DIY 4th of July Confetti Poppers

Independence Day is quickly approaching, I am seeing fireworks frequently at night. The fireworks look beautiful against the dark sky and my children get very excited to watch a free show from our balcony. Then, they ask the dreadful question: Mommy, can we get firecrackers?". In my head, I am screaming, “Absolutely not! You might lose a finger.” As a parent, I am sure you would never want to put your children in danger for the sake of having a little fun. I told them firecrackers were off limits, but there is a fun and safe way to create the look of fireworks bursting into the air without actually using firecrackers. They were intrigued…

Gather your materials:

• Toilet paper roll
• 1 standard size balloon (red, white, or blue) *use other colors if you have
• Construction or Tissue Paper (red, white, or blue) *use other colors if you have
• Markers or Crayons
• Glue and Tape
• 1 hole puncher. If you do not have a hole puncher, don't worry about it. Your child can tear the paper or cut into small pieces.

Step 1: Cut a piece of paper the width of the toilet paper roll. Then, glue or tape the paper. You can also use markers or crayons to decorate the roll if you choose not to wrap it with paper.

Step 2: Cut off the top half of the balloon and place it on one end of the toilet paper roll. 

Step 3: Place a piece of tape around the balloon to secure it. 

Step 4: Use your hole puncher to punch holes into the red, white, and blue paper. I like to do all 3 at once to save time. If you do not have a hole puncher, you can simply ask your child to cut or tear small pieces of paper. Regardless of which method you use to get the small pieces of paper, they are all targeting fine motor skills. 

Step 5: Place all the paper pieces into the toilet paper roll. 

Step 6: Your confetti popper is ready for use. Pinch the bottom of the balloon, pull it down as far as it will allow you and release. The kids will love this step!

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Now that you have learned how to make a fun and safe Independence Day fireworks experience for your child, share this post so others can get in on the fun. If you’re on Instagram, tag us with your photos.