See how customized ice packs & reusable drink koozies “team” up and add more spirit to your celebration!
A basic kitchen sponge becomes a convenient ice pack when it is soaked in water, frozen, then sealed in a ziploc bag. As the ice pack melts, the sponge contains the water to prevent dripping. It’s a handy DIY …
…but admittedly a little boring… until a few snips of a scissor create strips of confetti….
Or a shape emerges with the help of a cookie cutter. Hold the cookie cutter in place and cut around or use a non-toxic water based marker like Crayola to trace, then cut. Just be sure to cut your sponge prior to freezing!
Avoid cutting altogether by picking up a pack of pre-cut sponge shapes, like this one from the dollar store:
Create an all-star lunch for kids when you combine your custom ice pack with a home made drink koozie:
All you need for the custom koozie is a sheet of craft foam, available at craft stores. You may need more than one sheet depending on how many you are making. First, measure the height and length of the label on the drink you want to embellish. Next, cut strips of the craft foam the same height, but one inch longer than what was measured.
The extra length allows for overlap & velcro closures. Small “sticky back” adhesive squares hold strong and allow you to remove and re-use the koozie over and over again!
Now embellish with craft foam stickers to suit any occasion from sporting events…
…to Princess Parties!
The combinations are endless for any holiday theme, child’s party, sporting event or baby shower. And the best part? You don’t even have to be crafty to pull this one off!
Thirsty for more drink ideas? Check out the following posts:
Party Drinks for Kids – Dress Up a Juicebox! by Heather
How to get your kids to drink more H2O by Alison
For more fun tips & healthy living inspiration, visit me here:
Have fun celebrating!
I am a blessed wife and mom of two who is happiest when surrounded by family, craft supplies, & good food! I love sharing the joy of natural living on my website.
Sandy G says
I really like those bottles!! Was that a specific brand of water or did you purchase the fancy bottles from a particular vendor?
Love this idea for the kid’s soccer practice – with team colors. 🙂
Stephanie says
Hi Sandy-
The brand of water used here is called “Kids’ EARTH2O”. I prefer this one because it’s 100% natural spring water while many other bottled brands are filled from a tap! Plus, their bottlse are 100% recycled and recycleable. Here’s their website: https://earth2o.com/waters/natural/. The kids version is by the same company just in smaller bottles. I purchased them at my local grocer which is Fred Meyer. Happy that you like the idea!
Natalya says
These are so cute! 😀
Natalya, Ruff House Art
Stephanie says
Thanks, Natalya – I checked out Ruff House Art and it looks like you guys have some really cute things over there, too!
Victoria says
What a brilliant idea. I have just added sponges to my shopping list. Although it’s getting pretty chilly here so this tip might need to wait for next summer!
Shelly Moore says
I love cute and functional! As a teacher I thought of helping kids create them prior to a field trip when water bottles are needed or…testing time. To get the students pumped up prior to testing the teachers here make cans to hold all there ‘supplies.’ Along with that, each student is asked to bring a water bottle and healthy snack to keep their lil brains hydrated etc. during the long tests. This could be another fun way to keep the kids spirits up during them…AWESOME Stephanie!
Stephanie says
That’s such a fun idea Shelly! I brought some Halloween-theme wrapped water bottles to my son’s classroom party and all the kids enjoyed them. They took the koozie-wraps off when the water was done, and wore them like a cuff, or bracelet… So there are lots of ways to keep the fun going with this little craft.