DIY Stocking Stuffers: Using Water for Holiday Cheer

DIY Stocking Stuffers: Using Water for Holiday Cheer

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care… But what’s that? Oh no, they’re bare!

Running out of time to finish your last-minute holiday shopping? As the holidays are quickly approaching, we have some creative DIY stocking stuffer projects that you can easily create for your loved ones this season. Made out of household materials—like water, our favorite crafting tool—you’ll see how reusing everyday items can make some seriously cool and original gifts.

SNOW GLOBES 

Need a way to repurpose those fast food meal toys your kids keep around the house? These DIY snow globes transform their toys into unique gifts.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Mason jar
• Figurine
• Water
• Glycerin (optional)
• Glitter
• Super glue

WHAT TO DO:

1. Grab an old figurine to use for the focal point of your snow globe
2. Place a liberal amount of glue on the bottom of the figurine and place it inside of the lid
3. Fill the jar with water (you can also add glycerin at this step so that the glitter will float better)
4. Screw the lid on tight, and seal it with super glue so it won't leak
5. You’re now ready to shake your snow globe and watch the scene come to life!

LEARN MORE

LAVA LAMPS 

Water is one of the only materials necessary for this groovy DIY project.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• An empty jar
• Water
• Food dye
• Vegetable oil
• Antacid tablet

WHAT TO DO:

1. Fill the empty jar 1/3 with water, then fill the remaining 2/3 with the vegetable oil. Leave about an inch of space towards the top.
2. Add drops of food coloring until you reach a desired color
3. Break an antacid tablet into pieces inside the jar
4. Screw the lid on tight and watch the bubbles fizz and move
5. This stocking stuffer is guaranteed hours of fun—the lava lamp effect can happen as many times as you break a new antacid tablet.

LEARN MORE

BLOCK CRAYONS 

Have a few dozen broken crayons lying around that the kids don’t use anymore? Yeah, we thought so. Give their favorite coloring tool a facelift with the help of a simple cake pan and kitchen knife in this craft.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• Kitchen knife
• Old crayons
• Cake tins (preferably with shapes)

WHAT TO DO:

1. Peel the wrappers off crayons by running them under warm water and scraping off any remaining wrapper pieces with a knife
2. Parents: cut the crayons into tiny pieces no bigger than a pea
3. Be sure to keep the colors separate so your kids can arrange them how they want
4. While they're arranging their colors, preheat the oven to 150 degrees
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the wax melts
6. Remove the shapes from the tin after they cool down. (If they stick to the pan, place them in the freezer for about an hour to help them pop out) 

LEARN MORE

With your finished products, you will have brand-new crayons that kids (especially the toddlers in your life) can use—all without going out and spending money on new crayons!

Skip the store lines and expensive gifts this holiday season by showing your loved ones you care with thoughtful handmade gifts. We hope that you’ve enjoyed these fun and watery crafts and that you’re able to use them this holiday season.