Olen Kids Party Hats, 11-Pack: 9 Pom Pom Cones + 2 Crowns

Are these party hats for kids the right size?

These party hats for kids are a small, mini-style hat. Each cone assembles to about 5.1 x 3.5 in (13 x 9 cm) and each crown to about 3.5 x 2.5 in (9 x 6.4 cm), with 15.7 in (40 cm) elastic straps. That scale suits toddlers and young kids, as well as dolls, stuffed animals and small pets. On an adult head they sit like a tiny novelty hat, which is fun for a photo but not full-size costume wear.

If you'd rather have a standard cone for older kids and adults, the 7.9 in rainbow party hats are the larger option.

What's in the 11-pack?

• 9 paper cone hats in mixed colors with bear, flower, stripe and gingham patterns
• 2 metallic crown hats, one gold and one silver, for the birthday child or guest of honor
• Pom poms for the cone tops
• Elastic straps
• Adhesive dots for assembly

Nine cones and two crowns cover a party of up to 11 small heads. If younger guests are likely to bend or lose a hat, plan a couple of spares; our guide on how many party hats you need works out counts by guest list.

How do you assemble them?

1. Fold each flat hat into its cone and secure it with the adhesive dots.
2. Attach a pom pom to the tip of each cone.
3. Thread an elastic strap through each hat and knot it.
4. Set the two crowns aside for the guest of honor.

Assemble them the day before the party. Flat hats store easily, but finished cones should go in a box where they won't get crushed.

How do you keep the hats on small heads?

The elastic goes under the chin. If it's loose on a toddler, tie a knot to shorten it rather than pulling it tighter. Put hats on just before cake and photos, when kids are sitting still, instead of at the door. More tips are in how to keep party hats on kids.

Which party themes does it suit?

The mix of bears, flowers, stripes and gingham isn't tied to one character, so it works for girls' or boys' birthdays, first birthdays, kindergarten celebrations, teddy bear picnics, stuffed-animal parties and pet birthday photos. The colors sit comfortably with pink, blue, rainbow or animal-themed tables, and a smiley face birthday balloon makes an easy backdrop for the hat photos.

Safety, and who it's not for

Pom poms and adhesive dots are small parts, so assemble the hats yourself and keep an eye on toddlers while they wear them. Take hats off before naps or rough play, since the strap sits under the chin. For pets, use a hat for a quick photo and then remove it so they don't chew the paper or pom pom.

Skip this set if you need hats that fit adults comfortably, or more than 11 hats in matching designs.