You know, when your kids (or grand kids in my case) get older it's kinda sad...
...especially at Christmas time.
It can be a real challenge to surprise them.
It seems like we mostly give money or gift cards these days...
...but I always try to do my best to keep some element of surprise going.
What do you see when you look at these?
M&M's, right? (actually, one of them is Skittles)
M&M's, right? (actually, one of them is Skittles)
What you can't see is the secret compartment that holds something that everyone loves...
...CA$H!
I first saw the idea on Pinterest using a pint jar and a toilet paper roll.
You create a center compartment to hide the money, pour the candy around it and...viola!
I was so going to do this and I was extra excited when I found these adorable plastic containers.
Dollar Tree...just had to get them.
Dollar Tree...just had to get them.
One problem. The toilet paper roll was way too skinny and short...
...and I needed a TON of candy to fill the gap!
Do you happen to know how expensive M&M's are these days?
Plus, I was not going back to Walmart on the Saturday before Christmas...just to get them!
So I rummaged through my cupboards...
...aha...red SOLO cups to the rescue!!
...aha...red SOLO cups to the rescue!!
Here's what I did...
Cut a circle of white paper to fit the bottom and place inside the container.
I cut the white rim off the cup with scissors...the candy hides the cup better without the rim...
...then I cut a slit up one side to allow it to fit down in the jar.
Insert the money...or gift card...or diamond ring...whatever you want to hide.
The possibilities are endless :)
Turn the cup over...
...and fill with candies...or nuts...or whatever...
...these happen to be the Skittles :)
As you are filling, make sure to hold the cup in place so it doesn't shift on one side.
Jiggle the jar around a little so all the spaces get filled...clear to the top.
Do you see a red SOLO cup?
I didn't think so :)
It only took about one and a half bags of candy to fill in the side areas.
Of course, you can always use a smaller jar and go back to the toilet paper roll if you want:)
And there you have it...it's better than Cracker Jacks...
...because you weren't expecting the prize inside!
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