A “punch box” is a super fun party game where each child punches through a pretty paper-covered hole to grab a prize inside.
What’s not to love about that, right? Punching + Prizes = A Big Hit!
A punch box is a great alternative to a traditional piñata. If you’ve ever witnessed a group of 3-4 year olds brandishing a big stick and the ensuing chaos and potential trampling that occurs when the piñata cracks open, then you’ll appreciate this project.
I made a punch box for my daughter’s third birthday after seeing a surprise toy video on YouTube. (My kids are crazy about those toy review videos.) I made the box the night before the party, so it’s a very easy project. I had most of the supplies already on hand and was able to find the rest at the dollar store. The hardest part was deciding what prizes to include, so I’ve brainstormed a list of prize ideas at the end of the post to help you out.
So let’s get started on making a punch box for your party!
Punch Box Supplies
• tri-fold cardboard display or large cardboard box
• rotary circle cutter
• assorted tissue paper
• lunch-size paper bags
• masking / packaging tape
• scissors
• prizes
{step 1} Mark your layout on the front of a tri-fold display board. Cut out circles with a rotary circle cutter.
I got my display board from the dollar store — two for $1 — and drew a large “3” for my daughter’s third birthday. I then cut 5″ circles evenly along the lines — one for each child attending the party.
I bought Olfa’s rotary cutter when I made my red ruffle wreath, and using it again for this job made circle-cutting extremely easy and fast. I mean, just look at those perfect circles!
{step 2} Cut tissue paper squares and attach with tape.
I used a combination of tissue paper from the dollar store and sheets I had on hand to make a fun display of colors and patterns.
Just cut a piece of tissue paper to cover each circle and attach them to the inside of the cardboard with tape. Mine is a bit wonky with folded corners and such, but I didn’t let the papers overlap just in case a punch opened up an adjacent circle. When turned right side out, however, you’ll see neat, clean circles.
{step 3} Place prizes on tissue paper, cover with paper bags and attach bag with tape.
On the inside of the cardboard, place the prize on the tissue paper. Next, cut the sides of a paper bag about halfway up to create a pouch for the prize to sit in.
Place the paper bag over the prize; trim the edges as necessary and attach with tape. Repeat for each circle.
In retrospect, I would recommend marking straight lines; it makes it easier to attach the bags at this stage. Since my circles were shaped in a figure 3, it required some strategic taping to make sure the bags were secure.
So here is the finished punch box.
You can add more details to the front if you wish, and next time I’ll add a top to keep the taller kids from trying to peek. But all in all, it really was a hit!
And the great part is that it folds flat for storage and I can reuse it again. Yay!
Prize Ideas
The dollar stores, Target’s One Spot and craft stores like A.C. Moore and Michael’s are great places to score small, interesting and inexpensive prizes to fill your punch box. Here’s a handful of ideas to get you started:
- Tubs of slime or Play-doh
- Silly Putty
- Beados or Shopkins mini packs
- $1 sun catcher, melty beads or foam craft kits
- Temporary tattoos and/or stickers
- Stationery sets (journal, pencils, gel pens, erasers)
- Uno or other card games
- Mini puzzles
- Beauty set (lip gloss, nail polish, body wash)
- Disney Princess Little Kingdom figurines
- My Little Pony mini figurines
- Decorative zipper pulls
- Small stuffed animals
- Bubbles
- Yo-yos
- Mash’Ems, Fash’Ems and other blind box toys
For more birthday party ideas and inspiration, please follow my Pinterest board. Thanks for reading! — v.
