Paper Cup Hot Air Balloon

Your elf floats in from the North Pole in a hot air balloon with a paper cup basket.

Added November 3, 2026

• 10 min
• No mess
• Medium

• Time10 min
• EffortMedium
• MessNo mess
• AgesAges 4–7, Ages 8+

What you need

• a paper cup
• a paper lantern or a paper bag stuffed with tissue
• string
• tape

How to set it up

1. Tape four strings to the rim of a paper cup and tie them to a paper lantern or a stuffed paper bag.
2. Hang the balloon from a cabinet knob or a curtain rod.
3. Seat your elf in the cup basket.

Safety

Hang it out of reach of babies and toddlers, and take the string down after breakfast. Skip latex balloons for kids under 8.