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
Do you think these could also work as warm packs if put in the microwave? Just curious. My middle school son wants to take vegetarian hot pockets to school. Not sure how to keep them warm though. Thanks! – Heidi
How you keep it worm is get acouple paper towels wet them put them in a bag put it in the microwave.:)
We have a thermos. I have microwaved chicken nuggets and put them in the thermos and they were still warm for lunch. Just make sure if your food gives a range for cook time, you go for the higher time. And I like to fill the thermos with hot water before putting food in. Just dump the water before packing, and wipe it so it’s dry.
If you mix a 1:1 solution of rubbing alcohol with water the packs freeze colder and are more pliable for those bumps and bruises!
Heidi – use uncooked rice in bag- sew a quick pouch with two squares , fill with rice, sew shut. Then heat in microwave. The rice holds the heat for a long time. Use a soft sturdy fabric – thin tight fleece. Make any size/ shape. The weight feels good for tension relief of the shoulders too!
I think your idea is great! And would safe quite some money. I would definately try this. Thanks!
I’ve used the rice heating packs also, but I’ve found that uncooked corn (deer corn) holds the heat way longer because of the thick shell it has. A little built in natural insulator! So the heat releases slowly and stays longer than the rice.
I tried to use corn to make a heat pad, but the corn started popping, so I went back to using rice.
Deer corn, purchased from feed stores, is different from the popping corn sold in grocery stores.
This is a GREAT idea!
I’m making some tomorrow….
I disinfect my sponges every couple of days by microwaving them for a minute. You probably wouldn’t have to do this as often since these sponges aren’t used for cleaning.
I never really threw out the dozen lunch-boxes I accumulated over the years. Stored them in self storage perth. I think they can still be serviceable to charity.
Great idea! Pinned! ♥
Thank you so much for this. Although I don’t have any young children in school, I do need the Ice packs to keep my allergy meds cold when going to and from the allergy clinic. These are great for anyone!
I like this idea because I spend too much money on ice packs. The cool thing here is the absorption that takes place.