DIY Claw Machine Party Decoration (Fun Favor Display Idea)

Are you planning a Toy Story-themed party and looking for a creative centerpiece that will wow your guests? Look no further! In this blog, we’ll guide you through creating your own claw machine using simple materials, making your party both memorable and magical.

A DIY claw machine party decoration is such a fun way to bring the whimsy of Toy Story (or any arcade theme) to life! For my son’s birthday, I decided to turn a homemade claw machine into the ultimate party favor bag display. It was budget-friendly, creative, and such a hit with the kids — everyone loved “picking” their treat from the claw machine!

A party favor display designed to resemble a claw machine from the Toy Story franchise. The setup includes a red box labeled 'THE CLAW,' decorated with images of the iconic three-eyed green alien characters. Inside the box, multiple bright green party favor bags with matching alien stickers are arranged neatly. Some bags are elevated on a platform to create a layered effect. The display sits on a round table, and in the background, there is a wall-mounted candle holder and cake pops in Toy Story-themed colors.

Supplies You’ll Need

Before you get started, gather these simple materials:

Large cardboard box (or foam board for sturdier sides)
Box cutter or craft knife
Wrapping paper or paint (to decorate the outside)
Clear plastic sheet or cellophane (for the “front window”)
Tape and glue
Metallic paper or foil (for the claw)
Party favors or small treat bags to fill inside

Tip: Use Toy Story alien printables or stickers to match the claw machine to the classic Pizza Planet arcade scene.

Large cardboard box, from a toddler car seat.

Step-by-Step: How to Make a DIY Claw Machine Party Decoration

Step one: Cut out a big square out of 3 of the sides. I used a 14″x14″x4″ box to fill the bottom and make it solid.

A repurposed Graco car seat box with a large rectangular cutout in the front, positioned on a kitchen counter. The box appears to be in the early stages of being transformed into a DIY project, possibly a themed party prop or play structure. The background includes a living space with children's toys and household items.

Step 2: Using painters tape, tape all the rough edges to give a smooth look once its painted.

Step 3: Spray paint the whole box. I used red since in the Toy Story movie the claw machine at Pizza Planet was red. I personally love Rust-oleum brand spray paint, I feel like it provides the best coverage. Find the spray paint here from Lowes.

A large cardboard box with a rectangular cutout in the front, placed outdoors on flattened cardboard pieces in a grassy backyard. The edges of the cutout are masked with blue painter’s tape, preparing it for painting. A can of Rust-Oleum satin protective enamel spray paint in red sits on top of the box, indicating an upcoming DIY painting project. The background features a wooden fence, trees, and Adirondack chairs.

Step 4: Make the claw. For my claw, I took the cut out of cardboard from earlier and traced 8 crescent moon shapes. Then I hot glued the ends together to create each arm. I wrapped aluminum foil around each arm to give the metal look.

A homemade claw prop made from aluminum foil-wrapped curved structures, resembling the grabbing mechanism of a claw machine. The claw is assembled on a kitchen counter, with crafting materials, including cardboard sheets, visible in the background.

Step 5: I turned the whole box upside down and attached the claw to the middle using hot glue.

A DIY claw machine prop made from a large cardboard box, now fully covered in red wrapping or paint. The front features a large rectangular cutout, mimicking an arcade claw machine window. Inside, a homemade claw made from aluminum foil-wrapped structures hangs from the top. The project sits on a kitchen counter with crafting tools, including a hot glue gun, visible nearby. The background includes a play area with toys and a colorful painting on the wall."
Let me know if you'd like any changes to the description!

Step 6: Using black cardstock for the background, add all the decorations. I used my Cricut to cut all the aliens, letters and other decorations. I used Tacky Glue to secure them to the box

A completed DIY claw machine prop made from a large cardboard box, decorated in a Toy Story theme. The exterior is wrapped in red, with 'THE CLAW' written in bold letters at the top. The machine is adorned with images of the iconic three-eyed alien characters and space-themed decorations, including planets. Inside, a homemade claw made from aluminum foil-wrapped curved structures hangs from the top. A '25' cent label is placed at the bottom, mimicking an arcade machine. The project sits on a wooden dining table, surrounded by crafting supplies, cupcakes, and party-related items.

Step 7: Fill and display! I got these bright green bag from the dollar store, since the aliens are green, I thought the green bags looked great. I glued a cut out of an alien to the front of each bag!

Alot of the buttons I had originally put on got pulled off through out the party unfortunately but this was a bit hit. I wound up giving this away on facebook market place to a woman having a toy story birthday party for her son. It felt great to beable to pass it on to a good home. All the hard work feels so good, but when the party is over it can be hard to let go.

Displaying Your Claw Machine at the Party

Place the claw machine near your dessert table or favor station so it becomes a focal point. You can:

Pair it with other Toy Story party decorations for a cohesive theme.

Let kids “pick” a bag as they leave the party.

Use it as a centerpiece for the gift or favor table.

Final Thoughts

This DIY claw machine party decoration was one of the highlights of my son’s birthday. Not only was it budget-friendly, but it also created a fun and interactive way to display party favors. Whether you’re throwing a Toy Story party or an arcade-inspired celebration, this project is sure to wow your guests and leave them talking long after the party is over!