Looking for a fun and easy DIY gift idea? A candy lei necklace made with plastic wrap is the perfect craft for birthdays, graduations, teacher appreciation gifts, sports banquets, or party favors. These homemade candy leis are colorful, inexpensive, and simple enough for kids and adults to make together.
In this tutorial, I’ll show you exactly how to create a candy lei necklace using plastic wrap, ribbon, and your favorite wrapped candies. This DIY candy necklace is a creative way to celebrate any special occasion!
This is actually my 4th Graduation Lei! Lots of nieces and nephews! I try to change it up every year to keep things fun- so this year we landed on doing a CANDY LEI!
Why You’ll Love This DIY Candy Lei
- Easy beginner craft
- Budget-friendly gift idea
- Great for graduation parties and birthdays
- Customizable with favorite candies and colors
- Fun activity for kids, teens, and adults
Whether you’re making one candy lei or several for a party, this simple craft comes together quickly and looks adorable when finished.
Supplies Needed
To make your own candy lei necklace, you’ll need:
- Plastic wrap
- Individually wrapped candies (We opted for non-chocolate so nothing would melt!)
- Curling ribbon or satin ribbon
- Scissors
- Tape (optional)
Popular candy choices include:
- Starburst
- Jolly Ranchers
- Tootsie Rolls
- Ring Pops
- Smarties
- Hi-chews
- Bubble Gum
- Mini Airheads
You can also choose candies in coordinating colors to match a school, holiday, or party theme.
How to Make a Candy Lei Necklace
Step 1: Cut the Plastic Wrap
Lay out a long piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface. The length will depend on how long you want your lei necklace to be, but around 4–5 feet usually works well.
Step 2: Add the Candy
Place individually wrapped candies in a line down the center of the plastic wrap. Leave about 1–2 inches of space between each piece of candy.
Try alternating candy colors or shapes to create a fun pattern.
Step 3: Roll the Plastic Wrap
Carefully fold or roll the plastic wrap around the candies to create a long tube shape.
Keep the candies centered as you roll.
I added a little piece of tape around some of the bulky candy to make sure nothing fell out.
Step 4: Tie Ribbon Between Each Candy
Using small pieces of ribbon, tie knots between each candy piece. This creates the classic lei look and keeps the candies separated.
Curling ribbon works especially well because you can curl the ends with scissors for an extra festive touch.
Step 5: Repeat
Continue adding candy and wrapping until it’s
Step 6: Tie the Ends Together
Once all the candies are secured, bring the two ends together and tie them with ribbon to create a necklace.
You now have a colorful homemade candy lei!
Tips for the Best Candy Lei
Use Lightweight Candy
Heavy candy can make the necklace uncomfortable to wear. Smaller wrapped candies work best.
Coordinate Colors
Match ribbon and candy colors to:
- School colors for graduation
- Red and pink for Valentine’s Day
- Pastels for Easter
- Team colors for sports events
Add Personal Touches
You can include:
- Money folded into bows
- Small toys or trinkets
- Handmade tags
- Faux flowers
We added money to ours using this folding technique.
Fun Occasions for Candy Lei Necklaces
Candy leis are perfect for:
- Graduation gifts
- Birthday parties
- Teacher appreciation week
- Sports team celebrations
- Dance recitals
- End-of-school gifts
They also make fun DIY party favors that guests can wear and enjoy later.
Save for later
Too busy to get crafting today? No problem! Pin this post to remind yourself about this project later! Sharing my projects helps me reach more people, allowing me to continue sharing free content!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can kids make candy leis?
Yes! This is a great craft for kids with minimal supervision.
What kind of plastic wrap works best?
Standard kitchen plastic wrap works perfectly. It clings to itself making it really a perfect necklace.
How long does it take to make?
Most candy leis take about 15–30 minutes depending on the size.
Final Thoughts
Making a candy lei necklace with plastic wrap is such a fun and creative DIY project. It’s an easy handmade gift that feels festive and thoughtful for so many occasions. Plus, it’s customizable, affordable, and always a crowd favorite.
If you make your own candy lei, try experimenting with different candy combinations, ribbon colors, and themes to make each one unique!
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