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Piñatas

Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Piñatas

The highlight of any kid's party, let's be honest. We compared piñatas from pull-string safe to whack-until-it-breaks traditional—finding what holds enough candy and survives until the right moment.

Last updated: January 28, 2026
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Best Overall
Colorful Star Piñata

Ya Otta Piñata

Colorful Star Piñata

4.6 (23,456 reviews)

The traditional paper mache star that generations have swung at. Vibrant colors, solid construction that takes real hits, holds pounds of candy.

Size

24 inches

Capacity

2 lbs candy

Material

Paper mache

Style

Traditional hit

Pros

  • Classic design
  • Holds lots of candy
  • Durable construction

Cons

  • Requires hitting
  • May be too tough
  • Candy sold separately

Head-to-Head Comparison

ProductRatingPrice Action
Colorful Star Piñata
Colorful Star Piñata Best
Ya Otta Piñata
4.6
$25 View
Pull String Unicorn Piñata
Pull String Unicorn Piñata
APINATA4U
4.7
$35 View
Number Piñata
Number Piñata Value
Unique
4.5
$20 View
DIY Blank Piñata
DIY Blank Piñata
Goodwill Moon
4.4
$15 View
Mini Piñata Party Favors
Mini Piñata Party Favors
Fun Express
4.3
$20 View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall
Colorful Star Piñata

Ya Otta Piñata

Colorful Star Piñata

4.6 (23,456 reviews)

The traditional paper mache star that generations have swung at. Vibrant colors, solid construction that takes real hits, holds pounds of candy.

Size

24 inches

Capacity

2 lbs candy

Material

Paper mache

Style

Traditional hit

Pros

  • Classic design
  • Holds lots of candy
  • Durable construction

Cons

  • Requires hitting
  • May be too tough
  • Candy sold separately
Premium Pick
Pull String Unicorn Piñata

APINATA4U

Pull String Unicorn Piñata

4.7 (15,678 reviews)

Each child pulls a ribbon—only one releases the candy. Safer than swinging sticks, no blindfolds needed. Perfect for younger kids or mixed-age parties.

Size

20 inches

Type

Pull string

Ribbons

20+

Age

3+

Pros

  • No hitting required
  • Safer for young kids
  • Adorable design

Cons

  • More expensive
  • Less suspense
  • Smaller capacity
Best Value
Number Piñata

Unique

Number Piñata

4.5 (19,234 reviews)

Number matches the birthday age—instant decoration and activity. Photograph before you destroy it. Available in various colors.

Size

20 inches

Numbers

0-9 available

Capacity

1.5 lbs

Material

Cardboard

Pros

  • Shows age
  • Photo-worthy
  • Good capacity

Cons

  • Shape specific
  • May need multiple for double digits
  • Traditional hit style
DIY Blank Piñata

Goodwill Moon

DIY Blank Piñata

4.4 (8,765 reviews)

Plain piñata ready for your decorating vision. Cover in tissue paper, paint, or whatever matches your theme. Great pre-party craft activity.

Size

18 inches

Shape

Donkey/ball

Material

Paper mache

Finish

Plain

Pros

  • Customize design
  • Craft project
  • Any theme possible

Cons

  • Requires decorating
  • Need supplies
  • Time investment
Budget Pick
Mini Piñata Party Favors

Fun Express

Mini Piñata Party Favors

4.3 (12,345 reviews)

Every guest gets their own mini piñata. No fighting over candy, no tears about who hit hardest. Individual pull-string opening.

Count

12

Size

4 inches each

Type

Pull string

Filling

Empty

Pros

  • Individual favors
  • Each guest gets one
  • Pre-filled option

Cons

  • Small candy capacity
  • Not traditional experience
  • Some guests prefer big piñata

Buying Guide: How to Choose Piñatas

How to Choose a Piñata

Hit vs Pull String
Traditional hit: More exciting, requires supervision, ages 5+. Pull string: Safer for young children, everyone participates equally, less dramatic.

### Size and Capacity
Standard piñatas hold 2-3 pounds of candy. Plan roughly 1/4 pound per guest. Larger piñatas hold more but require stronger hanging.

### Filling Recommendations
Mix candy sizes. Individually wrapped only. Add small toys for variety. Avoid hard candy that hurts when scattered.

Frequently Asked Questions About Piñatas

How do I hang a piñata safely?

Strong rope or cord through the hanging loop, secured to a sturdy branch, beam, or hook rated for the weight. Keep away from obstacles. Have an adult manage the rope.

How hard should a piñata be?

You want it to break within 5-10 good hits—not instantly, but not requiring an adult. Test firmness before filling. Paper mache is typically right; cardboard may need weakening.

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