Party hats are scientifically proven to make everything 40% more festive. (Not a real statistic, but watch a room of kids put them on and try to argue.) And homemade hats beat store-bought every time — they're bigger, sturdier, and the kids made them.
You get three cone designs: stripes, dots, and stars. Cut along the solid line, roll into a cone, tape the inside seam, glue a cotton ball or pom-pom on top, and punch holes for elastic or ribbon. Fifteen minutes, a whole party's worth of hats.
Let each kid pick their design and decorate further with stickers or their name. They double as party favors — everyone goes home wearing theirs.
Cardstock holds the cone shape. Regular paper works but flops a bit.
Punch small holes on opposite sides and thread elastic or ribbon — measure around the child's head first.
A cotton ball glued on top is classic. Actual pom-poms from a craft store look even better.
That's half the fun — stickers, glitter glue, and names in marker before rolling.