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Buy or make a piņata. Fill with wrapped candy, inexpensive toys, etc. (you can buy toy favors like whistles, little cars, etc. in multiples of 4-10 in the party section of your local "Toys 'R Us" store). Even toys from McDonald's and Burger King would work. Hang the pinata outside and let kids take turns hitting it until it bursts. You can use a blindfold to make it more challenging and turn the person a couple of times. To give every child a chance, limit the number of hits each child can take. For the ultimate challenge, put the rope through an eye hook or over the branch of a tree and have someone move the piņata up and down while the person hitting is blindfolded. Here are some ways you can make your own piņata. Blow up a balloon and cover it with strips of newspapers soaked in a flour and water paste. Paper Mache Paste 1 cup water 1/4 cup flour 5 cups lightly boiling water Mix flour into one cup water until mixture is thin and runny. Stir into boiling water. Gently boil and stir for 3 minutes. Cool before using. Let dry for a day or two depending on how much paste you had to use. When it is dry pop the balloon inside the mache and remove it. You can then paint the piņata or use tissue paper to decorate it. Tissue paper can be molded over the shape, or for a more textured look, you can cut small pieces of tissue paper (about 1"x2") and only stick half of it to the pinata with the other half curling out from the pinata. You could make it into a shape related to your theme of the party. For example, you could make it in the shape of the tulip and then cover it in tissue paper. Use green yarn to make a stem hanging down. Or use your imagination and some paper cones or cups for some neat designs. If you are having a Mad Hatter party, make a tea pot. Or a pony party, make a pony. Four cones make the legs and two paper cups form the head. A tail can be made with yarn. Cut a hole to stuff the piņata with candy or toys and then tape it back or cover it with tissue paper or other decorations. For a quick and easy piņata decorate a brown paper grocery sack and then fill it with your goodies. Tie the top closed with your rope and you are ready for some fun. This is a delightful game for children and they all love it!

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(yes, I love Birthdays!)
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