Kids love to play and create. They especially love when they can make something and give it as a gift to someone special. These homemade paper weights are perfect to keep your little ones busy while creating a cost-effective gift for a loved one. Plus, they're fun and creative, and an especially good idea to conquer boredom on a rainy day!

Shop at Dollar Tree – Here's What You'll Need:

• 1 Cup Salt
• ½ Cup Cornstarch
• ⅔ Cup Water
• Embellishments (Such as marbles, toy cars, buttons, rocks, glass gems, etc.)
• Food Coloring (optional)

Easy Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Mix ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat until a thick dough forms. It should form a ball and no longer stick to the sides of the pan.
2. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. Once it is cool enough to be handled, knead on the counter a few times. If you want, add a few drops of food coloring before kneading. Mix in completely, or just a few times to have a marbled effect.
4. Let the kids form the dough into any shape they want and offer the assortment of trinkets for them to embed in the dough.
5. Allow to dry overnight on a wire rack. If the shape is particularly thick or large, use a spoon to scoop out the insides, leaving about ½ to ¾ of an inch of thickness to ensure even and complete hardening.

Fun Tips:

• When coming up with ideas, think about things Dad likes to do. Did you see his dream car in the toy section at Dollar Tree? Maybe you can shape the paperweight so it can double as a golf hole so he can practice putting at the office? Use a toothpick and a cut triangle of paper to make a flag. Mix the colors of his favorite sports team and press a handprint of his budding quarterback. The possibilities are endless!
• Make it a whole desk set! Hunt for the Father's Day Desk Mug on this month's Value Seekers Club page. Be sure to also include sticky notes, pens, and notebooks from Dollar Tree.