The Ultimate Guide To Playing Pinata

The most popular game we sell at TheBigParty.ie is Pinata. A piñata (Spanish pronunciation: [piˈɲata]) is a container often made of papier-mâché, it is decorated and filled with small toys or candy, or both, and then broken as part of a ceremony or celebration.

Before you hang your pinata and have your guests bash it open, here are a few tips to make the game go more smoothly. Below we will detail the best way to fill a pinata, pinata filler suggestions, how to play the pinata game and give you some additional tips. If you are playing the pinata game with toddlers, we suggest converting your regular pinata into a pull-string pinata. Directions for making a pull-string pinata can be found at the end of this guide.

Check out www.thebigparty.ie for the best range of pinatas in Ireland – delivered next working day nationwide.

How to Fill a Pinata

1. All pinatas have a designated opening for filling purposes. To find this area, look for the sticker on your pinata that says "press here to fill."
2. You can either press into that part of the pinata with your finger or carefully cut a U shaped flap using a knife or scissors.
3. Make sure you do not tear or cut off this section because it will make a hole.
4. Choose sweets or small prizes that will fit into the hole (see pinata filler suggestions below) and place as many as you can inside the pinata.
5. The bigger the pinata, the more prizes it can hold. We suggest that you fill one pinata for every 8-12 guests.
6. After you fill the pinata, push the flap down or tape it in place.
7. Hang your pinata with sturdy rope or string by its plastic handle.
8. We suggest hanging the pinata about 1-2 feet above the guests' eye level.
9. You can even use your pinata as a table decoration and then hang it when it's time to play the game.

Pinata Filler Suggestions

Here are the best ideas to use as pinata filler. A good rule of thumb is to have three to four prizes for every player.

• Miniature chocolate bars – from Supermarket variety packs
• Individually wrapped hard sweets
• Shaped rubber bands
• Stampers
• Poppers
• Child-sized rings
• Fun shaped erasers
• Any party favours

How to Play the Pinata Game

If you are using a regular pinata, you can choose to play the game either with or without a blindfold. Older children/adults should use a blindfold to make the game more challenging.

1. Set up some rules ahead of time to prevent children from grabbing at prizes once the pinata breaks
2. Everyone lines up single file according to height.
3. Stand everyone far enough from the pinata so that no one will get hurt by the person swinging.
4. Smallest should play first. (This is a good idea especially if you have children of different ages playing. The oldest child will most likely hit the hardest and break the pinata. This way, everyone should get at least one turn.)
5. If you're playing with blindfolds, tie it around the first player's eyes. You can use a scarf or tie if you don't have a blindfold.
6. Hand the first player the piñata buster.
7. Spin them around three times slowly and then stop spinning once they are facing the pinata.
8. The player now gets three chances to break the pinata open with the buster.
9. After they take their three turns, the next playerin line gets blindfolded and spun around.
10. Continue taking turns until someone manages to break open the pinata.
11. After the pinata is open, give your guests empty favour bags to fill with prizes.

How to Use a Pull-String Pinata

If you are playing the pinata game with a pull-string pinata, see the directions below.

1. Set up some rules ahead of time to prevent the children from grabbing once the pinata breaks
2. You can use a pull-string pinata one of two ways.
• For younger guests: Have all the guests pull a different ribbon at the same time.
• For older guests: Have the children take turns choosing one ribbon to pull.
3. Only one ribbon will pull open the trap door to make the prizes fall out!
4. After the pinata is open, give your guests empty favour bags to fill with prizes.

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FAQ

1. What is the recommended age for playing the pinata game?

We highly recommend that children under 3 should not play the pinata game. Pinatas are filled with small prizes that could be choking hazards for toddlers. Also, children under 3 could get hurt during the game. You should also keep pets away while this game is played.

 

2. How much pinata filler do I need for my pinata?

Refer to the size of the pinata before you purchase it to make sure it will hold enough candy for all of your guests. If you're having a big party, you may need more than one pinata.

• A 16 to 28-inch pinata can hold about 100 pieces of pinata filler. This is enough for 8-10 children.
• A pinata up to 34 inches high will hold up to 150 pieces of pinata filler. This is enough for about 12-15 players.

3. When should I use a pull-string pinata?

There are several situations where a pull-string pinata is more appropriate for your party. 

•  Children between ages 3 and 7 will have an easier time opening a pull-string pinata.
• If your party is indoors
• If you have a lot of children at the party, a pull-string typically has 20 strings to pull.
• A shy group of children may prefer a pull-string

4. What if my pinata won't break?

Don't panic if your pinata won't break. In some cases, you may need to hit the pinata in just the right spot with just the right amount of force for the prizes to fall out. This will normally be towards the bottom center of the pinata. If you try to hit the pinata in the bottom center and the prizes still won't fall out, cut a small slot in the bottom center and then continue playing the game. This is a rare occurrence but happens sometimes if your pinata is particularly large and sturdy.