In this instructable I will show you how to make the coolest candy dispenser ever. This is a really fun project that you can make and can also be given a present. I gave this as a gift to my little brother for Christmas and he really liked it. I have always wanted to make something for a present, and this was a simple, easy gift that didn't take much effort. I am sure that anyone would rather get a gift that you have made over a gift that you bought from the store. It is always more meaningful, which is why I made this.

Anyway, let's get to the making of this. But before I begin, I would appreciate it if you voted for my project in the Homemade Gifts Contest. I have been really wanting a camera, and this would be the perfect time to try to get it. Every vote counts!

Let's get started!!

Step 1: Watch the Video!

This video will help you see what this machine really is, how it works, and what it looks like:

If the video doesn't work, try clicking here.

Step 2: Supplies

For this instructable, you will need:

Small round candy (I used lemonheads)

2" x 4" wood

3/4" MDF wood (or any other wood with a thickness of 3/4")

A piece of wood measuring in thickness of about 1/2"

2 small nails

2 small screws

5/8" drill bit

1 1/2" drill bit

Drill (preferably a drill press)

1 Mason jar and lid (any size, depending on the amount of candy)

Cardboard

Wood glue

Step 3: Mark and Cut Your Wood

Cut 4 pieces of 2 by 4 wood to the following dimensions:

3 1/4" x 1 3/4" x 1 1/2"

*Note: the last dimension should be the thickness of your wood. This goes with all measurements.

Next cut a piece of 3/4" MDF to the following dimensions:

4 3/4" x 4 1/4" x 3/4"

Cut another piece of 3/4" MDF to the following dimensions:

7" x 3/4" x 3/4"

Cut another piece of 3/4" MDF to the following dimensions:

3 1/4" x 3/4" x 3/4"

Then cut 2 pieces of the 1/2" thick wood to the following dimensions:

2 1/2" x 1" x 1/2"

Step 4: Glue Some Pieces Together

This is the main step, so make sure that you pay close attention and follow every step perfectly.

Let's glue the top part of the dispenser first. As you may see, the top part is made of two pieces of 2 by 4's with a 3/4" MDF piece in the center. On top of everything is the jar with the candy inside. There is also a piece of cardboard underneath the lid, which is to prevent the candy from falling out.

Ok, so let's put this thing together. Start by taking the 3/4" MDF wood (whose dimensions measure 3 1/4" x 3/4" x 3/4") and stick it between two pieces of 2 by 4 wood. Glue this together. All this is shown in the first picture.

While that is drying, get your lid for the mason jar and a piece of cardboard. Outline the piece of cardboard using the lid, then cut it out. In the very center of the piece of cardboard that you cut, drill a hole with your 5/8" drill bit.

When the wood is done drying, take the cardboard that you just cut and set it in the center of the wood (as shown in picture 2). Glue this on. Next get the lid and set it on top of the cardboard (as shown in picture 3). Using really small nails, nail the lid into the cardboard and the wood beneath.

Finally, take your last piece of MDF wood (whose dimensions measure 7" x 3/4" x 3/4") and screw a screw into the very end of the wood. This is shown in picture 4. Now take this piece of wood and slide it into the gap of the wooden structure you just built. It should fit just perfectly (if not, sand it down to that point), and should be able to slide with ease. Slide it down to the screw that you put in (the screw should be pointing down). Now taking a pencil, mark the piece of MDF. Slide the MDF back out and, using a 5/8" drill bit, drill where your mark was. However, be careful, because you don't want the sides to break out when you drill it, because it will be a tight fit. In other words, drill the hole in the very center of the wood. When you slide the the MDF back in, the two holes should line up with each other (as shown in picture 3).

The last thing you need to do is screw a screw in the other end of that same piece of MDF. Measure about 1 inch from the other end and make a mark. This is where your screw should go. *Note: Make sure that you screw it in while the wood is in your base. If it isn't you will not be able to put the dowel back into the base.

Step 5: Glue Some More Pieces Together

Now let's glue the base together. First we will need to take some more MDF wood and cut it into a triangle. I used a band saw to cut this, but if you have something else that you can use, use it. It needs to be a right triangle, so use the edge of your MDF wood to cut it. Make the bottom 3 1/4" long, the length 1 1/2" tall, and the hypotenuse 3 1/2". The triangle should look like picture 1.

Take the triangle and put it in the center of the two 2 by 4's. Glue them together as shown in picture 2. Now, as shown in picture 3, take your 1/2" thick wood and glue it on top of the piece that you just made.

The very bottom piece of the candy dispenser is made of 3/4" MDF, as you may notice. This is very simple to build, all you have to do is drill a hole and glue. Ok, so take your 3/4" MDF wood that measures 4 3/4" x 4 1/4" x 3/4". At the very end of the long side, put a mark in the center. Then take your 1 1/2" drill bit and make a hole for the candy to go in. This is shown in the fourth picture.

Now glue the bottom to the other piece that you just built.

Step 6: Assemble the Final Pieces

Ok, so by now you should have 2 main pieces, both of which you just built. You should have the top part (that has the "arm" that slides back and forth, giving you your candy), and you should have the bottom part (the part where the candy rolls down into the cup). It is now time to glue these pieces together.

It is pretty simple, really. Take your top part as place it on top of the bottom part. Slide the "arm" so that the screw hits the wood and the hole is visible and take a look. Can the candy drop into the ramp and go down into the hole? Adjust it so that it can, and then you are ready to glue it.

After it is dry, you are finished! Now just fill a mason jar with any small, round candy, and screw it on. It will give you your favorite candy with a simple push!

I hoped you liked this instructable and please vote for me in the Homemade Gift Contest.

Thank You!!