Noise Makers

This page contains information about buying and making noise makers for parties, sporting events or New Year's.

Traditionally, at the stroke of midnight, noisemakers are put into action to celebrate and bring in the New Year. Typical New Year favorites include poppers that make a loud bang and stream confetti, bells, horns, whistles and metal gizmos that are rapidly turned to make a loud humming noise.

Many noise makers can be fashioned from articles that are found in the home. An simple craft project uses uncooked hard beans which are placed on a paper plate. Fold the plate in half and tape it closed, sealing all edges. Shake the plate for a rattling noise. A similar idea would be to take an empty soda container, rinse it out and dry it well, then fill with beans or beads and seal the opening with duct tape. This will result in a louder rattle. If you do not have beans or beads handy, take a plastic water bottle, making sure that it is clean and dry, and add a cup of rice. Seal the lid with tape, if young children will be shaking it.

• Century Novelty: Metal Rainbow Noisemakers and Classic Blowout Noise Makers