NEW YEARS COUNTDOWN
Ring in the New year with some family fun! Every hour open a special bag and by midnight (or 8pm) you’re ready to celebrate! I’ve updated the templates to 2022!
Make as many bags as you want, just simply add the time on them. For earlier bedtimes, have the countdown end sooner. In our house we are going to start at noon and then open our last bag at 6pm, then the party begins and can still make bedtime in time. Add extra fun and hide the bags. Each hour tell child/children what number bag to find.
Materials:
- Templates
- white cardstock /printer
- crayons/markers/watercolors
- mini paper bags (one per hour, choose how many hours you want to do)
- tape or glue
- bag fillers- noise makers, mini clacker noise makers, blow horns, blower whistles, (see more options below)
- Ring Pops
- clear bags (could also use fold top sandwich bags, fold sides in at top to fit).
- stapler
- Hershey Kisses
Ahead of time:
1- Party Hats: Print out the party hats. Template is kid sized (around), add additional strips for adults. Print in a smaller scale to fit pets and stuffed animals (more hats = bigger the party). Also, print out the New Years Resolution Handout (ages 3+).
2- Countdown Bags- Print out clocks, cut out, and attach to bags. Write the time on each bag and fill in the analog clock. If more than one child, share the bags, but make individual treats for each child inside.
3– Ring in the New Year: Print out the label and attach to a ring pop with tape. Then place in a bag.
4- New Years Wishes & Midnight Kisses– Print out label, cut out, and fold in half. Place Hershey Kisses in a small bag and then attach label to top (staple or tape). When child opens bag, have them write their New Years Wish on back of template & cut template in half to save that part.
5- Fill Bags: place the rest of surprises in the bags. Staple or tape to close.
6- Hide bags day of New Years Eve.
Let the fun begin!
Give your child/children the party hats to color and have them find or give bag #1. After they find/open bag #2, have them fill out the New Years Resolution Handout. Then every hour continue to give or find a bag. Once all of the bags are given- time to party with all of the surprises! Enjoy.
Other bag filler ideas:
silly string, candy, Pop Rocks, cotton candy, Rock Candy, fruit snacks, cupcake, packaged cookies, poppers, small bubbles, party poppers
Recipe Cards to put inside bags (then make)- Mocktails, cupcakes, confetti clock cookies, Hershey Kiss Cookies, star sugar cookies, pretzel stick sparklers, New Years giant pretzel.
Notes:
- I printed the “Ring in the New Year” circle template on label/sticker sheet, then cut out- to make into a sticker.
- Make a big Happy New Year sign- on poster board, attach cardstock or ink jet paper together to create a banner.
- If no time to shop online or want to go in person- I got most of my supplies at Walmart & Dollar Tree (look in party section). Party City should have lots of great bag fillers too.
Happy Reflecting on 2023 & Celebrating 2024!
MAT Create 