15 DIY Washi Tape Party Favors Kids Will Love

Here’s a cheerful project from my new book Washi Tape Christmas that isn’t strictly for the holidays. Using a rainbow of colorful washi tape rolls, you can make adorable gumball party favors that look like big lollipops — except the sweet is inside the tube instead of on a stick.

Why these favors work so well

These gumball favors are bright, inexpensive, and quick to assemble. They’re perfect for rainbow-themed celebrations, birthday parties, classroom treats, or a St. Patrick’s Day pot-of-gold setup. You can also adapt the color scheme to match any event — try pastels for baby showers, metallics for New Year’s parties, or a monochrome palette for an elegant look.

Materials you’ll need

• Clear plastic gumball tubes or clear favor tubes (large enough to hold a few gumballs)
• A selection of washi tape rolls in coordinated colors and patterns
• White plain paper or cardstock to adhere tape strips for punching
• A circle paper punch (approximately 1 inch for the examples shown)
• Large flat glue dots or a small dot of strong craft glue
• Optional: ribbon, small tags, or labels for finishing touches

Step-by-step assembly

1. Prepare your washi tape sheets: Adhere strips of washi tape side by side onto a sheet of white paper or lightweight cardstock. Overlapping or aligning the edges works fine — the paper backing makes it much easier to punch precise circles and gives the washi a stable backing.

2. Punch out circles: Use a round paper punch to cut circles from the taped paper. For the favor tops shown, a punch around one inch across works well; larger punches create a bolder look. Sort your punched circles by color or pattern so you can design balanced arrangements.

3. Arrange the design: Lay out the circles in a circular pattern that mimics the look of a lollipop swirl or a flower. Play with color placement until the composition feels balanced. The design can be symmetrical, gradient-style, or completely random — all look great.

4. Adhere and center: Use a large flat glue dot or a small dab of craft adhesive in the center to hold the circles together. Glue dots are especially handy because they’re forgiving; you can reposition the pieces slightly to get even spacing before they set.

5. Attach to the tube: Once the decorative washi circle is secure, attach it to the top of a clear gumball tube or the end cap. If your tubes have removable caps, secure the washi medallion to the flat surface of the cap so it sits flush. Fill the tube with gumballs or other tiny treats, close it, and finish with ribbon or a small tag if desired.

Variations and finishing ideas

• Make themed sets — coordinate tapes to match seasonal colors, party themes, or school colors.
• Create layered tops by stacking different sized circles for a dimensional effect.
• Use a metallic or glitter washi for a pop of shine without messy glitter fallout.
• Attach small name tags for place settings or to label favors as thank-yous.
• Use the same punched washi circles as accents on invitations, thank-you cards, or cupcake toppers so everything ties together.

Whether you’re creating favors for a large party or making a few for a special celebration, these washi tape gumball favors are fun, customizable, and quick to produce in batches. They’re a great way to showcase your washi tape stash — I’m definitely guilty of being a washi tape hoarder, which made writing a book of washi tape projects pretty natural!

Give these a try for your next event — they work equally well as quick DIY favors, unique party décor, or a creative embellishment on stationery. The simplicity of washi tape means you can produce a colorful, professional-looking favor with minimal tools and time.

For more washi tape project ideas and patterns from the book, see washi tape crafts and other projects featured in Wasji Tape Christmas.