I was skeptical that this homemade noisemaker would produce the right kind of sound, but by golly, it works! Not as loud as the noisemakers you buy at party stores, it’s the perfect pitch for little kids’ ears.

First, cut a piece of paper to a little bit smaller than two large craft sticks. Travis had fun cutting out shapes with his safety scissors while I set this part up. Sandwich the paper strip between the two craft sticks.

Cut 2 (1-inch) pieces of toothpick. Place 1 toothpick over the paper on one end of the craft sticks, and the other toothpick under the paper on the other side; secure with washi tape.

Now put it to your lips and blow – you’ll get a great party blower sound! You could add tassels or stickers as additional decoration, if desired.

For a rockin’ New Year’s eve dance party at home, here’s our playlist, care of “Family NYE” on Spotify:

Happy by Pharrell Wiliams

Firework by Katy Perry

Can’t Stop the Feeling! by Justin Timberlake

Theme from New York, New York by Frank Sinatra

Everything is Awesome!!! by Tegan and Sara

All of Me by John Legend

The Final Countdown by Europe

Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson

I Gotta Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas

Twist and Shout by the Beatles

Party in the U.S.A. by Miley Cyrus

Rather Be by Clean Bandit

Auld Lang Syne by Susan Boyle

Happy New Year by ABBA

This Will be Our Year by The Zombies

Happy 2017 to all!