Why yes, today’s DIY does totally coordinate with the new site! What can I say, I love me a good theme and scheme! But this DIY is so much more. You can use it for just about anybody you want to send a little bit of cheer to, whether it’s their birthday or any other day (Scroll to the bottom for more ideas). Essentially, you’re filling a big ol’ box with colorful balloons and dropping it on someone’s doorstep for the most awesome (Budget friendly!) surprise ever.
Large Box
Foam Core
X-acto Knife
Gold Spray Paint
Glue
Balloons
Tape
Have some balloons blown up in a few lovely colors. For reference, my 22″ box fit 11 balloons.
Now it’s time to make your “mark” (Ha!) on the box, if you so choose! You could do a letter, number, question mark or exclamation point as I chose! I simply drew an exclamation point on some foam core, cut it out and spray painted it gold. Then I glued it to the box. Once your box is decked out, gather your balloons and tie them together about two thirds of the way down on the ribbons. Tape the cluster of ribbons to the bottom of the inside of the box.
If you’d like, add a special note inside (We taped ours to the balloons) or leave it without a note for an anonymous surprise.
Now grab a friend (or your niece, like me!) and work together to shove all the balloons into the box. Add a piece of tape or two (you want it to be easy to open!) and it’s time to deliver!
Quietly place the box on the lucky recipient’s doorstep, knock… and RUN!
You can be creepy and watch from afar at their confusion and surprise, or you can just hear all about it later. Ha! If you want, leave another note on top the box so they know to open it right away.
Nothing better than a little cheer on your doorstep.
I have so many ideas for how to use this, besides birthdays. I think it would be SO fun as a gender reveal, with a heart on the front as a Valentine’s Day surprise for your sweetheart (Ehm.. Jeff, are you listening?), even as a way to ask your (local) bridesmaids to be in your wedding!
Do you have any other ideas for me? I always say it but the possibilities are endless!
Looking for more DIY projects? Check out the full project gallery here!
Love! This is adorable – and so are your nieces
What a fun and wonderful surprise – too cool. (I think, if you want to be a “lurker” to see their surprise, to put a note on the box that it has to be opened up right on the spot – no bringing the box inside – or something like that).
oh my, what fun!!! who would not LOVE to get a surprise like that!!
I love this idea! Can’t wait to use it for a friends bday!
Kris! If you end up doing this (and sticking around to watch), please send photos! Would love to see!
Kelly
I would do this and hide inside the box.
Hahaha wow, that’s a great idea! I totally got excited with the photos!!
what a great idea!! I would love to send my niece and nephew some balloons! However, they live out of state (Ny to TX) and I am wondering, will the balloons make it traveling across the country such as up in the air in a plane? I would hate for them to get there and a couple of the balloons had popped. Will helium balloons withstand travel especially at high altitudes?
Any advice would help! I would like to send these out soon if so! xx
Hi Katie!
Good question. I’ve never mailed helium balloons because there are so many risks involved. If they expand with the high altitude, they’ll pop, if the box gets squashed in transit, they’ll pop and latex balloons don’t stay inflated very long. You can solve that last one by having Hi-Float put inside the balloons which will make them last several days. However, I think the popping risk is still pretty high! I’d say at best, you could slightly under-inflate them and mark the box as fragile. Additionally, I don’t know the restrictions for shipping balloons. That’s something else I would ask your post office.
Do you have a friend you could test mail a box to!? That may be a good solution to get firm answers!
Kelly
This is great! I would love to do this for my girlfriend, but where would you find a box big enough?
Hi Jared!
How sweet! You can find large boxes at independent mail stores, shipping supply stores and even office supply stores. Finding a large white box is a bit harder than finding a brown box. I actually purchased a brown box and spray painted it white!
Hope that helps!
Kelly
i’m so doing this. Adorbs!
[...] DIY Balloon Surprise Box [...]
[...] DIY Balloon Surprise Box [...]
Your recipient is just so darn cute! I love this idea & want to “ding-dong-ditch” balloons on all my friends and neighbor’s doorsteps now – LOVE IT
Love it, Rachel! This makes ding-dong-ditching so much more fun!
Kelly
Hi, Im trying to make this for my sister but the balloons don’t go up, why is it?
Hi Heidi!
Hmm.. to make sure the balloons rise out of the box you need to make sure the balloons are all filled with helium (you can fill balloons with helium at a local party store and many grocery stores) and that you (or she) opens all four flaps of the box so they have room to come out.
Does that help?
Kelly
[...] And there are so many great ideas out there for fun ways to use balloons as surprises! I love this box of balloons at your doorstep [...]
This is the bestest idea in a long time!!! It’s one of those instant smiles full of sunshine ideas… I love it and can’t wait to try it on someone!!!!!
I love this idea. I plan on surprising a 13 year old with 13 balloons. I loved your idea but plan on attaching small items to each balloon like nail polish,lip balms and candy. Thanks for a great idea. Doing it in May
Diana!! I love that idea so so much! Please do send a photo, I would love to see what you create! =)
Kelly