Paper squishies are made for parties. The templates are free, most of the supplies are already in your house, and every kid goes home with a treasure they made themselves. Here are ideas for a birthday or craft afternoon, from setup to goodbye.
Getting ready: what you need
Plan on two or three squishies per child and prepare everything ahead of time:
- printed templates on regular paper (US Letter or A4)
- kid scissors with rounded tips
- wide clear tape, several rolls
- cotton, yarn or paper scraps for stuffing
- crayons or markers for the coloring designs
- name tags or sticky notes so everyone can find their creation
You can print out the instructions from How to Make a Paper Squishy, Step by Step. Make one squishy yourself beforehand so you can answer questions right away.
Setting up the craft station
A dedicated station keeps the crafting relaxed. Set up a table with room for everyone and put the supplies in small bowls. Hang a picture guide on the wall so kids can check the steps on their own.
A four-stop workflow
- Pick a design: Each child chooses one, for example Dumpling Squishy or Butter Stick Squishy.
- Color and cut: With coloring templates, crayons come first and scissors second.
- Tape it up: Younger kids usually need a grown-up to help here.
- Stuff and seal: Keep the opening at the bottom until the stuffing is in.
Kids around age 6 and up can manage almost everything alone. Younger children love helping with coloring and stuffing. An adult should always supervise the stuffing, because small parts are not for children under 3.
A sample two-hour schedule
- 15 minutes: arrival and picking designs
- 45 minutes: crafting
- 30 minutes: games with the finished squishies
- 15 minutes: bag swap
- 15 minutes: cake and goodbyes
Adjust the timing to your group. Little ones need more breaks.
The blind bag swap
This is the highlight of many parties. Here is how it works:
- Every child makes one extra squishy just for the swap.
- It goes into a sealed paper bag so nobody can peek.
- All the bags are collected and mixed up.
- Each child draws one bag and opens it.
For the bags, print Blind Bag and fold it. It looks like a secret package and is a craft project in itself.
Games for in between
Once everyone is done, a game keeps the energy going. You will find ideas for target toss, memory and races in Squishy Games: Seven Ideas for Paper Squishies. One rule matters: squishies are only thrown at targets, never at people. Mark a throwing line before you start.
DIY party favors
Instead of candy, let kids craft their goodies:
- their own squishy with their name on the back
- a mini sheet with tiny designs to cut out
- a collector passport where they can log their squishies
- a small bag with a bit of tape and two templates to keep crafting at home
Pack everything in a paper bag and write each child a little message on the front. It takes very little effort and goes over well.
Tips for relaxed hosts
- Count on more tape than you think you need.
- Keep spare templates ready in case something goes wrong.
- Cover the table with paper so cleanup is quick.
- Label finished squishies with each child's name right away.
- Have a backup game for kids who finish early.
FAQ
What age is right for a squishy party?
From about 5 or 6 years, kids can make most of it themselves. With help, younger ones can join in too. Filled squishies are not suitable for children under 3 because of small parts.
How many kids can I invite?
Up to six children are easy to supervise. With more, plan on a second adult to help out.
What if a squishy does not turn out right?
No worries. Keep spare templates on hand. A fresh strip of tape usually fixes a seam that has come open.