Rainy Day + Sock With No Mate = Homemade Fun.

If you’re anything like me, your kids (or you) have no less than 6 socks in their bureau with no match. I keep thinking that the companion sock will show up someday, somehow, and I want to be able to facilitate the happy reunion. But it never happens. So I’m still stuck with a dozen or so socks that are totally useless. What to do with useless items laying around the house? We fashion them into craft projects for the kids. Gawd, we’re so clever.

Check out these super cute crafts using those old socks that will never be worn again. Not on your feet anyways.

Ride-on Pony
These homemade versions are cheaper (and cuter!) than those awful store bought versions. Added bonus—after they make them, they will actually play with them. Giddy up!

Materials:
sock
cotton or polyfill stuffing
wooden rod (such as an old broom handle)
ruler
duct tape
cord
scissors
yarn
felt
glue

Instructions:
1. Fill the sock with the stuffing until it’s firm.
2. Measure 4 inches from the tip of the rod and wrap duct tape around that spot 10 to 12 times to create a ridge.
3. Push the rod into the sock (through the stuffing) until the taped ridge is a few inches below the sock’s heel.
4. Tie 2 feet of cord around the sock and pole, just below the ridge, to serve as reins.
5. Cut yarn for the mane and felt for the ears and eyes. Attach them with glue.

Bathroom Catchall
Why is all this junk on my counter, grrrr! Have the kids make up some super cute bathroom/kitchen/bedroom/whatever caddies to store all those I-Have-No-Home items.

Materials:
clean and dry plastic bottle (such as for soda)
scissors
sock
ruler
tape

Instructions:
1. Cut off the top of the bottle at the desired height.
2. Pull the sock over the bottle and trim it 2 inches above the rim.
3. Tuck that sock overhang inside the bottle and secure it with tape.

Hamsters
Even better than a Zhu Zhu pet! Also doubles as a hacky sack for older siblings (as longs as the younger ones aren’t looking). Because of the small parts, this toy “isn’t recommended for kids under the age of 4”.

Materials:
sock
uncooked rice
scissors
glue
small pom-poms
buttons

Instructions:
1. Fill the sock with the rice until it’s firm.
2. Knot the end of the sock tightly; trim any excess.
3. Glue on pom-poms and buttons to create a face.