This IS a clever idea! My Kitchen Escapades details how to easily make your own ice packs from cheap sponges:
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 ice packs. 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 ice packs. So simple and if when he loses them, it won’t cost him his college savings to buy new ones. I buy the cheap pack of 4 sponges from the dollar store to make the loss-impact even less.
To make, just saturate a clean sponge with water and place into a ziplock bag. Lay flat in the freezer and freeze overnight. In the morning, just toss them into the lunch boxes. As they melt, they will reabsorb the water so just toss them back in the freezer after school!!!
