"Green" Patriotic Party Favors

Everyone is looking for ways to live greener. For parties, living green is easier than you think. Not using disposable table ware is one sure way to put a smile on Mother Nature's face. But what about party favors? Fourth of July is next week and I have 4 economic and eco-friendly party favors for your Fourth of July shin-dig.

First, make some homemade play-dough. It takes less than 10 minutes to make with ingredients you already have in the pantry. Homemade play dough is made with natural ingredients and by putting the finished product into baby food jars, extra eco-friendly.

Kool aid play-dough

You will need:

• 2 1/2 cups flour

• 1 cup salt

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 2 cups boiling water

• 2 packages unsweetened Kool-Aid (red or blue)

• Baby food jars, paint (red white and blue), patriotic stickers

Instructions:

Mix dry ingredients. Add oil and water. Wearing gloves, knead for 10 minutes. Store in baby food jars in refrigerator.

Tips: Make 3 batches, one red, one blue, and leave one without Kool-aid for white. Before putting play-dough in jars, paint the lids red white and blue and let dry. Decorate the jar with patriotic stickers.

Another great idea for an eco-friendly party favor for the kids is organic bean bags. The kids can play with them at your Fourth of July bash and enjoy them for years to come. This you can also make on your own for next to nothing. Don't worry, if you don't sew, I have an alternative.

Fourth of July Bean Bags

You will need:

• 2 1-lb bags of dry organic peas or beans

• ½ yard Fourth of July themed cotton material

• Hot glue gun and glue sticks

• Scissors

Instructions:

Cut your cloth into 6" x 6" squares. Fold a one inch "flap" on each side. Putting wrong sides of two pieces together, hot glue flaps of three sides together. Turn right -side out and fill with beans, leaving about a half- inch to an inch empty. Hot glue last side together.

Game idea: How about a bean bag toss game with the kids at your Fourth of July party? Use your homemade bean bags and buckets to have a fun bean bag toss with the kids. (Or the adults, they deserve to have a little fun too.)

An easy party favor for adults is flower seeds. Flower seeds are wonderful because not only will they turn into something beautiful, but they are also environmentally friendly by protecting the earth's natural resources. This project can be completed in less than 10 minutes as well and will cost less than $10 for several guests.

Patriotic Flower Party Favors

You will need:

• 3 flower packets for each guest (red, white, and blue blooms)

• Scissors

• 1/4" patriotic ribbon

• Single hole punch

• Blank business cards

Instructions:

Holding all three flower packets together, shake seeds down to the bottom. Keeping them together, punch a hole through the top left corner of all three packets. On a blank business card, write a personal note for your recipient. Punch a hole through the top left corner of the business card. Cut a 6" length of ribbon and thread through the 3 packets and business card (with the business card on top) and tie in a shoestring bow.

Light up the night with beeswax candles. Beeswax candles are a great because they are great for allergy sufferers and are non-toxic on the environment. You can get them in many colors and fragrances, but if you choose the unscented, they have a natural honey smell. You can purchase them at most local craft stores or online at Bluecorn Naturals (www.beeswaxcandles.com) To save money on containers or holders, put them in Mason jars and tie a red, white, and blue ribbon around the neck.

These eco-friendly Fourth of July party favor ideas are all super simple and inexpensive. Have a safe and happy Fourth!