How to Make Party Poppers From Toilet Paper Tubes

Toilet paper rolls have long been a source of all kinds of toys and crafts to delight and entertain children. These party poppers are a wonderful party favor because they're just about free, they take almost no time to put together and you can fill them with anything you want. Children love getting presents at parties, but these delight adults as well. Filled with grown-up treats, they can be the hit of any party.

Things You'll Need

• Toilet paper rolls
• Tissue paper or lightweight wrapping paper
• Tape
• Curling ribbon
• Goodies or prizes

Instructions

1. Cut out a 12-inch square of tissue paper or lightweight wrapping paper for each toilet paper roll. Set the toilet paper roll down in the middle of one end of the paper. There will be about 3 inches overhanging on either side of the roll.

2. Tape the toilet paper roll down on either side with two small pieces of tape. Roll the toilet paper roll up securely in the square, going straight down to the end of the tissue paper.

3. Tape the end of the paper to the roll in two places to hold it flat. Cut a length of curling ribbon long enough to make some nice curls--6 inches is a nice length. Gather one side up and wrap the ribbon around it securely and tie it. Now curl the ends with the scissor blade.

4. Fill your popper with small candies, erasers and toys for the children. For teens, use inexpensive jewelry items, barrettes and ponytail holders, or nail polish, lip glosses and eye shadows. For the guys, fill it with golf tees, fishing lures or small grown-up candies. For the ladies, put in bath pearls, fancy tea bags, candy, jewelry and other feminine touches.

5. Wrap the popper up in pretty paper and leave enough on the ends to gather it and tie it with a ribbon. You can tape the ends first if you want it a little sturdier, but then use extra ribbon to cover the tape.

6. Match the popper to the party. Celebrate Easter with pastel party poppers filled with jelly beans and chocolate eggs. Use red, white and blue paper for the Fourth of July, green paper for St. Patrick's Day, and red paper for Valentine's Day. Include campaign buttons, pencils and other memorabilia during an election party. Tailor your poppers to fit every occasion from birthdays to barbecue parties. They can be decorated as simply or as elaborately as the situation calls for.

Tips & Warnings

• For a really fancy party or for older party-goers, cover the inside of the roll. Cut the paper around the outside and roll it up inside, letting it open inside. Tape the ends down and cover the outside for a really fancy popper.