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.
Step-by-step guide to make a party popper
Step 1
Gather all the materials listed and bring them to your workspace.
Step 2
Clear a flat workspace so confetti and decorations are easy to clean up.
Step 3
Decorate the outside of the cardboard tube with colouring materials and stickers.
Step 4
Cut two circles from the tissue paper that are slightly larger than the tube ends.
Step 5
Tape one tissue circle firmly over one end of the tube to seal that end.
Step 6
Pour confetti into the open end of the tube until the tube is about half full.
Step 7
Place the second tissue circle over the open end of the tube so it covers the confetti.
Step 8
Secure the tissue on the open end tightly with a rubber band so the tissue is snug.
Step 9
Tuck a short length of ribbon or string under the rubber band so a loop sticks out as a pull tab.
Step 10
Hold the popper pointed away from your face and other people.
Step 11
Pull the ribbon tab sharply to release the tissue and send the confetti flying.
Step 12
Share a photo or story of your finished party popper on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
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.
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Facts about party crafts for kids
🎉 A party popper creates a big celebration moment with just a small handheld burst — perfect for surprises!
📦 Cardboard tubes from toilet paper or paper towels are sturdy, safe, and ideal for homemade popper bodies.
🎊 Confetti can be made from recycled paper, magazines, or old cards to make eco-friendly colorful sprinkles.
🔒 Kid-safe poppers use gentle pull-tabs and simple springs or air — always point them away from faces and pets.
🧻 Tissue paper is super light, so tissue confetti floats slowly and makes a fun ‘snowfall’ effect when popped.
How do you make a kid-safe party popper?
What materials do I need to make a kid-safe party popper?
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What are the benefits, safety tips, or fun variations for kid-safe party poppers?
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