How to Make Personalized Colour-Changing Tumblers
How to Make Personalized Colour-Changing Tumblers for Party Favours
The Easiest Personalized Party Favor That Looks Totally Extra
Use SMART goals to plan and start your meal planning with ease!
In this printable guide, you will receive:
Beginners guide checklist,
Monthly planning worksheets,
Weekly planning worksheets,
and more!
These steps are all covered in this comprehensive checklist!
* Disclaimer * Some of the posted links are affiliate programs. By clicking these links, I may receive monetary compensation. This will not alter the price or change the buyer's experience.
Last year, I wanted to do something special for my son’s birthday party. Something fun, personalized, and let’s be honest… something that wouldn’t end up in the trash two days later.
That’s when I stumbled across the idea of DIY personalized tumblers, and let me tell you, they were a total hit.
I found colour-changing tumblers at Walmart, added each child’s name using permanent vinyl with my Cricut, and topped them off with the cutest little animal straw toppers from Amazon. It was the perfect mix of functional, adorable, and totally Instagram-worthy. Plus, the kids were obsessed with watching their cups change colour when we added ice water.
Even better? It didn’t break the budget, and it made every kid feel like they got something made just for them.
In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to make your own set of personalized tumblers. Plus, a few fun ways to level them up for your next big event.
What You’ll Need
You don’t need to be a professional crafter to make these tumblers. Just a few affordable supplies and a little time. Here’s exactly what I used to make them:
Tumblers
Colour-Changing Tumblers with Lids and Straws. I grabbed mine from Walmart in a pack. They’re usually available in multipacks of fun colours. You can also find them on Amazon or in bulk party supply shops.
Vinyl & Tools
Permanent Vinyl (I used white, but colour-changing vinyl is also super fun!)
Cricut Cutting Machine (if you don’t have one, stencils and an exacto knife will do. You’ve been through worse!)
Transfer Tape
Weeding Tool + Scraper Tool (optional, but helpful for clean application)
Straw Toppers
Cute Animal Straw Toppers. I ordered a big pack from Amazon. They come in all kinds of shapes: frogs, bears, unicorns, you name it. Perfect for adding personality!
Prep Materials
Rubbing alcohol or a clean, dry cloth. This is for wiping the surface of the tumblers before applying vinyl to help it stick better.
Step-by-Step Instructions
These tumblers look custom and high-end, but they’re actually super easy to make, especially if you batch them. Here’s exactly how I made mine:
Step 1: Design the Names
Open Cricut Design Space and type each name using your favourite font. I recommend a bold, easy-to-read font if you're doing kids’ names (bonus points if it matches your party theme!). Resize to fit the flat side of the tumbler. Usually, around 3.5–4 inches wide works well.
Step 2: Cut and Weed Your Vinyl
Load your vinyl onto a standard grip mat and let your Cricut work its magic. Once cut, use a weeding tool to remove the excess vinyl around each name, leaving just the lettering.
Step 3: Prep Your Tumblers
Wash each tumbler with warm, soapy water and let them dry completely. For best vinyl adhesion, wipe the area where you’ll place the name with rubbing alcohol and let it air dry.
Step 4: Apply Transfer Tape
Cut a piece of transfer tape slightly larger than the name, stick it over the vinyl, and smooth it down with a scraper tool or a credit card. Peel off the backing so the name is now on the transfer tape.
Step 5: Apply to the Tumbler
Line up the name where you want it on the tumbler. Press it down and smooth it out firmly. Then slowly peel off the transfer tape, leaving the vinyl on the tumbler.
Step 6: Add the Straw Toppers
Pop in the matching straw and slide on your cute animal topper for an extra fun surprise. (Pro tip: Mix and match characters to help kids tell theirs apart!)
Step 7: Optional – Fill with Goodies
If you’re using these as party favours, you can drop in a drink mix packet, a sticker sheet, or a small treat. Wrap the whole thing in a clear party bag and tie with a ribbon for extra flair.
Tips to Make It Extra Fun or Fancy
If you want to add a little extra wow to your tumblers (without adding a lot of extra work), here are some fun ways to customize them even more:
Match the Party Theme
Choose vinyl colours and fonts that match your party’s vibe. Whether it’s rainbow unicorns, dinosaurs, mermaids, or a sporty theme. You can even add a tiny icon next to each name for an extra personalized touch.
Use Color-Changing Vinyl
Want to double up on the surprise factor? Try using colour-changing vinyl along with your colour-changing tumblers! It reacts to cold, just like the cup, and kids love watching the names shift colours.
Add a Little Something Inside
Toss in a small treat, like a mini chocolate bar, sticker, bracelet, or Kool-Aid packet. It turns the tumbler into both a party favour and a mini gift bag.
Display Them Like Decor
Line them up on a party table with a “Take One!” sign, or set them at each child’s place setting so they double as name cards. Super cute and functional.
Wrap It Up
If you want a finished, polished look, wrap each tumbler in a clear cellophane bag and tie it with a ribbon in your party colours. Add a tag with a thank-you message for a sweet touch.
Why These Tumblers Make the Perfect Party Favour
After making these for my son’s party, I can confidently say: they check every single box when it comes to a great favour. Here’s why they work so well:
They’re Actually Useful
Kids can use them every day, for water, juice, smoothies, or even to take to school. They won’t be tossed the next morning like plastic trinkets or dollar-store toys.
They Feel Personal
Each child gets something with their name on it, which instantly makes it feel special. It’s a little detail that kids remember, and parents appreciate too.
They’re Budget-Friendly
When you buy in bulk (especially from Walmart or Amazon), the price per tumbler drops way below the cost of most goodie bags, and these have way more impact.
They’re Eco-Friendly
Reusable tumblers mean less plastic waste. You’re giving kids something fun and teaching sustainability without saying a word.
They Look Amazing on the Party Table
Colourful, coordinated, and totally Instagram-worthy! These tumblers double as party décor and favours all in one.
Whether you're planning a birthday, summer BBQ, or school celebration, this DIY is a total crowd-pleaser. And you can reuse the same idea again and again with different themes.
These DIY tumblers were such a hit at my son’s party, and honestly, they were one of the easiest and most satisfying crafts I’ve ever done. They looked amazing, felt meaningful, and didn’t cost a fortune.
If you’re planning a party and want something that doubles as décor, favour, and a functional keepsake, give these a try. Once you’ve made one, you’ll want to make them for every celebration.
Need help planning the rest of your party? Download my free Big Event Hosting Checklist to stay organized from start to finish. Because with a little planning, even the biggest parties can be stress-free and fun.
I would like to be transparent so that there are no misunderstandings. I may earn a small commission from any products linked in this post as an affiliate. This is not a sponsored post, and I was not asked to recommend these products. These are products that I genuinely love and want to share with my audience