As I mentioned yesterday, the punch piñata was a big hit during Songbird’s birthday party. Here’s a quick photo tutorial on how to make one for your next party!

1. Cut the back off an empty box. Trace a circle template in even rows (see step 7 for crucial tip).

2. Use nice sharp X-acto to cut circles out.

3. Paint the box front.

4. Cut tissue paper squares slightly larger than the holes.

5. Glue over holes.

6. Center prizes gently atop the holes.

7. Hot glue plastic cups to the back of each hole to contain the prizes. (You want the cup rim to touch cardboard, so be sure the template you use to draw the circles in step 1 are slightly smaller than the cup opening!)

8. Decorate the front if ya want. We used washi tape.

9. We attached our punch pinata to the wall with Command Strips and it stayed up for *most* of the hits. You could also lean it against the wall or have adults hold it up.

Sure beats swinging sticks and candy dash injuries. Most traditional pinatas cost $20+ without the fillings, but I made this version for a mere $6. Try a punch pinata for your next party… it’s kid-tested, mother-approved!