Make a Party Popper!
Make a kid-safe party popper using a cardboard tube, tissue paper, and confetti; learn assembly, decoration, and safe popping techniques for celebrations.
About this activity
Make a kid-safe party popper using a cardboard tube, tissue paper, and confetti; learn assembly, decoration, and safe popping techniques for celebrations.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all the materials listed and bring them to your workspace.
- 2
Step 2
Clear a flat workspace so confetti and decorations are easy to clean up.
- 3
Step 3
Decorate the outside of the cardboard tube with colouring materials and stickers.
- 4
Step 4
Cut two circles from the tissue paper that are slightly larger than the tube ends.
- 5
Step 5
Tape one tissue circle firmly over one end of the tube to seal that end.
- 6
Step 6
Pour confetti into the open end of the tube until the tube is about half full.
- 7
Step 7
Place the second tissue circle over the open end of the tube so it covers the confetti.
- 8
Step 8
Secure the tissue on the open end tightly with a rubber band so the tissue is snug.
- 9
Step 9
Tuck a short length of ribbon or string under the rubber band so a loop sticks out as a pull tab.
- 10
Step 10
Hold the popper pointed away from your face and other people.
- 11
Step 11
Pull the ribbon tab sharply to release the tissue and send the confetti flying.
- 12
Step 12
Share a photo or story of your finished party popper on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do you make a kid-safe party popper?
To make a kid-safe party popper, put small paper confetti into a cardboard tube (toilet-paper or short paper-towel). Roll a small piece of tissue into a plug, tie a ribbon or string to it, and press it into one end. Decorate the tube with markers and tape. To pop, point the open end away from faces, hold the tube, and pull the ribbon quickly to eject confetti. Always supervise and aim at the floor or away from people.
What materials do I need to make a kid-safe party popper?
Materials: one cardboard tube (toilet paper or short paper towel), tissue paper (for plugs and covering), paper confetti or hand-cut colored paper pieces, ribbon or string, clear tape, scissors, markers or stickers for decorating, and optional glue. Use biodegradable confetti and larger cut shapes for younger kids. Adult supervision is required and avoid small beads or metallic glitter to reduce choking and inhalation risks.
What ages is this party popper activity suitable for?
This activity suits children aged about 3–10+. Ages 3–5 enjoy decorating and stuffing the tube with heavy adult help for plugging and popping. Ages 6–8 can assemble with guidance on safe pulling and decorating. Ages 9+ can design variations and lead younger kids. Tailor confetti size to age: no small pieces for under 3. Always supervise younger children and handle scissors and small parts for them.
What are the benefits, safety tips, or fun variations for kid-safe party poppers?
Benefits include creativity, fine motor practice (cutting, stuffing, tying), counting or color-sorting confetti, and confidence from making decorations. Safety tips: use only paper confetti, avoid glitter and small beads for under-3s, point the popper away from faces, and supervise every pop. Variations: use biodegradable confetti, add a paper cone for directional throws, make mini poppers from toilet-paper rolls, or create themed designs for holidays.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use instead of a cardboard tube or tissue paper if we can't find them?
If you don't have a cardboard tube, use a trimmed paper-towel tube or roll and tape cardstock into a tube, and if you lack tissue paper use two layers of crepe paper or a coffee filter cut slightly larger than the tube ends.
Why does confetti leak or the popper not 'pop' properly and how do we fix it?
If confetti leaks or the popper doesn't release, make sure you taped one tissue circle firmly over one end, used a second slightly oversized tissue circle on the open end, and tightened the rubber band so the ribbon loop is snug under it before pulling sharply.
How can we adapt this activity for very young children or older kids?
For very young children, let them decorate the outside and have an adult pre-cut the tissue circles, pre-fill the tube (step 5) and do the sharp pull under supervision, while older kids can use larger paper-towel tubes, vary the confetti amount in step 5, and experiment with different ribbon lengths and rubber-band tensions to change the pop.
What are fun ways to personalize or extend the party popper project?
Personalize and extend it by decorating the tube with stickers and names in step 3, adding a tiny surprise note or toy to the confetti in step 5, or making a set with different tissue colors and ribbon tabs to compare how each changes the confetti spread.