11.13.2008

Homemade Holiday Gift Idea #1


Surprise Soap Balls!

These are super easy for little hands to make and somewhat of a novelty: a ball of soap with a surprise toy in the middle (you should choose a solidly-shaped waterproof surprise - something like a bouncy ball, perhaps, and not something like a mini-whoopie cushion. Speaking from experience).

I found the idea in this great book, The Ultimate Book of Kid Concoctions 2, by John E. & Danita Thomas (This book is a great parent investment. Many good birthday party/rainy day ideas).

It's so simple. Grate 1 cup of soap and add 1/4 cup of water. Use your small helper hands to knead it all together and shape into balls. Make a hole in your soap ball with your finger, stuff your waterproof surprise inside, and fill in the hole. Voila!

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've actually done this as a preschool teacher. It's fun to add a few drops of essential oil to make it smell good.

Jess said...

what a great gift idea!
I love the bird too.

Anonymous said...

Oh lovely, thanks for the idea! I'll be the anticipation of finding out what's inside is unbearable.

Unknown said...

So glad you posted this!!!
♥Jen

Audrey and the Boys said...

What a fun and easy way to make soap. We will definitely do this! Thanks for the idea!

Unknown said...

What a cool idea! Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

That is a great idea that I will most certainly steal from you! Please..keep the homemade gift ideas comin!

Love this blog by the way.

alexandra said...

I love it when you guys post these ideas! Great book recommendation, too!

erika said...

that is such a great and easy thing to do, thanks!

Rachel Weiss said...

Fun, what cute snow balls! I remember doing this project as a kid too and the smell of the soap as well. Thanks for the homemade gift ideas, please DO keep em coming.

Rachel Weiss said...

Fun, what cute snow balls! I remember doing this project as a kid too and the smell of the soap as well. Thanks for the homemade gift ideas, please DO keep em coming.

sarah said...

oh my goodness! how cute! i want someone to give them to me!!

Bethany said...

I think Martha Stewart also showed this idea... but I don't think they thought of putting toys inside! She has cute gift boxes at Michael's right now. I should put coins in my son's soap! Unfortunately that's what he's motivated by!!

FABRICOTTI notperfectbutnice said...

This is a super idea!
Could you use scraps of soap? You know the bits that you would normally throw away.

Unknown said...

scraps of soap - great idea!! i bet those would look really pretty in a white soap ball, little glints of blue or green.

i also love the idea of putting coins in them, bethany!

melissa said...

What a perfect, inexpensive present. I like the idea of putting money in them too!

Anonymous said...

How clever ! It's fantastic ! I love it !

Loulou's mum said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Thanks for this wonderful idea.
Saturday afternoon was rainy and we made a few of what we called "parisian snowballs". This was the perfect craft activity for my three and a half daughter ; she enjoyed it very much and most of all she was very proud to offer two of them to her playdate today.
Thanks again.
Loulou's mum

Janna Widdifield said...

Thanks for the idea. My daughter made these for all her friends. I love having her make something that her friends will actually use and think is fun...You can see pictures here, I also made up a poem...feel free to steal:

http://mustardseeds.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/12/annes-handmade-giftspart-1.html

BARBARA YARN said...

Selecting one gift for dear ones is very tough for me. i always get confused. Thanks for sharing your last minute gift ideas. i like gift certificate gift ideas.

Gift Ideas said...

Interesting text. You have a nice blog. Keep it up!

Lynniemay said...

I really like your blog!
That soap will be a great idea for my grandson to give his little sisters for christmas!
Thanks!

Amanda Wilson said...

These are adorable! I tell stories to children and have some winter themed books that need an activity. These look like snowballs and will be perfect! Thanks!!