Video:How to Make a Hula Hoop

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Transcript:How to Make a Hula Hoop

Hi, I'm Megan Cooley for About.com. Today, I'm going to show you how to make hula hoops using basic supplies you can find at a home-improvement store. Hula hoops make great favors for a kid's birthday party since they'll last a long time and encourage physical activity. Plus, by making them yourself instead of buying them, you'll save money!

Hula Hoop Supplies

To make the hula hoops, you will need: poly-vinyl irrigation tubing that's 3/4" inch in diameter and has a pressure rating of 160 psi. That's a good size and weight for a child-sized hula hoop. You'll also need 3/4-inch insert connectors, a saw or utility knife, electrical tape, a measuring tape, a marker and a hairdryer. As an option, you could insert some sort of noisemaker inside your hula hoops, like beans or marbles.

You can use any color electrical tape you like. You might even be able to match it to your party's color scheme, like using white tape on the black tubing to mimic a zebra for a zoo or safari party. I'm going to use red, white and blue tape in honor of the Fourth of July.

Cut the Hula Hoop Length

Measure 100 inches of tubing and mark off that length with your pen. Cut the tubing at that point using your saw or knife.

Insert the Hula Hoop Filler

Now it's time to insert your beans, marbles or other noisemakers into the tube if you choose to do so.

Form the Hula Hoop

Then, warm the ends of the tube with a hairdryer for a few minutes. Next, insert the connector. Push the tube ends together so that the connector isn't visible at all.

Decorate the Hula Hoop

Now it's time to have some fun. Wrap the colored electrical tape around your hula hoop in whatever design you like.

Make enough hula hoops for the number of guests expected to attend the party, then send them home with the kids as favors.

To learn how to make more party supplies, visit us online at About.com. Thanks for watching.