# Kid's "Potions" kit ingredient ideas? Safe but interesting stuff **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 23, 2018, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-potions-kit-ingredient-ideas-safe-but-interesting-stuff/816624 "2018-06-23T15:34:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2018, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-potions-kit-ingredient-ideas-safe-but-interesting-stuff/816624/61 "2018-06-24T20:12:04Z")
> [@araminty](#): > > How about those hydrogel moisture beads? You can buy them in the garden or hardware store, they’re added to the soil of potted plants. (It doesn’t really work well, BTW). But if you soak them in water they expand. Apparently if you mix these beads with tonic water, [they glow](https://gosciencegirls.com/glow-water-beads/) under a black light. These, of course, would be Grindylow eggs. ---
**Author:** ![Tarataratara](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Tarataratara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tarataratara)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2018, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-potions-kit-ingredient-ideas-safe-but-interesting-stuff/816624/62 "2018-06-24T23:12:57Z")
What a fun idea! Someone mentioned cornstarch. You could label it quicksand. I don’t think it needs to go down the drain. Colored sugar or sprinkles - rainbow powder Vanilla extract - what to name it? Cocoa powder - Label it bittersweet as it smells chocolately but tastes bitter. Salt water or coarse salt - phoenix tears Eyeball sprinkles - eye of newt Gummy worms, fish, frogs, etc. Bones candy - lizard bones Licorice whips - tail of rat ---
**Author:** ![california\_jobcase](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9d8465/32.png) [@california\_jobcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/california_jobcase)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2018, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-potions-kit-ingredient-ideas-safe-but-interesting-stuff/816624/63 "2018-06-24T23:33:10Z")
It’s easy to make magic sand, the kind that doesn’t get wet in water. Just moisten clean sand with regular Rain-X and dry it out. This wouldn’t be for a kid who might ingest it, however. ---
**Author:** ![Bad\_News\_Baboon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/5fc32e/32.png) [@Bad\_News\_Baboon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bad_News_Baboon)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2018, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-potions-kit-ingredient-ideas-safe-but-interesting-stuff/816624/64 "2018-06-25T04:35:43Z")
This milk trick is cool: [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/LRZz0RAiuHo/hqdefault.jpg "Milk and Food Coloring Experiment - Magic Soap Science Experiment!") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRZz0RAiuHo) ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2018, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-potions-kit-ingredient-ideas-safe-but-interesting-stuff/816624/65 "2018-06-25T16:14:11Z")
[Elephant toothpaste](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5qvi20J5IM) (or dragon toothpaste for your purposes :)). [This video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUMH01fD94I) should give you a few ideas. ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2018, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-potions-kit-ingredient-ideas-safe-but-interesting-stuff/816624/66 "2018-06-25T16:23:20Z")
^ Get outta here! You faked all those with yer computer! 😉 Forget junior wizards–_I_ wanna try those! 🆒🆒🆒🆒 ---
**Author:** ![Periwinkle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Periwinkle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Periwinkle)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2018, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-potions-kit-ingredient-ideas-safe-but-interesting-stuff/816624/67 "2018-06-25T18:19:55Z")
Do you think he would like to make his own bath bombs? There are different recipes but this video looks pretty good: [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/TEqcpMx-6C0/maxresdefault.jpg "DIY | Perfect Bath Bomb Recipe") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEqcpMx-6C0) Something more simple would be to make his own bath salts, you can just mix up Epsom salts with a little fragrance oil and food color (optional). He could make gifts by putting his mix into a container that he decorates himself. ---
**Author:** ![Quercus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/7ab992/32.png) [@Quercus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quercus)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2018, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-potions-kit-ingredient-ideas-safe-but-interesting-stuff/816624/68 "2018-06-25T20:38:51Z")
Not entirely sure how to work this into the ‘potion kit’ idea, but next time ya’ll mix baking soda and acid, put some dish soap and food coloring in the liquid first. Colored bubbles that last for several minutes instead of immediately disappearing. ---
**Author:** ![spidercat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8e8cbc/32.png) [@spidercat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spidercat)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2018, 11:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-potions-kit-ingredient-ideas-safe-but-interesting-stuff/816624/69 "2018-06-28T11:32:42Z")
[https://waterandhealth.org/healthy-pools/pool-test-kit-chlorine-ph-strips/?gclid=CjwKCAjw68zZBRAnEiwACw0eYYFAZngmrrkQ\_kPBs7SOdFh03I0fq0LsSfEQKwprjfFrlzZPiaL9OxoCBXMQAvD\_BwE](https://waterandhealth.org/healthy-pools/pool-test-kit-chlorine-ph-strips/?gclid=CjwKCAjw68zZBRAnEiwACw0eYYFAZngmrrkQ_kPBs7SOdFh03I0fq0LsSfEQKwprjfFrlzZPiaL9OxoCBXMQAvD_BwE) Hope that link works – came across it just now, free chlorine and pH pool testing strips! ---
**Author:** ![StGermain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stgermain/32/2868_2.png) [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2018, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-potions-kit-ingredient-ideas-safe-but-interesting-stuff/816624/70 "2018-06-28T21:13:27Z")
It would be neat if he got boxes from Hogwarts (or some store in Diagon Alley). You could do cool things with the wrapping or the boxes, and kids love getting mail. If he got something every couple of months (have a friend mail it) to add to his Hogwarts Hope Chest. StG ---
**Author:** ![emmaliminal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7bcc69/32.png) [@emmaliminal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emmaliminal)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2018, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-potions-kit-ingredient-ideas-safe-but-interesting-stuff/816624/71 "2018-12-20T20:03:33Z")
It’s not a zombie, it was only hibernating! I finally finished up the Potions Box! It came out wonderfully! Photos: > **[Log into Facebook](https://m.facebook.com/groups/2408464343/permalink/10156797203224344/)** > > Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know. I found an absolutely perfect old wooden jewelry chest at the thrift store with room for ALL the fantastic ideas you gave me, plus the leftovers from the previous incarnations of the potion kits, plus a generous helping of plastic labware for the kid to use (and quit using all our glass tumblers instead). And I actually finished it before Christmas! I guess now I have to figure out how to wrap it, huh? **THANK YOU ALL** ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2018, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-potions-kit-ingredient-ideas-safe-but-interesting-stuff/816624/72 "2018-12-20T20:52:01Z")
Any way to get Jack Skellington to deliver it? In full Xmas regalia? And if he doesn’t know Mr. Skellington, it might be time to introduce them? ---
**Author:** ![Hampshire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hampshire/32/4887_2.png) [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2018, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-potions-kit-ingredient-ideas-safe-but-interesting-stuff/816624/73 "2018-12-20T21:04:57Z")
If he hasn’t had the opportunity to play with it, corn starch is dirt cheap and really fun to play with when mixed with water. It’s the stuff moves around like a liquid but acts like a solid when pressure is applied to it. You can squeeze it into a ball in your hand but as soon as you stop squeezing it just melts in your hand. ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2018, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-potions-kit-ingredient-ideas-safe-but-interesting-stuff/816624/74 "2018-12-21T16:01:47Z")
This spell could be VERY dangerous, for reasons that will become apparent: When Wizard, Sr. is sitting in his favorite chair, watching the game (Quidditch, of course), Jr. Wizard runs up to him, yells, “SHAZAM!” and drops a peanut into his open deuce-deuce. And runs like all the daemons of Hell are on his heels. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2018, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-potions-kit-ingredient-ideas-safe-but-interesting-stuff/816624/75 "2018-12-22T17:26:05Z")
> [@emmaliminal](#): > > It’s not a zombie, it was only hibernating! I finally finished up the Potions Box! It came out wonderfully! Photos: > > [Straight Dopers | Facebook](https://m.facebook.com/groups/2408464343/permalink/10156797203224344/) Finally remembered to check that link while not at work and all I see is: > [@](#): > > The page you requested cannot be displayed right now. It may be temporarily unavailable, the link you clicked on may be broken or expired, or you may not have permission to view this page. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![emmaliminal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7bcc69/32.png) [@emmaliminal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emmaliminal)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2018, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-potions-kit-ingredient-ideas-safe-but-interesting-stuff/816624/76 "2018-12-22T19:00:13Z")
> [@Skywatcher](#): > > Finally remembered to check that link while not at work and all I see is: ☹ Oh, are you perhaps not a Facebook Straight Doper? Is there somewhere better I should post photos? You can’t post them here yet, can you? I’m a bit out of touch. ---
**Author:** ![zweisamkeit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zweisamkeit/32/4360_2.png) [@zweisamkeit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zweisamkeit)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2018, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-potions-kit-ingredient-ideas-safe-but-interesting-stuff/816624/77 "2018-12-23T15:41:26Z")
You could use [imgur.com](http://imgur.com)! Free to use and you can set pictures to be public or private; others can still view private photos, but only when given/by clicking on the direct URL. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2018, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-potions-kit-ingredient-ideas-safe-but-interesting-stuff/816624/78 "2018-12-23T19:20:23Z")
> [@emmaliminal](#): > > Oh, are you perhaps not a Facebook Straight Doper? I’m on FB but not part of any SD group. ---
**Author:** ![emmaliminal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7bcc69/32.png) [@emmaliminal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emmaliminal)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2018, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-potions-kit-ingredient-ideas-safe-but-interesting-stuff/816624/79 "2018-12-23T20:57:45Z")
Oh! OK, try this: [**THE POTION BOX**](https://m.imgur.com/gallery/TBb0qhu) (via Imgur) ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2018, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-potions-kit-ingredient-ideas-safe-but-interesting-stuff/816624/80 "2018-12-23T22:09:44Z")
That is absolutely amazing!! Well done, **emm!** Take a bow! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-potions-kit-ingredient-ideas-safe-but-interesting-stuff/816624.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-potions-kit-ingredient-ideas-safe-but-interesting-stuff/816624.md?page=5)