Parenting: Cardboard tube plus candy equals a New Year's Eve treat and craft for kids

We do a medium to large sized gathering at our house each year for adults and kids. The kids mostly just play while the adults play games too. We've been doing a Wii tournament the past few years. However I wanted to at least do one small thing to get the kids involved a bit more than saying, "Hey guys — whoever is up can have some sparkling juice and help count down."

I adapted this craft from the Kaboose crafts website. It's called a "cardboard tube candy surprise." You can, of cours,e choose to either put candy or small toys or even other more healthy treats in the tubes (such as raisins or pretzels).

We took paper towel rolls and cut them into thirds. We cut up some clear blue wrapping paper I had (although regular wrapping paper would work just as well). We rolled the piece of towel paper roll in the wrapping paper. We twisted one end similar to the way hard candy wrappers are twisted and then put a twist tie around. The kids put smaller sized candies and lollipops into the tubes until they were filled to the edge of the paper towel roll, and then we twisted shut that side and used another twist tie. We made enough for all the kids that will be at our gathering and a couple extra just to be safe.

Do you have any special treats or projects you do for the New Year with your children?