I mentioned a couple days ago that it’s traditional at Purim to act out the story of Esther.  It’s also traditional to read or retell the story of Esther — and make lots of noise every time Haman’s name is mentioned, as though to drown out his name.  Traditionally, noisemakers called “groggers” are used, but you can just clap your hands, stomp your feet, and shout, or make your own noisemakers.  Here are some ideas:

DIY Noisemakers

• classic party blowers
• Fill plastic eggs with beans, beads, rice, etc. and glue or tape shut.  If you want to get a little “fancier” with these, you can make handles from plastic spoons.
• Project Nursery features a similar project using hollow Christmas ornaments.
• noisemakers from to-go tub lids —  (I think plastic jar lids would work, too, as long as you have two that match.)
• There’s not much of a tutorial here, but if you look closely, you can figure out how she made these noisemakers from jingle bells and clothespins.
• This is a particularly lovely shaker, featuring natural materials.
• shakers from empty ribbon spools — (What a great way to upcycle something that rarely has a use!)
• noisemakers from straws
• These double-duty noisemakers serve as both groggers and as treats/favors
• simple origami grogger — video tutorial
• more complex origami grogger — video tutorial