"Firework"Poppers

Toilet paper tubes decorated as confetti poppers with patterned paper, stickers and glitter on a blue background

Fireworks are fun, but you can shake things up a bit with these kid-friendly homemade poppers. 

What You'll Need: 

  • Metallic tissue paper or gift bag filler (or buy metallic confetti to skip step 1 below)
  • Scissors, both standard and fringe
  • 9” balloons
  • Empty toilet paper tubes
  • Packing tape
  • Patterned paper (scrapbook and wrapping paper work well)
  • Stickers, markers, glitter and other decor

Directions: 

  1. To make the confetti, cut long strands or strips of metallic tissue paper or filler into small bits using fringe scissors. (Standard scissors work as well, but it’s an easier task with fringe.) You’ll want about 3 tablespoons confetti for each popper. Set confetti aside until ready to fill the poppers.
  2. For each popper, tie a balloon and cut off the rounded tip. Stretch balloon tightly around one end of a toilet paper tube. Secure balloon in place with packing tape.
  3. Let your imagination run wild as you wrap the tubes with patterned paper, then decorate with stickers, markers, glitter, etc. There is no need to secure the open end of the tube. 
  4. Spoon confetti into tubes or use a funnel or a rolled piece of paper to help guide the confetti into the open end of the tubes. Keep poppers upright until ready to use.
  5. To launch, pull down tightly on the bottom knot of the balloon, and let go. Watch as the confetti shoots high in the air. Even better, you’ll hear a firework-worthy POP!