Make Fancy Soap Cubes

Pretty soaps are one of the best presents to receive as they are an extravagance that people rarely think of to buy for themselves. Show your child how to make these fancy-looking soap cubes for a favorite teacher, and she will be the star of the class! This activity helps her follow directions, practice motor skill development, and learn the advantages of homemade gifts. These sudsy soaps are easy to concoct in a standard ice tray and they look adorable stacked up in a traditional mason jar.

What You Need:

• Glycerin (sold in small blocks in most craft stores)
• Standard ice cube tray
• Liquid food coloring
• Vegetable spray
• Cotton swabs
• Microwave-safe bowl

What to Do:

1. Cut off a chunk of glycerin that is the right size for your microwave-safe bowl, and have your child place it in the bowl.
2. Ask your child to add a bit of food coloring to the top of the glycerin block. Remind her that just a little food coloring goes a long way! Unless she wants blindingly bright colors, just a few drops should do it. Encourage your child's creativity; if she wishes, she can mix blue and green to create turquoise, or purple and blue for a pretty periwinkle.
3. Have your child put the bowl in the microwave until the glycerin is completely melted. Although it's a pain, it's best to take the bowl out around every 15 seconds or so and give it a stir. The container may get very hot, so this task is best left to a potholder-wielding adult.
4. Invite your child to spray the ice cube tray with vegetable cooking spray. This will make the soap easier to pop out when it's cooled.
5. Carefully, pour the melted glycerin mixture into the ice tray, filling each compartment until the mix nearly reaches the top.
6. After the glycerin cools for at least two hours, your child can pop the cubes out!

An attractive presentation is to stack the soaps in clear glass jar and tie it up with pretty silk ribbons. However, your child can unleash her creativity and come up with a unique gift wrapping idea of her own!