DIY Soda Bottle Jet Packs

I like to give the guests at my kids’ parties favors that they can use again and again. Since James is having a space party, I decided on jet packs. I came across several tutorials on how-to make them on Pinterest, but they were all huuuuge and a bit more complicated than I thought was necessary. Instead of 2-liter bottles, I went with regular single-serving soda bottles. I also eliminated a few materials, but didn’t sacrifice durability. These are very easy to make, which is good because we have over 25 kids coming to the house this weekend!

Two 16.9 fl oz soda bottles, labels removed
Silver spray paint
Silver tape
Thick yarn
Hot glue gun
Felt
Colored card stock
X-Acto knife
Pen/pencil

First, paint those bottles! I used a quick-drying spray paint that dried shiny.

Once the bottles are dry, mark where you want your holes to go. This is where you’ll string the yarn for the arm straps.

Cut holes in the bottles. I used an x-acto knife at first, but since I am making a zillion of these, I eventually switched to my dad’s drill to save time.

Glue the bottles together so the holes are on the same side.

Wrap silver tape around the bottles to make them a bit more secure.

If you want, add decorations to the bottles with hot glue.

Cut two lengths of yarn to make the arm straps. The length of the yarn will depend on the size of the kid. 20-inch yarn was perfect on Annabel, but a bit big on James. Play around with the lengths until you find what you want, then thread one end of the yarn through the top hole in the bottle until the end of the yarn comes out of the opening of the bottle.

Tie a double knot, then pull the other end of the string back through the hole. Thread the other end of the yard through the bottom hole you made, pull it through the opening, then tie a double knot. Repeat on the other bottle.

There are a few ways to make flames – tissue paper, construction paper, felt, whatever you have on hand that resembles fire. I used three different colors of felt and glued them together. You can download the flame template I made here.

Then, I glued the flames to the inside lip of the soda bottles.

I’m so happy with how they turned out!

Just plotting out their trip around the solar system.

Annabel: Look, I’m taking off!

So excited to celebrate that kid.

Any questions, let me know. Have fun!