How to Fill a Pinata

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

If you’re in charge of filling a piñata, you probably already know that breaking it apart will be the highlight of the party. Before party guests can crack into a piñata, it needs to be filled up with goodies and treats. Luckily, opening and filling a piñata is simple, so you can have it party-ready in no time.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Preparing Your Piñata for Filling

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you’ve bought your piñata, it will likely have a small sticker or tab somewhere on the body. This makes opening the piñata much easier. It could be hidden under a flap or other piece, so look carefully!
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Fill a Pinata
    If you’ve found a removable sticker or tab, peel it off. If the seal of the piñata is built in, you should be able to either lift it or push down to open it. Some can be thrown away, while others can be used to reseal the piñata after filling.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Fill a Pinata
    If your piñata is homemade, did not come with an opening, or won't open for some reason, you’ll have to cut your own. You’ll want to do this near the top of the piñata so the filling doesn’t fall out.
    • To cut an opening in the piñata, take a knife, box cutter, or pair of scissors and slice three lines in a U-shape into the piñata to form a small “door.”
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Fill a Pinata
    Some piñatas come pre-stuffed with paper or other filler to help keep their shape. Take out anything that might be inside, and make sure the piñata is totally empty. Now you’re ready to fill it!
    5. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Choosing Your Stuffing

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Fill a Pinata
    Candy is the most popular stuffing for a piñata. Seeing all the different colors and flavors burst out is a thrilling moment for everyone! The candies should be individually wrapped so that they won’t get dirty when they fall to the ground.
    • If you live in a warm climate, or your party will be during the summer, some candies could melt. Avoid candy that melts easily (such as chocolate or taffy) and go for pixie sticks, lollipops, or gummies instead. Store your piñata in a cool, dry place before the party.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Fill a Pinata
    Toys are another great stuffing choice, and you don’t have to worry about them melting! Party guests can play with them or take them home as party favors. Finger puppets, jumping frogs, plastic animals, bouncy balls are all great kids’ toys to put in a piñata. [1]
    • Toys are also a good alternative if you're worried that candy is too unhealthy.
  3. If you can’t decide on one kind of stuffing for your piñata, then try combining them! Put candy, toys, decorations, stickers, and anything else in the same piñata. Throwing in all kinds of treats will delight your party guests and make the moment the piñata pops open even more fun.
  4. What’s the party about? Depending on the theme of the party, you could stuff the piñata with dinosaurs, fake eyepatches, clip-on earrings, candy coins, action figures, pencil toppers, toy spiders and more-- the possibilities are endless!
  5. If the piñata is for an adult party, consider stuffing in plastic mini-bottles of alcohol, lottery tickets, gift cards, keychains, or bottle openers. [2] However, since many adults are also kids at heart, candy can be just as exciting!
    • If the party will have adults and children, mix in some items for both. Gourmet chocolate squares and temporary tattoos are kid-friendly options adults can enjoy as well.
    6. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Stuffing Your Piñata

PDF download Download Article
  1. Take handfuls of the candy, toys, or other fillings you’ve chosen and drop them into the piñata. Do this repeatedly until the piñata is full.
    • A piñata that's 16 to 28 inches (41 to 71 cm) wide can hold up to 2 pounds (0.91 kg) of filling, while a bigger one can hold about 3 pounds (1.4 kg)
    • Depending on the shape of your piñata, there might be thin cavities where treats could get stuck. Stuff these with newspaper before you fill the piñata. [3]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Fill a Pinata
    If your piñata has a replaceable seal, or if you cut a door into the body, close it back up. Cover the opening with clear tape if you’re afraid it may not hold on its own.
    • If you want to hide the cuts you’ve made, you can use a comb to brush any crepe paper over top. [4]
  3. If the party isn’t anytime soon, put the piñata away somewhere you can access when it’s time. You especially want to hide it away if it’s going to be a surprise party!
    • If your piñata is homemade and has flour in the mixture, it could potentially become a snack for hungry insects. Seal it inside a big plastic bag and place an insect repellent of your choice around the outside. [5]
  4. If the piñata you bought or made has no hanging hook, it’s easy to make one. Get a makeshift hook that will hold the piñata, such as one cut from a coat hanger. Cut a small slit in the piñata, slide the hook in, and push it up through the top of the piñata. [6]
    • You can use cardboard to reinforce the hook if necessary.
  5. Hang the piñata to a support using a rope. When it’s time for the party, set up the piñata. Slide a rope through the loop or hook on your piñata, tie it, and double-knot it. Tie the other end of the rope to your support of choice, or have an adult hold it.
    • Tree branches, wood beams, and clotheslines are some common places to hang a piñata.
    • Make sure that the piñata is in a wide open space, and that it’s at a reachable height for the guests of the party (who could be very small!).
    6. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    We have a large pinata, to big to fill with just candy and toys, what other filler is acceptable? Newspaper?
    Community Answer
    Newspaper should work, but confetti might be a little more fun.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 6
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Reader Videos

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Warnings

      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Decorate With Streamers
      How to
      Make a Paper Chain
      How to
      Hang a Pinata
      How to
      Make a Paper Garland
      How to
      Make a Star Pinata
      How to
      Make Luminaries
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://theeducatorsspinonit.com/10-things-to-put-in-childrens-pinata/
      2. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/10-things-to-put-in-an-adult-p-120191
      3. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/10-things-to-put-in-an-adult-p-120191
      4. ↑ https://pinataboy.com/make-your-own/cutting-the-candy-opening/
      5. ↑ https://pinataboy.com/make-your-own/storing-your-pinata/
      6. ↑ https://pinataboy.com/question/cant-hang/

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 100,967 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement