Kids often want a piñata at their birthday party. You can buy a conventional party piñata filled with gum and blow pops and Laffy Taffy for about $30. Or you can make your own awesome one.

Directions

• Blow up a large balloon.
• Tie a rope or strong string to the knot and leave some slack.
• Using just newspaper, flour, and water, do about three layers of papier mache, allowing each to fully dry.
• When the balloon feels hard and sturdy, use a scissors to pop the balloon and create a small hole to fill with treats.
• I like to throw in all those small toys from around the house that have invaded from other kids’ goody bags. Round it out with stickers, stamps, and small packages of healthier treats or candies you can buy in bulk.
• Seal the hole with a couple more coats of papier mache and paint as you desire!

Paige is the author of Spit That Out! The Overly Informed Parent’s Guide to Raising Healthy Kids in the Age of Environmental Guilt and the owner of Paige Wolf Media and Public Relations, a B Corporation certified eco-friendly PR firm focused on sustainable clientele. Visit www.spitthatoutthebook.com for her blog on making green living practical, manageable, and affordable.