Easy Popcorn Candy Necklace (Edible Craft Kids Love)

Updated December 20, 2025

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This is one of those “keep the kids busy and get a cute photo” crafts that also turns into a snack. If you’ve got popcorn, a little cereal, and a bag of candy, you can make a popcorn candy necklace in about 20–30 minutes. We’ve done this for movie night, birthday parties, and yes, National Popcorn Day (January 19) when we wanted something fun that wasn’t a whole project.

Quick safety note: This craft is best for ages 3+ because popcorn and gummy candy can be choking hazards, and you’ll be using a needle. If you’re doing this with younger kids, you can still do it, but keep the candy bigger, supervise closely, and consider using a plastic needle or stiff shoelace tip instead.

Easy Popcorn Candy Necklace — A finished popcorn candy necklace made with popcorn, Cheerios, and gummy bears.

What Is a Popcorn Candy Necklace?

A popcorn candy necklace is an edible craft where kids string popcorn and small snacks (like Cheerios and gummy bears) onto thread to make a wearable necklace. It’s basically a little “snack garland” they get to create themselves. The best part is that it’s simple, low-cost, and flexible. You can make it more colorful for parties, keep it allergy-friendly for classrooms, or turn it into a bracelet if necklaces feel too long for little ones.

When We Make These

National Popcorn Day (January 19): easy themed activity
Movie night: “craft first, snack while we watch”
Birthday parties: keeps hands busy while you set up food
Classroom or homeschool: quick fine-motor practice with a reward

Easy Popcorn Candy Necklace Edible Craft

Recommended age: 3+ (with close supervision). If you’re working with a group, plan on one adult for every few kids, especially at the “needle + gummy bear” part.

Materials Needed

Wide-eye safety needle (or plastic needle)
Spool of thread (or yarn/kitchen twine)
Popped popcorn (plain, cooled)
1 small bag of gummy bears (or a soft candy alternative)
A handful of Cheerios

Note: The amount depends on how many kids are making necklaces. For two necklaces, we used less than 1 cup of Cheerios, about half a bag of gummy bears, and about half a bag of popcorn.

Easy Popcorn Candy Necklace - all the ingredients — Set up the materials first so kids can string without waiting.

Instructions

Cut a piece of thread about twice the length you want the necklace to be. Extra length makes tying easier.
Fold the thread in half and tie a tight knot at the folded end. Make the knot bigger than the needle eye so it won’t slip through.
Thread the loose ends through the needle.
Start stringing: popcorn, Cheerios, then candy. There’s no “right” pattern—kids love making their own.
Leave 2–3 inches at the end so you have room to tie it off.
Bring the two ends together and tie a firm knot to make a loop. Double-knot if kids are active (they will be).

Now Add Gummy Bears (The Tricky Part)

Gummy bears are chewy, so pushing the needle through can be tough. This is where an adult usually helps. If your child is pushing, a thimble can help protect little fingers. You can also push the needle through the gummy bear against a firm surface (like a cutting board) instead of holding it in the air.

If gummy bears are too stressful (or you’re working with a group), swap them for something easier to pierce like mini marshmallows, soft fruit snacks, or cereal with larger holes.

Easy Popcorn Candy Necklace - thread and needle — Threading popcorn is easy; chewy candy usually needs adult help.

Tips That Make This Craft Way Easier

Use cooled popcorn: warm popcorn is soft and tears easily.
Pick “sturdier” popcorn: bigger pieces hold up better than tiny broken bits.
Bracelet option: for younger kids, bracelets are simpler and less “swingy.”
Pre-sort candy: put popcorn/cereal/candy in separate bowls so kids aren’t digging through one big pile.
Make it classroom-friendly: skip nuts and use bigger candy pieces where possible.

Easy Popcorn Candy Necklace - threading through ingredients — Alternate popcorn with cereal so the necklace has a fun pattern and better spacing.

Fun Variations

Candy swap: use mini marshmallows, fruit snacks, or soft chocolate candies (if the room isn’t warm).
Color theme: pick candy colors for holidays or parties.
Popcorn flavor: plain popcorn is easiest. If you use flavored popcorn, avoid sticky coatings that gum up the needle.
Party station: set out bowls and let kids “shop” their pattern like a mini buffet.

Easy Popcorn Candy Necklace - more threading the ingredients — Tie the ends with enough slack so the necklace is comfortable but secure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a popcorn candy necklace safe for young children?

It can be, but it depends on age and supervision. Popcorn and gummy candy are common choking hazards, and the needle adds another safety concern. For ages 3+, close supervision is still important. For younger kids, consider making bracelets (shorter length), using a plastic needle, and choosing larger, softer items that are easier to thread and safer to eat.

What can I use instead of gummy bears?

If gummy bears are too hard to pierce, try mini marshmallows, soft fruit snacks, or cereal pieces with large holes. In warm rooms, chocolate can melt and get messy, so soft candy is usually the easiest. If this is for a classroom or party, pick options that are less likely to cause choking and are easy for small hands to thread.

How long does it take to make one popcorn candy necklace?

Most kids can finish one necklace in about 20–30 minutes, depending on how long they want it and how often they change their pattern. If you’re working with a group, plan a little extra time because kids love comparing designs and “helping” each other. Pre-cutting thread and setting out bowls speeds everything up.

Can I make popcorn candy necklaces ahead of time?

You can prep materials ahead of time, but the necklaces are best made and eaten the same day. Popcorn can soften or stale, and candy can get sticky if it sits too long (especially in humidity). If you must store them, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature and avoid refrigeration, which can add moisture.

How should I store a finished popcorn candy necklace?

If you need to store it briefly, place it in a sealed bag or airtight container at room temperature. Keep it dry and avoid heat so the candy doesn’t get tacky. Because popcorn absorbs moisture quickly, these are best as a “make it, wear it, snack on it” craft instead of something you store for days.

User Testimonials and Comments

Sandra: “This is a great idea! Economical and easy, it can be adapted to so many holidays. Thank you!”

Jessica: “My kids loved making these necklaces! It was such a fun and creative way to spend the afternoon, and they were so proud to show off their edible creations.”

Michael: “We made these for my daughter’s birthday party, and they were a huge hit! The kids had so much fun stringing the candies, and it kept them entertained for hours.”

Lisa: “This is such a versatile craft! We used colored popcorn and added mini marshmallows for a more festive look. Definitely going to try this again for our next family movie night.”

Meet Melissa

Hi! My name is Melissa, and I live in beautiful, scenic Maine. I’m a mom to two amazing girls and a new gramma (or “memere” if you will) to a cute little baby boy. I work full-time blogging for the sites How To This And That & Clean-Eating Recipes, and I’m proud to be a self-taught chef, hobby photographer, homesteader, and lover of nature.