Halloween Pinata Ideas

• A Halloween-themed pinata is perfect for a spooky party. Comstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images

  Pinatas double at Halloween parties as both a theme-specific decoration and a game for guests to enjoy. Once filled with candy, guests can take turns trying to break it apart while they are blindfolded. Using an inflated balloon as your base, you can make a Halloween pinata any shape you choose. To make a pinata that can withstand a few whacks with a bat, allot several days for your creation to take shape.

Creepy Creatures

• Animals such as bats, spiders or rats can easily be the shape for your Halloween pinata. Once you have inflated your balloon, tie it closed to seal in the air. Dip strips of newspaper into a solution that is two parts glue to one part water. Attach the strips of paper to the outside of the balloon. Allow each layer to fully dry for 12 to 24 hours before you add another layer. Pop the balloon with a needle once the pinata is fully dried. Remember to cut a hole in the pinata through which to stuff the candy.

  To make a spider-shaped pinata, simply paint it black. Twist eight pieces of aluminum foil to make the legs of the spider and spray paint them black. Glue the legs to the outside of the pinata. Paint any desired details such as eyes or pincers. You can make another animal shape in this fashion. For example, a bat can be made by forming wings out of foil.

Classic Monsters

• Beloved favorites such as Frankenstein's monster, werewolves, vampires and witches are easy themes for a Halloween pinata. Each shape can be created by adding decorative details to your balloon pinata. For example, a witch can be achieved by painting the pinata green and adding the witch's face. Glue on black yarn for the hair. Create a witch's hat out of construction paper.

  To make a werewolf, add crumpled up brown tissue paper or even faux fur to the outside of your pinata. Glue or paint on a face. Bodies can be added to your balloon base by taping on limbs made from construction paper, paper towel rolls and even pipe cleaners.

Other Favorites

• Other symbols of Halloween are ideal themes for a Halloween pinata. For example, to make a pinata in the shape of a jack-o-lantern, simply paint the outside of the pinata orange. Add a green or brown stem to the top of your pinata by painting a toilet paper roll and gluing to the top. Use paint to add the carved face of the pumpkin.

  Create a ghost shaped pinata by painting the pinata black. Cut a ghost face out of a piece of white fabric and drape it over the top of the pinata. Suspend the pinata from the ceiling or a tree and let it float in the air like a spooky ghost.