Show us your hoop gear
Decorate and customize a hula hoop using tape, ribbons, and markers. Practice spinning techniques, measure hoop size, and try simple tricks safely.
Step-by-step guide to decorate and customize a hula hoop
Step 1
Clear a safe open space free of breakables and furniture so you have room to hoop.
Step 2
Put on comfy clothes and closed-toe shoes so you can move safely.
Step 3
Gather your hula hoop and all your decorating supplies in one spot.
Step 4
Stand the hoop upright on the floor next to you to see where it reaches on your body.
Step 5
Ask an adult for help if the hoop is much taller or shorter than your waist or chest.
Step 6
Plan a decoration design in your head or on paper so you know which colors and ribbons to use.
Step 7
Wrap colourful tape around the hoop starting at one spot and overlapping slightly until the hoop is covered the way you like.
Step 8
Cut several ribbons into 12 to 24 inch lengths using scissors.
Step 9
Attach the ribbons to the hoop with tape or by tying them so they hang down and flow when you spin.
Step 10
Use colouring markers or paint pens to draw patterns or write your name on any uncovered parts of the hoop.
Step 11
Press and smooth all tape edges and ribbon attachments so nothing peels off while you hoop.
Step 12
Start a waist spin by placing the hoop against your lower back then give it a steady forward push and sway your hips to keep it spinning.
Step 13
Share your finished creation 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!?
I can't find colourful tape—what can I use instead?
If you don't have colourful tape, substitute duct tape, washi tape, or long strips of fabric wrapped and overlapped around the hoop, and use yarn, gift ribbon, or cut-up plastic bags in place of ribbons.
My tape keeps peeling or the ribbons fall off—how do I fix that?
Follow the instruction to press and smooth all tape edges firmly, add extra overlapping tape where ribbons attach, or knot ribbons through small holes and tape over the knots so decorations don't peel off while you hoop.
How can I adapt the activity for different ages?
For younger kids have an adult stand the hoop upright, pre-cut 12–24 inch ribbons and let them use wide tape and stickers, while older kids can plan on paper, use scissors and paint pens themselves, and practice steadier waist spins.
How can we make the hoop more special or challenging?
Personalize or increase challenge by adding beads or bells to ribbons, sticking a small LED tape under the colourful tape, or adding a bit of extra tape or a light strip opposite the ribbons to change weight and how the hoop spins during a waist spin.
Watch videos on how to decorate and practice with a hula hoop
COMPLETE GUIDE: How To Play Basketball! Basketball Basics For Beginners
4 Videos
COMPLETE GUIDE: How To Play Basketball! Basketball Basics For Beginners
Basketball Drills For Beginners - Kids
Teach the basics of BASKETBALL for youth PE 🏀
10 Best Basketball Drills For Beginners Ages 5-9 | Fun Basketball Drills
Facts about hula hooping for kids
📏 Bigger, heavier hoops spin slower and are easier for beginners — smaller, lighter hoops are better for tricks.
🌀 People have used hoops for play, exercise, and ceremonies for hundreds of years across many cultures.
🤸 Practicing waist rolls, pivots, and hand hooping improves coordination and core strength while having fun.
🎀 Ribbons and streamers are used in rhythmic gymnastics to create flowing patterns that show movement.
🎉 The modern plastic hula hoop became a worldwide craze after Wham-O sold millions in the late 1950s.
How do I decorate and customize a hula hoop and practice spinning techniques?
What materials do I need for 'Show us your hoop gear'?
What ages is the 'Show us your hoop gear' activity suitable for?
What are the benefits and safety tips for hoop decorating and practice?
One subscription, many ways to play and learn.
Only $6.99 after trial. No credit card required