Save Money – Make Your Own Flexible Ice Packs

With three athletes in the house, it seems like one of them is always looking for an ice bag to help with an ache or pain. I have long used a bag of frozen vegetables as ice bags because the flexible ice packs you buy at the store can run between $8-12 depending on where you buy them. However, I just learned that you can make your own reusable ice packs for about $1.25 – and with a little bit of food coloring, each kid can have their own color coded ice pack (so I know who to nag when it doesn’t get returned to the freezer – LOL).

Basically, you need zip closure plastic bags (in either the quart size or the gallon size), rubbing alcohol, water and food coloring. There is also a version you can make with dish soap. The alcohol serves two purposes – it helps keep the water even colder and prevents it from freezing all the way so you get a flexible shape. The higher the alcohol content the “slushier” the ice pack will be.

To make your own flexible ice pack:

Mix 1 part alcohol with 3 parts water in the ziploc bag size of your choice, add food coloring, insert in second bag, remove as much air as possible and freeze – courtesy of OneGoodThing by Jillee

OR

Mix 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol with a 9 oz bottle of dish soap in the ziploc bag size of your choice, add food coloring, insert in second bag, remove as much air as possible and freeze – courtesy of the Krazy Koupon Lady

Keep in the the freezer for after practice or game injury management. You can also use them in your cooler to keep food cold on gameday.

** Be sure to remind kids NOT to drink these (EEEWWW YUCK) and always put a barrier between your skin and the ice pack like a thin towel.

Image Source: Real Simple