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!
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.
ReplyDeletewhat a great gift idea!
ReplyDeleteI love the bird too.
Oh lovely, thanks for the idea! I'll be the anticipation of finding out what's inside is unbearable.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you posted this!!!
ReplyDelete♥Jen
What a fun and easy way to make soap. We will definitely do this! Thanks for the idea!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool idea! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea that I will most certainly steal from you! Please..keep the homemade gift ideas comin!
ReplyDeleteLove this blog by the way.
I love it when you guys post these ideas! Great book recommendation, too!
ReplyDeletethat is such a great and easy thing to do, thanks!
ReplyDeleteFun, 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.
ReplyDeleteFun, 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.
ReplyDeleteoh my goodness! how cute! i want someone to give them to me!!
ReplyDeleteI 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!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a super idea!
ReplyDeleteCould you use scraps of soap? You know the bits that you would normally throw away.
scraps of soap - great idea!! i bet those would look really pretty in a white soap ball, little glints of blue or green.
ReplyDeletei also love the idea of putting coins in them, bethany!
What a perfect, inexpensive present. I like the idea of putting money in them too!
ReplyDeleteHow clever ! It's fantastic ! I love it !
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this wonderful idea.
ReplyDeleteSaturday 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
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:
ReplyDeletehttp://mustardseeds.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/12/annes-handmade-giftspart-1.html
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.
ReplyDeleteInteresting text. You have a nice blog. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteI really like your blog!
ReplyDeleteThat soap will be a great idea for my grandson to give his little sisters for christmas!
Thanks!
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!!
ReplyDelete