These warm buddy rice bags heat in the microwave and stay warm while your little ones fall asleep. A cozy little softie for bedtime! They also work great as boo boo bags and can be used warm or cold (frozen).
I wanted to make my kids a little something homemade for Christmas. Aaron has a little gingerbread rice bag that my mom sent him for his birthday a few years ago. He can heat it in the microwave and it stays warm in his bed while he falls asleep. Kaylee and Dallin like him as well so I thought I'd make a couple of rice bags for Christmas. They were SO fun to make!
I'm not sure what the appeal is in these little ugly monster dolls, but my boys saw them recently and wanted them. I was not going to spend the money that the store was asking, so I made my own.
Making 2 dimensional softies is super simple. I can't make dolls. Sewing skinny arms/legs, stuffing them and adding details is just too much for me to handle, but I can do these little 2-D softies all day.
You don't need a special pattern to make these rice bags. I use coloring sheets that I find online.
 I print out one full scale on a piece of 8.5x11" paper and cut it out. That's it!
Then I use that to cut out 2 pieces of fleece.
The detail on the front is cut out of felt or flannel and sewn on by machine. I like to use fabric paint when I usually make little toys like this, but since these will be microwaved, I kept everything sewn and attached with thread.
Once the details are finished, I sew up the sides of the rice bags (right sides facing), leaving a small opening in the top. I clip corners, trim seams, then flip right side out and fill it up with rice (a little more than ¾ full---you don't want it packed too tight), a few drops of essential oil (optional, but covers up the musty rice smell), then hand stitch the top opening closed!
Microwave each rice bag  for 45 seconds at a time until nice and warm.
I can't wait for them to open them on Christmas morning!
 These bedtime rice bags would make great little birthday gifts for friends as well!
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Shelley says
what a special gift! 🙂
Brandy says
That's GREAT to know, Gillian! I will definietly try that next time. The kids still use these every night (it's been 3 months!) and I know they will wear out eventually so I'll grab some Japanese rice next time!
the Gillian says
FWIW, Japanese rice doesn't smell after it's been heated. I've seen people use flax seed as well- but I don't know what if any smells that might have.
Love the monsters. : )
Natasha Mairs says
how sweet
Natasha xx
http://www.serenityyou.blogspot.com
Heather at Dragonfly Designs says
So cute!! LOVE the monsters!! TFS!
xo
Heather
http://www.twindragonflydesigns.com
Melissa says
Too cute!!
Bri says
OH I love this idea! I think I might have to make these for all the neices and nephews next year! Thanks so much for sharing!
sugarswings says
great idea and great job on them!
Holly says
what a GREAT idea! These are so cute. I've seen the simple rice bags that you can microwave for aches and pains, but I never thought about doing different shapes! I need to make one for my kiddo!
Lillian says
Just linked over from Ohdeedoh and just had to say that I love these! Trying to think of how to make some time this week to squeeze them in before Christmas now:)
Lindsi B says
Aw, I love these and so would my kids! Would you please share this with my readers for Fun Stuff Fridays? http://www.toysinthedryer.com/2011/12/fun-stuff-fridays-4-3-weeks-long-for.html
Trisha @ clarionwren.com says
Okay, I'm pinning this idea! I wish I had my sewing machine before Christmas...but alas it will have to wait until after.
Melissa @ LoveBugLiving says
So cute! I've been doing all kinds of monster crafts for my little one's first birthday. Love all of yours!
marissa says
these are so cute, what a fun idea I'd love you to add this to my What We Wore and Made Party over at http://raegunwear.blogspot.com/search/label/WWWMW
Katie @ The Crafty Blog Stalker says
These are so cute and I know my kids would go crazy over these!
I would love for you to link up on Blog Stalking Thursday! http://thecraftyblogstalker.blogspot.com/2011/12/blog-stalking-thursday-19.html
Q @ JAQS says
These are awesome 🙂
Love for you to share it at my linky party here: http://www.jaqsstudio.com/2011/12/made-by-me-10-linky-party-and-features.html
house full of jays says
Just stumbled over here from Pinterest. What a great idea! I'm doing heating packs but nothing as cool as this...I may have to do a couple of these as well! Thanks!
Shannah @ Just Us Four says
These are so cute. I love the hello kitty one!
Lindsay(PACountryCrafts) says
very cute! my kids would love these, too!
Nancy says
I never gave anything like this a thought. My granbaby would love these cuddle bugs in the cold upnorth! Thank you!
Stephanie says
Those are really cute!