Fun Father's Day Gift and Activity

Father’s Day is almost here and I'm usually up late trying to find some fun gift for my kiddies to give to their dad.  Once we created a BBQ rub which in the end had a little too much cayenne pepper and a lot of ‘heat’ to it.  It probably should have come with a disclaimer, but it was the thought that counts. Right?  I guess that’s what happens when there are 24  seven year olds  measuring the spices. Not this year... I got an early start and it feels GREAT!

We created key chains using Shrinky Dinks and the kids and I loved how they came out.  The kids used the frosted Shrinky Dinks and a template of a star or a tie  or they were able to create their own.  It’s super simple.

I cut each sheet into 4 pieces (each piece was 4x5) so you'll just need one pack.

We used Sharpies (on the rough side of the shrinky dink) to outline the shape and  colored pencils to color it in.  Since the shrinky dink has a shiny/dull side when done, my kids wrote the DAD in reverse so it would look right on the shiny side and it would be the ‘front’ of the keychain. They practiced on a post-it and then traced it in the keychain.

This is what it looked like on the rough side.

Cut out the shape and make sure there are no sharp edges- they will become sharper when shrunk.

Most important: PUNCH THE KEYHOLE (larger than you want it since it will shrink too!) BEFORE BAKING!!!   It will NOT work after- I know this by experience!

We shrank them in the classroom and used a toaster set at 325 for 1-3 mins- colored side up. I used the toaster tray and put a piece of cut up paper bag on top so it wouldn’t stick.  So many of them hadn’t used them before so it was a hoot to watch their reaction. 

Prior to baking:

After a few minutes, take it out, pop them onto a table and if needed, flatten them out by using another piece of paper.

I sprayed them with a clear spray (just on the dull side) and added the steel rings when they were done. 

We wrapped them up in tissue paper and added them to our gift bag along with our Father’s Day book, acrostic poem, and card. You can create this book and card with your class by clicking here. We are ready to go!

  

I also love this year's cast of characters... too cute!

 These also make a great June snack- what a fun way to start the summer!

Here's what you'll need:
Bun- Nilla Cookies
Burger-Grasshopper Cookies
Lettuce- Coconut (add a touch of green 
food coloring and toss in a ziploc)
Mustard and Ketchup- red and yellow icing (the kind you squirt)