BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Buy a Pin~ata

By eHow Parties & Entertaining Editor

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The blindfold is on, the stick is in hand, everyone runs for cover. Whacking on brightly colored, papier-ma^che' pin~atas to get the loot inside has been a part of Latin American festivities for hundreds of years. String one up at your next birthday party and start swinging.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

Investigate online pin~ata sites. Some companies will custom-make any design from a photograph or sketch.

Step2

Expect an empty pin~ata unless you order one prefilled. Fill it with toys, wrapped candies, confetti or party favors. For kids, plastic bracelets, tops, tiny water guns, and kaleidoscopes are hits.

Step3

Hang the pin~ata from a suitable branch with a strong rope, with plenty of space around it. Blindfold each child or adult in turn, gently spin them around three or four times, then give them three swings apiece with a bat or broomstick to hit the pin~ata. Take turns until someone finally breaks it open and watch the fun as everyone scrambles for the goodies inside.

What to Look For:

Colorful theme pin~ata
Candies, trinkets and favors
A tree to hang it from
Room to swing safely

Tips & Warnings

When children play with a pin~ata, section off a safe zone where they can swing without accidentally hitting anyone. Elect someone to watch that no child wanders into the danger zone.

Who Can Help:

Find Decorators & Designers Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.

Comments

poopww said

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on 4/22/2007 breacking the pin~ata; use only chainsaws or swords (or guns)

Anonymous said

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on 8/8/2006 Don't fill the piata too full with candy and toys. If it's too full, it actually makes the piata really strong--almost impossible to break open--especially for the smaller children.

Anonymous said

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on 8/8/2006 My aunt purchased a pi±ata for her 1 year olds birthday. Knowing it would be difficult for this age group to bust it open, and to not condone violence, she opted for a pull string pi±ata where each of the children had their own string to pull and the candy came out.

Anonymous said

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on 6/30/2006 My aunt purchased a piñata for her 1 year olds birthday. Knowing it would be difficult for this age group to bust it open, and to not condone violence, she opted for a pull string piñata where each of the children had their own string to pull and the candy came out.