How to Make DIY Candy Kabobs for Any Occasion

Candy kabobs are a playful, colorful, and versatile treat that makes for a perfect homemade gift or party favor. These adorable kabobs, made by threading various types of candies onto skewers, are sure to be a hit for birthdays, holidays, or even as a fun afternoon activity with kids. Not only are they easy to make, but they also offer endless customization options to fit any theme, color palette, or taste preference. In this guide, I'll show you step-by-step how to make your own DIY candy kabobs that are guaranteed to bring smiles all around.

Materials You'll Need

Making candy kabobs requires only a few basic materials, most of which you can easily find at your local grocery store or online. Here's a list of everything you need to gather before you start crafting:

1. Skewers

The backbone of your candy kabobs! These can be wooden or bamboo skewers, typically 8-12 inches long. To make them safer for kids, you can cut off the sharp tip or purchase flat-tipped skewers.

2. Assorted Candy

The magic of candy kabobs lies in the variety of sweets you can use. Gummy candies and marshmallows work best since they're easy to pierce and hold their shape on the skewer. However, don't limit yourself! Some popular candy options include:

Gummy Bears or Gummy Worms
Marshmallows (standard, mini, or shaped)
Gumballs (pierced with a hole on top and bottom)
Lollipops
Ribbon Candy
Sour Belts or Sour Strips
Mini Lollipops or Suckers

3. Melting Chocolate and Sprinkles

For an added touch of flair, you can dip marshmallows or other candies in melted chocolate and roll them in sprinkles. This not only enhances the appearance but also adds another layer of flavor.

4. Water

Soaking the skewers in water before adding the candy helps prevent them from becoming sticky as you thread the candies on. It also makes sliding the candy onto the skewer easier.

5. Cellophane Wrappers

If you're making these candy kabobs as gifts or party favors, cellophane wrappers are perfect for giving them a polished look. You can find pre-cut cellophane bags or rolls online, and they're great for keeping the kabobs fresh and clean until they're ready to be enjoyed.

6. Ribbon or Twine

Tie off the cellophane with a cute bow to add the final touch to your gift!

Step by Step Instructions

Make delicious DIY candy kabobs with our step-by-step guide. Perfect for holidays, parties, and gifts. Customize and enjoy sweet treats!

Step 1: Prepare Your Skewers

Start by soaking your skewers in water. This step is essential as it prevents the candy from sticking to the skewer and makes the threading process much smoother. Let them soak for about 10 minutes while you organize your candy.

Step 2: Organize Your Candy

Before you start assembling the kabobs, sort your candies into different containers or bowls. This will help you visualize the different combinations you can make. You can categorize them by type, size, or color, depending on how creative you want to get with your candy arrangement.

Some key tips to keep in mind:

Vary the sizes and textures of the candy to make visual interest. A large marshmallow next to a small gummy bear adds dimension.
Pick a color scheme if you're making kabobs for a specific event. For example, choose red, white, and green candies for Christmas, or pastels for Easter.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate and Prep the Marshmallows

If you want to add some extra decoration to your kabobs, melting chocolate is a fantastic option. Melt your chocolate (white, milk, or dark—your choice) in a microwave or over a double boiler. Dip the sides of marshmallows or other candies into the melted chocolate, then roll them in sprinkles. This step adds a delightful crunch and pops of color to your kabobs.

Step 4: Begin Threading the Candy

Now the fun part—assembling the kabobs!

Leave about 4 inches at the bottom of the skewer so people have room to hold it.
Start threading the candy in whatever order you like. You can alternate between gummy candies, marshmallows, and gumballs to make fun combinations.
For a polished look, place a large marshmallow or gumball at the top of the skewer. If you're using mini lollipops, you can thread the stick through the center of the skewer as a topper.

Pro Tip: You can carve small holes in candies like gumballs to make threading easier. A simple skewer-pierced hole will allow you to thread them with ease.

Step 5: Wrapping and Storing Your Kabobs

Once your kabobs are fully assembled, it's time to wrap them up.

Slide your finished candy kabobs into cellophane wrappers to keep them fresh and prevent any stickiness.
Tie the bottom of the wrapper with a ribbon, string, or twine to secure it. You can add a tag with a name or message for an extra personal touch.

If you're making candy kabobs ahead of time, store them in a cool, dry place away from heat or direct sunlight. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can cause the candy to become sticky.

Customization Ideas for Candy Kabobs

One of the best things about candy kabobs is how customizable they are. You can tailor them to different occasions, themes, and personal tastes. Here are a few fun ways to customize your kabobs:

1. Holiday-Themed Kabobs

Christmas: Use red, white, and green gummy candies, candy canes, and peppermint-flavored marshmallows.
Easter: Pastel-colored gummies, marshmallow bunnies, and chocolate eggs will make these kabobs perfect for Easter baskets.
Halloween: Choose candies like gummy worms, candy corn, and spooky-themed marshmallows for a Halloween treat.

2. Party Favor Kabobs

Candy kabobs make excellent party favors. Coordinate the candy colors to match the theme of your party:

Baby Showers: Use pink and blue candies, or soft pastels.
Weddings: Silver, white, or gold candies can make an elegant candy kabob.
Birthdays: Choose bright and bold candy to match the party theme—whether it's superheroes, princesses, or animals.

3. Specialty Candy Kabobs

Why not take your kabobs to the next level by adding gourmet or unique candies?

Chocolate-dipped marshmallows: Coat marshmallows in chocolate and sprinkle them with crushed nuts or coconut flakes.
Fruit-flavored candies: Add a fruity twist by incorporating real fruit leather strips or fruit-flavored gummies.
Retro candy: Go for nostalgia by using candies from the 1980s or 1990s, like Pop Rocks, Nerds, or Fun Dip.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Candy Kabobs

Pre-plan your design: Lay out your candies before threading to ensure an even distribution of size and color.
Safety first: If you're making kabobs for small children, consider using shorter skewers and removing the sharp tip for added safety.
Seal for freshness: Candy kabobs can last up to a few weeks if stored in an airtight container, but it's best to wrap them individually to keep them fresh.

Candy Kabobs as Gifts

Candy kabobs are the ultimate sweet treat when it comes to gifting. They are affordable, customizable, and perfect for all ages. Here are a few ideas for gifting candy kabobs:

Stocking Stuffers: For Christmas, these kabobs make great additions to stockings. Personalize each kabob with the recipient's favorite candies.
Party Favors: Whether it's a wedding, birthday, or baby shower, you can give candy kabobs as fun, edible take-home gifts.
Teacher or Neighbor Gifts: Add a note that says, “You're so sweet!” and you've got a thoughtful and adorable gift for the people in your life.

Conclusion

Candy kabobs are a sweet and simple project that anyone can do. Whether you're making them for a party, a gift, or just for fun, these colorful kabobs are sure to bring a smile to anyone's face. With a variety of candy options and customization ideas, the possibilities are endless. So gather your candy, grab some skewers, and get ready to make your own DIY candy kabobs!

FAQs About DIY Candy Kabobs

Discover answers to all your questions about DIY candy kabobs. Learn how to make these sweet treats for any occasion.

1. What size candy bags should I use?

For individual candy kabobs, small to medium-sized cellophane bags work best, usually around 4x10 inches. These are readily available online or at stores like Walmart and Dollar Tree.

2. How do I prevent the candy from sticking to the skewers?

Soaking the skewers in water for about 10 minutes before use helps reduce stickiness when threading the candy. This makes assembly smoother and less messy.

3. Where can I find swirled marshmallows?

Swirled marshmallows can be found at Walmart or online through retailers like Amazon.

4. How do I pierce hard candies like gumballs?

To thread gumballs or other hard candies, carefully carve a small hole through the top and bottom using a pointed skewer. This will make it easier to slide them onto the main skewer.

5. Can I make candy kabobs in advance?

Yes! Candy kabobs can be made in advance. Just wrap them in cellophane to keep them fresh for a few weeks when stored in a cool, dry place.

6. Can I use chocolate-dipped candies in the kabobs?

Yes! Dip marshmallows or other soft candies in melted chocolate and sprinkles for added flair. Let them dry completely before adding them to the kabob.

7. What's the best way to transport candy kabobs?

Wrapping each kabob individually in cellophane and securing it with a ribbon makes them easy to transport. This prevents the candy from becoming sticky or damaged.