It's time for Works for Me Wednesday, and today the topic is a frugal one.

Here's how to make your own hot/cold pack, and it will use up your mismatched socks!

Instead of buying "Koolie Bears" or using electric pads that can cause burns, do this instead.

Get one unmatched sock.

Fill with plain, uncooked rice. Don't pack it full, you want bean bag effect, not a porcupine.

Add lavendar, jasmine, eucalyptus oil/herbs if you want.

Tie a knot in the top of the sock or sew it shut.

Keep it in the freezer. If someone has a bump, just whip it out. It won't cause frostbite like ice can, won't leak on the couch, contains no weird blue chemicals, and molds to the injury.

Need a hot pack? Pop it in the microwave for a couple of minutes. It's soft, moldable, and you can use it over and over again. Kid socks make good sinus masks.

I've been using mine for over 2 years now. As long as you don't get it too wet, it will last. If you need moist heat, lay a wet washcloth between sock and skin.

As a bonus, you can use it as a Montessori type thermal work. Make 2 of these, exactly identical (use a pair of socks). Put one in freezer and one in microwave. Place toddler's hand on the cold one, and say "cold". Repeat for hot one. The benefit of this is that the only distinguishing characteristic between the two is the temperature (they are the same color, texture, weight, etc.). Also, often when we tell kids "cold", the object (ice, a glass, etc.) is usually also wet which can cause confusion. When we tell kids "hot", we usually don't let them touch it at all.

Another sensory work involves texture. Make 3-4 socks with different fillings in graduated sizes: oatmeal, rice, unpopped corn, large lima beans or chickpeas. Again, the socks should look the same - the only difference should be the size of the filling.
Child can play and describe different textures. He can put them in order, smallest size granule to largest size. He can do it by weight. A very good sensory tool.
(don't put the oatmeal one or the corn in the microwave!)


Tags: Works for Me Wednesday,, Crafts and Cookery