David Papp Blog

Magnets, LEDs, and CR2032 Batteries = Fun LED Throwies and Balloons

Something to consider for simple fun are LED Throwies. This involves very inexpensive batteries (CR2032), a magnet, and an LED. Total cost, under 25 cents total. Search for “bulk LED” on eBay and you will see many suppliers in Thailand and China. Under a dollar with free shipping for 15 to 20 LEDs is quite common. Run similar searches for bulk CR2032 batteries and you will see them for similar prices. Then run other searches for bulk rare earth magnets and you’ve completed your shopping list.

Here is a link for quick demonstration on what to do.

One of the neatest ideas I have seen is to insert an LED and CR2032 (no magnet) inside balloons. Fill the balloons with helium. Attach the balloons with string to each other. You end up with an arch or string of balloons that are lit up in different colors. Fantastic at night and in the dark. Great for parties.

Depending on the quality of the battery and type of LED, I have seen them stay lit for up to 3 days. Enjoy!

4 thoughts on “Magnets, LEDs, and CR2032 Batteries = Fun LED Throwies and Balloons”

  1. Wow what a creative idea for a fun night. I have always seen different kinds of lights at parties during the nights but never have I thought of this. Balloons and LED sound like the perfect combination for a cheap and fantastic way to light up the mood for any occasion. Thanks for sharing this idea.

  2. This sounds like a really cool idea for a kids party or an adult event. I might have to try this at the next party I have. It also looks like it would be fun to do with your children. This LED balloon idea would also make a great science project for children.

  3. This looks so awesome! My friends and I would definitely love to try this out soon. It would be fun to play around in the park with them. I like inexpensive little activities like this. Lots of experimental tricks to try out 🙂

  4. This is a nice activity for kids to do at a science fair or something. Pretty easy to make, very inexpensive, and it can kept by kids, or reused. A channel called “Hard Science” on YouTube put LED throwies in an air cannon and launched it at a wall. The result was pretty amazing!

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