A launching device is disclosed which launches snap caps against a hard surface, such as a wall or ceiling, with sufficient force so as to "pop" the caps like tiny firecrackers. In one embodiment, the launcher simultaneously launches confetti into the air so as to create an effect of both sight and sound.

A gift displaying system for resembling a snowman for displaying a plurality of gifts tied together. The gift displaying system includes a cover resembling a figurine for concealing any gifts, said cover member comprising a head member, said head member comprising a generally cotton material having a generally spherical-shape, and a body member comprising a panel being attached to and extending downwardly from a lower portion of said head member such that said panel defines a cavity extending from a free edge of said panel toward said head member, said body member comprising a generally cotton material. The invention further comprises a gift connecting assembly for connecting the gifts together that includes a plurality of connecting members. Each of the connecting members may be. releasably tied around at least two of the gifts. The gift connecting assembly further comprises a plurality of crackers. Each of the crackers is coupled to one of said connecting members and may be positioned generally between a pair of the gifts.

A method for making a degradable practice mine including the steps of covering a flat work surface with a polyethylene sheet to serve as a release film, weighing out the materials in a ratio of 10 parts sand to 1 part polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), mixing 1 part PVA with 10 parts sand making a sand/PVA mixture, filling a mold with the sand/PVA mixture, consolidating the sand/PVA mixture to make a consolidated form in the shape of a mine, and heating the consolidated form to make a hardened mine form mimicking the shape and launching characteristics of a tactical mine.