Yesterday we shared our fun with Giant Water Bead Eyeballs and promised that we'd be back with an edible version suitable for a baby or a toddler. Because who doesn't want to play with eyeballs for Halloween, amiright? This sensory play took some thinking on my part, but once I figured it all out - it was pretty darn easy to set up. And X and S both LOVED it.
I'd made the eyeballs the night before after the kiddos were asleep, and was super excited to present it to X the next morning. I told him they were eyes and he started cracking up. He kept poking them and exclaiming "EYYYYEEE!!!!" At first he hesitated to pick them up, but then I encouraged him to grab one.
His "ooooh!" face, as he inspected the jiggly eyeball. He kept sporadically laughing the whole time. It was cracking me up.
Going in for another!
How about an an orange one this time?
Mama, they are just SO. FUNNY.
He's really big on poking MY eyeballs, so it wasn't too surprising that poking at them was his favorite part.
Hahaha this face was too good to not share.
I eventually encouraged him to squish a few, but mostly he enjoyed picking them up and poking them and then setting them down and repeating the whole process with another eyeball. It was so funny because I really think he got the humor in the whole play - he kept chuckling and saying "EYYEE!!" over and over. So cute.
Well sis was glad that he was content to just poke and inspect most of the eyeballs because that meant that when she got home from preschool she got to do this:
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Followed by complete eyeball annihilation. Which is totally cool because gelatin is like magic. A reader told me a while back that you can just reheat it in the microwave and when it cools it will reform. I tried and she's right (and SO BRILLIANT!). So really if squishing eyeballs is your thing, just make 'em over and over and over! :)
Alright, so here's how to make your own set of edible eyeballs:
1 packet Knox unflavored gelatin
food coloring
raisins
cooking oil
the bottoms of Plastic Easter Eggs
an old egg carton
Measure out around 3/4 cup of water and heat it to boiling. Add food coloring to the water and then add a packet of Knox gelatin and stir until totally dissolved. While that mixture sits, oil the insides of the bottom parts of Easter eggs (thank you to this post on making Jello Easter Eggs for inspiring the use of Easter egg molds!) and add one raisin to each. Refrigerate for 30-60 minutes, or until gelatin sets and voila - your very own edible eyeballs!
Now mind you, that recipe is for sensory play. It tastes gross because there's no flavor or sugar (but no sugar = WAY less sticky). However, if you wanted to make these as a tasty Halloween snack/treat, just use Jello instead of the gelatin! I think they'd be pretty fun -- and spooky!
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All activities here are activities I feel are safe for my own children. As your child's parents/guardians, you will need to decide what you feel is safe for your family. I always encourage contacting your child's pediatrician for guidance if you are not sure about the safety/age appropriateness of an activity. All activities on this blog are intended to be performed with adult supervision. Appropriate and reasonable caution should be used when activities call for the use of materials that could potentially be harmful, such as scissors, or items that could present a choking risk (small items), or a drowning risk (water activities), and with introducing a new food/ingredient to a child (allergies). Observe caution and safety at all times. The author and blog disclaim liability for any damage, mishap, or injury that may occur from engaging in any of these activities on this blog.
How fun!! And your son is absolutely adorable!!
ReplyDeleteThank you on both counts, Erin!!! :)
DeleteThis is really awesome! I'm sitting here with Bean on my lap while I read her the post and she has declared that we definitely have to try this so she can poke jiggly eyeballs. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kristan! Hahahaa! Smart girl - they are crazy fun!!!
DeleteHow neat! It looks like your kiddos had a blast playing with them!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Steph! They totally did!!! (I did too)
DeleteWow!! This is awesome~ you always think up the coolest stuff! And as usual, just love all the pics!
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks Chelsey!!!! I feel the same way about your awesome blog! I was just reading about Theo and his pumpkin invitation!!!
Deletebrilliant!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jen!!! :) :) :)
DeleteLoooooooooooooooooooooove it!!!! As well as the previous version! I cannot even express how cool these Halloween eyeballs are!
ReplyDeleteHahahaha! Thank you for putting a smile on my face, Mary Catherine!!!! :)
DeleteThanks for sharing this one. I am going to work this activity into my class plan for next week. Can't wait to have the kids do this one.
ReplyDeleteYAY! That is SO cool, Janet! I hope there are lots of squealing happy kiddos. :)
Deletehow much gelatin is in one of those packets? I have some gelatin I got from the bulk store and would like to try this...just don't know how much to use?
ReplyDeleteShoot - it totally doesn't say. I'd try 1 teaspoon per 1 cup water...
DeleteSuch a clever idea. I just discovered your blog and love all your wonderful ideas!! (kbn member) ;0)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Adele!!!! Yay! Off to check out your blog as well. :)
DeleteOMG!!! These are awesome. I'm going to make some for my Halloween Playgroup this week - thanks :)
ReplyDeleteOh yay! That sounds like the perfect Halloween Playgroup activity! :)
DeleteMine turned out looking a bit more like green boobs than eyes...but still fun for the little one to play with!
ReplyDelete