New Year's Eve Noisemaker for Kids

Even if your kids can't make it to midnight, they will enjoy making and playing with these festive noisemakers. Make them early in the day, and then let kids celebrate before bedtime with their New Year's Eve crafts.

Make a few with the big kids first, and then have them use their noisemaker-building skills to help those that require a bit more supervision create their own. This way, you'll not only have a little more help, but will also encourage the older kids to bond with the younger crew.

Since you are working with little hands, it is important to have a well-covered craft area to protect from any unforeseen accidents or spills. And because it is a festive occasion, chances are your guests will be wearing their New Years best. It is a good idea to provide a few cheap plain t-shirts or aprons to protect those fancy button up shirts and dazzling dresses.

Supplies

Empty toilet paper roll
Black construction paper
Glue
Clear tape
Dried beans
Glitter pom poms and chenille stems
Stickers, glitter or other embellishments

Directions

Step 1: Cut two small circles from black construction paper slightly larger than the opening of an empty toilet paper roll.

Step 2: Tape one circle over one end of the tube.

Step 3: Fill the tube -- approximately 3/4 of the way full -- with dried beans.

Step 4: Tape the second circle over the other end of the cardboard tube.

Step 5: Cover the cardboard tube with a piece of black construction paper cut to size. Glue along the ends and at the seam.

Step 6:  Using a pencil, punch through both ends of the tube. Adults may need to assist with this step, especially with younger children.

Step 7: Thread three to four glitter chenille stems through the holes, curling at both ends.

Step 8:  Add glitter pom poms, stickers and any other decorations to complete the noisemaker.

Tip: To make this craft more sophisticated for adults, swap out the black construction paper for glitter or embossed scrapbook papers and decorate with rhinestones, glass mosaics and/or thrift store jewelry.