A pompon (also spelled pom-pom) is a fluffy ball made from yarn, fabric, or other materials. You've probably seen pompons on winter hats, where they sit on top like a soft, bouncy decoration. Cheerleaders wave pompons made from shiny strips of plastic or metallic material that shimmer and rustle as they shake them during games.

Making a pompon is surprisingly simple: you wrap yarn around something (like your fingers or a piece of cardboard), tie it tightly in the middle, then cut the loops and fluff it out into a round ball. The more yarn you use, the fuller and fluffier your pompon becomes.

Pompons show up in many places beyond hats and cheerleading. Some people add them to scarves, bags, or pillows as decoration. Crafters use tiny pompons for art projects. Even some dog breeds, like poodles, can have their fur trimmed into pompon shapes.

Whether you're cheering at a basketball game, staying warm in winter, or making crafts, pompons add a playful, bouncy touch that catches the eye and makes people smile.