
Here’s a fun activity I used to do all the time with my folks when I was a wee little lad many, many moons ago…
I used to make my own ices!
Here’s what you need:
- Ice Tray(s)
- Wax Paper or Plastic Wrap
- Toothpicks
- Yummy Beverage (such as iced tea, lemonade, Gatorade, etc…)
- With your child get all of the supplies together.
- Take your ice tray (make sure it’s clean of course) and carefully fill it with your beverage of choice.
- Cover the tray with wax paper (or plastic wrap but I think wax paper works better). Wrap it over the top so it stays snug and taught.
- Now, one at a time, carefully poke a toothpick through each of the ice slots in the tray. Put them about half-way into to tray.
- Place the tray carefully into the freezer.
- When frozen slowly pull off the wax paper leaving the toothpicks and ice in place.
- Take out ices and enjoy!!
Here’s what’s great about this. 1) It’s cheap! 2) It’s fun 3) You get to engage in a project with your child. As a kid I loved to see the finished product! And eat it! I couldn’t wait to get me some home-made ices.
I know you can get ready made ices out there for cheap. I ask you this - What are the ingredients? Odds are there’s High Fructose Corn Syrup in them and it’s one of the first three ingredients. That stuff just isn’t good for you (Note: Check the ingredients of the beverage you’re using for the ices).
Bonus fun: You can use an ice tray that makes fun shapes like the picture above. You can also make your own lemonade or iced tea to use for the ices.
There you have it - Simple, Fun, and Cheap!

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photo by #Justin
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Thats pretty cool…pun slightly intended.
Nice new 125’s by the way
I have those things too and my kids get a kick out of them, but you really need some space to put them in the freezer without them tipping over. Mine get tossed around and spill a lot!
I love those things! I sometimes make ice cubes with lemonade to use as ice within my drink.
The shapes are so fun, plus your drink doesn’t get watered down.
@ Ben - Thanks!
@ Hank - Yeah, you have to make sure you have room in the freezer for them.
@ Kacie - I’ve heard of that before. Might have to try it. Also my little could suck on the cube since I wouldn’t want a one year old holding a toothpick.
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