Pinatas are soooo much fun for birthdays and other celebrations. They add such a festive touch to any party, and you can easily make your own paper mache pinata to match your event! It’s a great activity for kids (and adults!), especially outdoors on hot summer days.
This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a small commission which helps us run this website.
Helpful Tips:
How many layers of paper mache do I need for a balloon pinata?
We recommend at least 3 layers of paper mache to make a pinata. The pinata needs to be strong enough to hold candy or whatever else you’d like to put in it. Plus you want it to be at least a little bit of a challenge to break open!
What paper mache paste is best to use?
We like using flour and water to make our paper mache glue. We always have flour on hand, and we really enjoyed the method when we made our paper mache pumpkins last year. However, you can also use a recipe of 1 part water to 2 parts white glue. Some people even make paper mache using wallpaper paste!
What can I use to make a paper mache pinata if I don’t have newsprint?
If you don’t have any newspaper there are a few other options you can use instead. Try making paper mache with paper towels, construction paper, lined school paper, tissue paper, or even blue shop towels. Just remember that the thinner the paper, the more layers of paper mache you’ll need.
How can I decorate my DIY pinata?
We made long strips of fringe with tissue paper, but you could also add colourful squares of tissue paper to your pinata. Or even buy fringe garlands and add them to save time cutting! Instead of tissue paper you can also decorate your pinata with crepe paper streamers. Streamers hanging from the bottom can also look really festive! Plus you can turn your balloon shaped pinata into a whole new character by adding legs, a tail, or even a unicorn horn out of thin cardboard. Tape or glue these items on after your first layer of paper mache has dried, and then add more paper mache over these extra parts. Then add eyes, a mouth and other features for your character.
What can I add into my homemade pinata?
Candy is, of course, the classic pinata treat! Make sure you add individually wrapped candy, such as:
Suckers or lollipops Starburst Jolly Ranchers Warheads Tootsie Rolls
You can also include small party favours like:
Bouncy balls Toy cars Stickers Pencil toppers Fun shaped erasers Glow sticks Plastic rings or other costume jewelry
Or, create a fun surprise by adding confetti to your pinata! If you’re doing this fun activity outdoors we definitely recommend using biodegradable confetti.
Learn how to make a pinata with a balloon! These DIY pinatas are so pretty, covered in rainbow coloured tissue paper. And we love how inexpensive it is to make a balloon pinata! Why buy an expensive store bought pinata when you can put all your love into making one at home?!
Here’s even more fun craft ideas:
Day of the Dead Masks
DIY Banner
Balloon Garland
How to Make a Paper Star
Our book Low-Mess Crafts for Kids is loaded with 72 fun and simple craft ideas for kids! The projects are fun, easy and most importantly low-mess, so the clean up is simple!
Where to buy:
