pencil to make the body of each paper capsule.

Step 8

Tape the seam of each rolled paper to keep the capsule tube from unrolling.

Step 9

Slide a sealed prize pouch into each paper capsule so the surprise is inside.

Step 10

Fold the ends of each capsule closed to trap the pouch inside.

Step 11

Tape the folded ends of each capsule so they stay shut.

Step 12

Decorate each capsule to match a panda character using markers stickers or googly eyes.

Step 13

Cut a small slot near the bottom of your cardboard box or tube that is wide enough for one capsule to pass through.

Step 14

Tape a small cardboard flap inside the slot so it acts as a door and allows one capsule to drop when you lift it; then load the capsules into the top of your dispenser.

Step 15

Share your finished Gacha Panda surprise capsule toy on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can I use if I don’t have cardstock, googly eyes, or small prizes listed in the materials?

Use printer or construction paper instead of cardstock, draw eyes with markers or punch small paper circles in place of googly eyes, and fill the tiny envelope pouches with paper notes, sticker pieces, or cereal charms as substitute prizes.

My rolled paper capsules keep unrolling or won’t drop through the slot—how do I fix that?

Firmly tape the seam and the folded ends as described in 'Tape the seam' and 'Tape the folded ends', and if capsules won’t pass, widen the slot or trim the capsule ends and test each one before loading the dispenser.

How can I adapt the steps for younger children or make it more challenging for older kids?

For younger kids, pre-cut the panda shapes and pre-roll and seal the capsules so they only color and decorate, while older kids can use thicker cardstock, add stickers/googly eyes, design complex outfits, or build a more advanced cardboard tube dispenser mechanism.

What are simple ways to personalize or expand the Gacha Panda activity after finishing the basic version?

Number and theme the panda characters, decorate capsules to match each panda (using markers, stickers, or googly eyes), add rarity tags to the paper pouches, create a checklist for collectors, or include tiny game notes inside pouches before sharing on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to make a Gacha Panda

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

HOW TO DRAW A CUTE KAWAII PANDA EASY 🐼❤️

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Facts about DIY toy-making and paper crafts for kids

✂️ Papercraft turns flat sheets into 3D models — with folds, tabs, and glue you can build little panda parts and accessories.

📦 A simple cardboard dispenser can be made from a tube and a sliding gate so one capsule drops out at a time.

🐼 Baby giant pandas are born about the size of a cup (roughly 100 grams) and grow into much larger, cuddly adults.

🥚 Capsule toys usually fit inside plastic capsules about 3–6 cm wide — just the right size for tiny surprises!

🧸 Gashapon machines in Japan often release themed series and sometimes include rare “secret” figures that collectors hunt for.

How do I make a Gacha Panda dispenser toy at home?

To make a Gacha Panda, first design panda faces on paper or cardstock and cut them into small capsule wraps. Create capsules by folding paper, using small plastic eggs, or mini paper bags; tuck tiny prizes (stickers, erasers) inside. Build a simple cardboard dispenser from a cereal-box tube or stacked boxes with a coin slot, chute and rotation lever or push-button. Decorate, test the release mechanism, and supervise play. Encourage kids to customize characters.

What materials do I need to make a Gacha Panda surprise capsule?

You'll need paper or lightweight cardstock, markers or colored pencils, scissors, tape or glue, small prizes (stickers, erasers, tiny toys), optional plastic mini-eggs or bottle caps for capsules, a cardboard box or cereal tube to make the dispenser, a straw or dowel for an axle, and decorative stickers. For safety, choose non-toxic supplies and child-safe scissors. Replace any breakable pieces with paper versions for younger children.

What ages is the Gacha Panda craft suitable for?

This activity suits children aged about 5–12 for most steps. Ages 5–7 will need adult help with cutting, building the dispenser, and handling small prizes. Ages 8–12 can design characters and assemble more independently. Do not give small capsule prizes to children under 3 because of choking hazards. Adjust complexity: simpler paper capsules for preschoolers and more elaborate cardboard dispensers for older kids.

What are the benefits, safety tips, and variations for Gacha Panda capsules?

Making Gacha Pandas builds fine motor skills, creativity, counting, and storytelling as kids design characters and trade capsules. Safety tips: avoid small choking hazards for under-3s, use non-toxic markers, supervise scissors and glue, and secure moving parts in the dispenser. Fun variations include themed panda series, scavenger-hunt clues inside capsules, trading cards with stats, or a DIY prize-earning point system to teach sharing, turn-taking, and basic math.
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