Simple Upcycled Hot and Cold Pack Softie

My munchkin’s collection of mini stuffed animals has inexplicably multiplied since the massive purge before our international move so I’ve been trying to think up clever upcycles that will give those little furry friends more to do than just sit and look adorable.

The holiday season gave my refashionista brain a boost and I came up with a project that’s not only useful but also makes a quick and easy DIY gift:

Steal some of your kiddo’s stuffed toys (or hit the thrift shop) and make a Simple Upcycled Hot and Cold Pack Softie in minutes!

Simple Upcycled Hot and Cold Pack Softie

You’ll need: a seam ripper (or scissors), needle & thread, a soft toy without any plastic or metal details or features and rice.

Simple Upcycled Hot and Cold Pack Softie

Carefully open one of the seams on the toy and remove the stuffing.

Simple Upcycled Hot and Cold Pack Softie

Quick tip before the next step: add a couple of drops of a yummy essential oil to the rice and give it a good mix!

Simple Upcycled Hot and Cold Pack Softie

Grab a funnel and refill the soft toy with the rice.

The toy should have enough rice in it to sit up but still be soft enough to lay comfortably on your body.

Simple Upcycled Hot and Cold Pack Softie

Securely handstitch the opening closed.

Simple Upcycled Hot and Cold Pack Softie

And your adorable heat and cold pack is ready for action!

Simple Upcycled Hot and Cold Pack Softie

Pop it in the microwave for 1 minute to heat it up or let it chill in the fridge (or freezer) for a while to cool it down.

A crazy quick and easy last minute gift that’s perfect to cozy up with on chilly days!

Check out all of my handmade holiday DIYs right over here and get upcycling those last minute makes!

6 Comments

  1. I just came across your blog via a link someone posted on facebook, and I’m glad I did! Love your ideas. This heat/cold pack is so sweet!

    1. Cheers and welcome! 😀 Have a fantastic upcycled holiday season!

  2. Silvia says:

    This is a great idea!!! Thank you!!! I have been saving cherry pits for years but still haven’t done anything with them ’cause I have no much time to sew, thus looks like a perfect solution!!!
    But I have a question: is it ok if the soft toy is not made out of cotton fabric?
    Thank you for the inspirations!!!

    1. Cherry pits would be awesome instead of rice 😀 The toys I’ve used have all been polyester fabric blends, as long as there is no metal or plastic on the toy it should be fine for 60 seconds in the microwave 🙂

  3. Natalia says:

    Genius!!!!

    1. Cheers Natalia 😀 Happy (refashionista) holidays!

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