Homemade ice pack that can go into a school lunch box. These are inexpensive because they are made from sponges so if they get lost, no big deal. This DIY ice pack hack is reusable so it is good for the environment as well so scroll down to learn how to make ice pack….
The first week of school was 89% disaster-free. I consider that a complete success. My kindergardener doesn’t start until tomorrow and I am anxious for that beautiful day to arrive. He was completely insulted that all his older siblings got to start last week and he was stuck at home with his mom and 2-year old sister.
A certain child of mine, and I won’t name any names (Luke), tends to go through at least 3 lunch boxes a year and countless reusable containers and icepacks. Last year, I made him pay for his own replacements in an attempt to make him more responsible.
I was thrilled when I found this method for making your own homemade ice pack. I’ve tried freezing water bottle or juice boxes but they are never thawed by the time my kids eat lunch so then they don’t have a drink. This DIY ice pack method is so simple and when they get lost, it won’t cost a fortune to buy new ones.
How to Make Ice Pack for Lunch Box
- Purchase an inexpensive pack of sponges – These sponges will not be cleaning a thing so just find a big sponge that is cheap. One of the best aspects of using this method is that when your child accidentally throws it away, it is no big deal.
- Soak the sponges in water – Just grab a big bowl and let the sponges completely soak up as much water as they possibly can. It is the frozen water in the sponges that provide the cold.
- Put each sponge in a small zip style bag – These bags serve two purposes. First and most obvious is that as the ice melts, it contains the water so it doesn’t make a mess. Secondly, keeping that water contained allows the melted sponge to reabsorb the water so it is ready to refreeze.
- Freeze the wet and bagged sponges overnight – In the morning, all you need to do is toss that lunch box ice pack into their lunch. Once your munchkin gets home from school, they just toss the bag back into the freezer so it is ready again in the morning. After a few weeks, you might need to add a bit more water to the sponge before freezing as a bit of evaporation does take place over time.
Looking for more back to school and lunch box hacks? Check out my magic method for keeping sliced apples from turning brown for days!
101 comments
Oh, I am SOOOOO using this! Thank you (x50)
Genius!
I have used these for ice packs for injuries..not too cold for little ones and soft too
Just put some of these in my freezer, got 10 for $1 at Dollar Tree. I bet they will be good for my kids injuries as well as their lunch packs. Thanks!
what a great idea!! but do they mold at all?
My elementary school used to use these in the nurse’s office as ice packs for injuries. I’d totally forgotten about them until this post!
How many times can you use these ?
Susan
Susan – I would think for as long as the sponge lasts! After about 8 or 9 uses, I add a bit more water to the sponge, but other than that, I just toss them back in the freezer when the lunch boxes come home. If you use regular Ziploc bags to keep them in, you might want to double up the bags, or use a heavier style of bag.
What. An awesome idea Will start using it tomorrow
So cool!! 🙂 Thanks.