Treasure Balls

Treasure Balls are fun to make, and even more fun to break! Kids love the mess in making these treasures.  They would be great for hiding clues in a Treasure Hunt, or could be a children's Birthday Party Activity.

Treasure Balls

This picture shows Treasure Balls that have just been made by children. As the Treasure Balls dry, they lighten in color. Kids love smashing them to find the treasure!

There are lots of craft and activity ideas in our kids crafts library.

Treasure Balls

Materials List

1 cup used coffee grinds
1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1/4 cup sand
3/4 cup water

Instructions

1. Put all the dry ingredients in a bowl and stir until blended.  
   
2. Slowly add water until the mixture can be kneaded.  It should be the consistency of bread dough
   
3. Shape into a ball, then press your thumb into the center to make a hole.  Put the treasure in the hole (see Treasure Ball 1 in the picture above), then the dough over the hole and roll out the ball to hide the hole (see Treasure Ball 2).
   
4. Let your Treasure Balls air dry for 2-3 days.  Be sure to rotate them so they dry evenly.

Hints:

• If the mixture is too wet, add more flour.
• If the kids are in a hurry, your Treasure Balls can be 'baked' on a cookie sheet in a 150F oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Break the Treasure Balls outside where it's easier to clean up!
• Don't leave them for more than week, or you will need a hammer to break them!

Ideas for Using Treasure Balls

• Hide the clues in the balls (wrapped in plastic, or in small plastic containers) for a Treasure Hunt.
• Children can put small (plastic wrapped!) presents inside a Treasure Ball.  Would make a fun way to give Mom a necklace.
• Put colored disks in the Treasure Balls.  Assign points to the different colors and see whose treasure balls have the most points.
• Use Treasure Balls to put some fun in simple presents for children.  If your giving a young boy a collection of marbles, or plastic lizards, hide them in treasure balls.

For more ideas, learn about Treasure Hunts.

Ideas for items to put in a Treasure Ball

• Beads
• Small plastic toys
• Fancy erasers
• Well-wrapped candy
• Coins
• Clues to a big treasure

There are lots of craft and activity ideas in our kids crafts library.

Send us a note if you have any questions.

Let us know your ideas for using Treasure Balls, and we'll share them with other visitors.

Note for Parents:

Every parent must use their own judgment in choosing which activities are safe for their own children.  While Creative Kids at Home makes every effort to provide activity ideas that are safe and fun for children it is your responsibility to choose the activities that are safe in your own home.

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