Seasons > Christmas > Activities for the home: Fun Ways to Celebrate Christmas > How to make noise makers

Noise-makers are pretty cheap to buy. Dollar stores often have them in the party goods section.

You don’t have to buy anything--simply look around the house for what will make noise--a pan or metal bowl with a spoon will make a rousing noise. Empty oatmeal cartons and large tin cans make good drums. Even empty Coke bottles can be hit to make noise.  Tin pie plates make great ones to hit as well.

Note: Before your children start to use the noise makers, make some ground rules. If anyone hits anyone or anything with their noise makers, the noise maker will be taken away. Also, If they do not stop making noise when told to stop, the noise maker will be taken away.

Make noise-makers yourself by putting dry rice, dry beans, or small rocks into a small plastic bottle, such as an empty vitamin bottle or water bottle.  Another way to make a noise maker is to put the same small items into a toilet paper tube. Both ends need to be covered: cut circles out of heavy paper or thin cardboard that is a half inch (2 cm) bigger in diameter than the toilet paper tube. Cut slashes in the circle to the size of the toilet paper tube. (see drawing below.) Hold the circle against the end of the toilet paper tube, and fold these tabs down and glue them in place. This part can be a little tricky, so be sure to lend a helping hand to your kids at this stage. You can decorate the tube if you like--one of the easiest ways to decorate them is to wrap them in wide tape--there are so many colors and designs that are available these days, it makes for quick craft projects