Piñatas are becoming a staple for pandemic era parties, but what can you put in a piñata besides candy? After all, most adults are watching their waistlines, at least a little bit. Some adults have health problems that mean they’re trying to stay away from sugar. Many parents are trying to keep their kids off sugar. What’s a party planner to do?
Turns out there’s lots of options! You don’t have to settle for cheap plastic toys that just end up becoming junk. You can put fun, useful items in a piñata, too.
Piñatas: Not Just for Kids Anymore
First, let’s talk about what’s making piñatas so popular, and why they’re not just for kids anymore.
Primarily, they’re the perfect outdoor party activity. They let you engage everyone in a fun game while ensuring everyone continues to social distance. You have to be six feet away from a piñata to work it safely, so everyone’s already playing safely. And hey, what do you even need a blindfold for when you’re already wearing a mask?
All jokes aside, let’s face it. Beating some of your pandemic-era frustrations out on a big colorful object is the kind of fun just about everyone can get behind right about now.
Of course, kids still love piñatas too. Nobody wants to be cooped up with kids while they’re high on sugar, so we’ll include a few age-appropriate candy-free ideas below.
Ideas to Make Your Piñata Party Awesome
Consider playing around with a theme. This can help both with choosing a piñata design and with what to put inside.
For example, if you and your friends are all craft enthusiasts then you could do a craft-themed piñata. Just choose a really pretty piñata and then fill it up with all sorts of craft supplies. Who couldn’t use more yarn and washi tape?
Ideas for What to Put Inside a Piñata for Kids (that isn’t candy!)
For kids, think of toys with some actual value:
- Yo-Yos
- Chinese jump ropes
- Blacksmith’s puzzles
- Play Doh
- Tops
- Masks
- Playing cards
- Miniature notebooks with pens attached
- Packets of balloons
- Finger traps
- Finger puppets
- Friendship bracelets
Ideas for What to Put Inside a Piñata for Adults
For the aforementioned craft party:
- Yarn
- Knitting or crochet needles
- Washi Tape
- Lanyards to make keychains
- Prepackaged DIY crafts
- Pincushions
- Embroidery thread
- Popsicle Sticks
- Fuzz Balls
- Glue
- Paper
For a true grown-up party:
- Small bottles of alcohol (make sure they’ll fall on a soft surface)
- Jewelry
- Healthy snacks
- Gift cards
- Nicer pens and pencils
You might have even more ideas. Consider:
- Items people can use more than once
- Items that aren’t too large so they can fall out
- Items that fit the party’s theme
A little creativity can take you a long way in filling a piñata with something other than candy!
Paper Plus has dozens of piñatas, as well as plenty of items you can use to fill them up! Or, make your own piñata! Stop by to see us today.
How To Make A Pinata With Cardboard 
For this classic pinata tutorial, be sure to lay out lots of extra newspaper to keep paper mache paste or paint from staining anything.
Blow up your balloon really big!
