Rainy Day Projects

Tissue Paper Balloon Gift Bags

Every child leaves with something they made themselves, which at this age matters as much as the party favor inside it. The steps are simple enough that a three-year-old can do all of them with you nearby. You end up with a personalized bag for each guest that doubles as their take-home vessel.

Ages
3–5
Time
15 min
Adult help
Adult alongside
Mess
Low mess

Before you start

Before the activity, cut tissue paper into rough oval or round shapes — these become the balloons. Cut a few string shapes from yarn or thin strips of paper. Set out one bag per child, a glue stick each, and a small pile of tissue ovals and string pieces. Have washable markers ready but capped. The activity tends to stall when children try to apply too much glue and the tissue tears; show them one gentle press is enough. Some children will fill every inch; others will put on two shapes and declare it done — both are fine. Wind down by having each child draw a face or write their name (with your help) on the bag, then set bags aside to dry while you move to the next activity.

You will need

  • Paper lunch bagsone per child, plain brown or white
  • Tissue papertwo or three colors; pre-cut into rough ovals before starting
  • Glue sticksone per child
  • Yarn or stringcut into 3-inch (8 cm) pieces to glue as balloon strings
  • Washable markersfor decorating; not permanent markers at this age
  • Scissorsadult use only at this age for pre-cutting

    Keep scissors with the adult; children at this age do not use them in this activity.

Steps

  1. 1

    Set up each place

    Put one bag flat on the table in front of each child's seat. Place a small pile of tissue ovals and a few string pieces at each spot. Set a capped glue stick beside each bag.

    Tip: Stack the bags seam-side down so they open easily when the child picks them up.

  2. 2

    Show how to glue one balloon

    Demonstrate on your own bag: uncap the glue stick, rub a small patch onto the bag, press a tissue oval gently on top, then lay a string piece below it. Say, 'That's your balloon — it's floating up.' Then invite the children to do the same.

    Tip: Say 'small swipe' when they use the glue stick — too much glue tears the tissue.

  3. 3

    Let children fill their bags

    Move around the table, helping anyone whose tissue is sliding or tearing. Offer extra ovals freely. If a child finishes quickly, suggest adding more balloons in a different color or making a cluster of three together.

    Tip: Keep spare tissue cut and within reach — you will run out faster than you expect.

  4. 4

    Add marker details

    Once gluing slows down, uncap a marker for each child and let them draw strings, dots, or squiggles. Help any child who wants their name written on the bag — print it and let them trace it if they like.

    Tip: Capping and uncapping markers takes time; if the group is large, pre-uncap and lay them on the table.

  5. 5

    Set bags aside to dry

    Collect the bags and stand them upright in a row where they won't be knocked. Tell the children their bags will be waiting at the end of the party and that they can put their favor treats inside before they go home.

    Tip: Write each child's name lightly in pencil on the bottom of their bag now so bags don't get mixed up.

Try it another way

  • For a mixed-age group, older children can cut their own tissue ovals using child-safe scissors before the younger ones sit down.
  • If you have only one or two children, let each child make two bags — one for themselves and one as a gift for the birthday child.
  • For a quieter version, skip the markers entirely and use only tissue and glue, which keeps the activity fully mess-free.

Keep in mind

  • Latex balloons used as reference or decoration nearby should be kept away from children ages 3–5; this craft uses tissue paper shapes instead of real balloons for that reason.

What they get out of it

Children practice pressing, placing, and sticking in a deliberate sequence, building the patience to finish a small project from start to a real result.

Take it to the table

Materials checklist, the steps and the variations on one Letter page.

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