8 Fun Kool-Aid Ideas – Non-Drinkable That Is!

By: Trisha Novotny

It’s time to think beyond the pitcher when it comes to using those packets of Kool-Aid drink mix.  The Next time you are at the grocery store pick up a few extra Kool-Aid packets and gather your kids around to  create one or more of these fun summer ideas using Kool-Aid:

#1 Kool-Aid Edible treats - 

So many ways to eat Kool-Aid

Kool-Aid Frosting
Stir a package of Kool-Aid into a can of vanilla frosting.

Jello Cake Frosting
Fold in a pack of Kool-Aid into a container of thawed whipped topping. If the frosting is  too sour, add in a little sweetener .

Kool-Aid cookies

1 pkg kool-aid (with no sugar)  flavor of your choice
1 2/3 Cups sugar
1 1/4 Cups butter
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
3 Cups flour
1/2 Cups sugar for dipping

Mix kool-aid with the sugar. Add softened butter and mix until fluffy. Add eggs and mix well. Stir in salt and baking soda. Add flour in 1/2 cup increments and mix well after each addition.
Roll dough into 1 inch balls and roll in the sugar. Place them on greased cookie sheet and into 325 degree oven for 10-12 minutes. Remove cookies from sheet after 1 minute and let cool.

#2 Kool-Aid Sand Art Bottles

Children will love making these artistic ‘sand bottles’ when they use Kool-Aid crystals to create this craft. Kool-Aid Art Bottles are attractive gifts as well. Click here for  Kaboose’s step by step how to instructions.

#3 Kool-Aid Tie-Dye -

Create a fun summer memory by tie-dyeing t-shirts with your kids using this simple Kool-Aid recipe

T-shirt
Several Packets of Unsweetened Kool-Aid
Vinegar
Small Plastic Bowls
Plastic Gloves
Rubber Bands

Use as many of Kool-Aid colors as you desire

For each color of Kool-Aid, put 1 packet of Kool-Aid and 1 ounce of vinegar into individual plastic bowls. Mix until dissolved.

Pull and twist your t-shirt into different shapes and use the rubber bands to hold in place. Dip rubber-banded ends in bowls.

Heat set with an iron on medium-high setting using an  cloth between shirt and iron. Hang to dry. Do not wash for 24 hours. Wash separately from other clothes the first wash just in case some color is released into the water.

TIPS: Kool-Aid stains  so be sure to wear rubber gloves when tye-dying  and wear grubby clothes…this is also a great outdoor activity.

Do not use a shirt that has been pre-washed or dried with fabric softener because the colors will not set.

#4 Kool-Aid Temporary Hair Dye -

When my #2 Daughter Savannah was little she was always begging to color her hair various shades of purple and pink  – I wish I had known this little secret of using Kool-Aid.  Yes, it is a super easy, super cheap, yet super messy way to temporarily color hair.  Click here to get the full how to from Pepper Paints.

#5 Kool-Aid Scratch & Sniff Watercolors  -

Out of paint and got artist begging to paint – You can create an assortment of water colors with this simple recipe:

#7 Fruity Scented Kool-Aid Play Dough Recipe -

kids of all ages love to create with play dough at least my kids do.  now you can make some amazing scented dough using Kool-Aid and the below recipe.

1 Cup Flour
1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil
1 Packet Unsweetened Kool-Aid
1/4 Cup Salt
2 Tablespoons Cream of Tartar
1 Cup Water

Mix flour, salt, cream of tartar and Kool-Aid in a medium pot.
Add water and oil.
Stir over medium heat 3 to 5 minutes.
When mixture forms a ball in pot, remove.
Knead until smooth.
Put in a plastic bag and refrigerate.

#8 Kool-Aid Dishwasher Cleaner -

Need to Clean the inside of your dishwasher? Pour a packet of unsweetened lemon Kool-Aid into the soap dispenser, run the wash cycle. It will remove stains and those hard water deposits.