Don't let the packing peanuts sit there, make something with them!
Packing peanuts keep fragile items safe throughout the shipping process, but they are not always welcome in the home. Save the peanuts for when you need to ship something that can break, or use them to create crafts the whole family can enjoy. Packing peanuts make wonderful materials because they are small, simple to work with and can be painted easily to create many different craft items.
Sculptures
Certain types of packing peanuts such as natural or biodegradable peanuts can be moistened down and will stick to one another. These peanuts can be purchased at office supply stores in different colors. Use the ability of the peanuts sticky together to create colorful creatures. Supply the children with a wet sponge so that they can easily moisten a small portion of the packing peanut to attach it to another.
String Crafts
Use packing peanuts to create string crafts such as necklaces and holiday decorations. Color the packing peanuts with either markers or paints and allow the peanuts to dry completely. Do not use the biodegradable packing peanuts for coloring or painting as they will break down because of the moisture in the markers and paint. Use yarn, twine or string, and string the peanuts along with colorful beads to make necklaces and decorations.
Igloo
Create an Eskimo igloo using white packing peanuts. Place a bowl upside down to create the base of the igloo. Use a cut toilet paper roll to create a dome shape for the door of the igloo. Mix together shaving cream and glue and cover the bowl and toilet paper roll. Add the packing peanuts around the igloo and door in a block pattern to make it look like blocks of snow.
Snowman
Use white packing peanuts to create a snowman. Begin with a paper towel roll and stand it up vertically. Begin gluing on white packing peanuts, starting at the bottom of the paper towel roll. Once a few rows of peanuts have been created at the bottom, work your way up the paper towel roll with additional peanuts. Allow the glue to dry. Add ribbon and construction paper to complete the scarf and other elements such as the nose, eyes, and hat of the snowman. Use Popsicle sticks to create the arms of the snowman.
