Finding ways to keep kids engaged and interested in activities that don’t involve a screen can be difficult. Parents, teachers and caregivers often feel like they’re constantly searching for new toys and books that appeal to a child’s ever-changing list of interests. If that shiny new thing has an educational element, even better. That’s why we are fans of make-your-own soap kits for kids, which touches on several learning skills and is a hit with kids.
Budding scientists will have fun making their own soap creations, using beakers, measuring cups and molds that are designed for their small hands. Children’s senses, including touch, smell and sight, are all activated while following the required steps. Reading instructions, measuring liquid, and working with the ingredients give kids a chance for hands-on learning, which also improves their motor skills.
Most of the kits included on our list require some adult supervision, but older users will also have fun working on a project that the whole family can enjoy. For an activity that smells great and is an excellent learning tool, we recommend make-your-own soap kits for kids.
1. Klutz Make Your Own Soap Craft & Science Kit
Make colorful and sweet-smelling coconut papaya soap with the Klutz Make Your Own Soap Craft & Science Kit. The comprehensive kit includes enough ingredients to make up to 10 small bars of soap. Users can choose from six mold designs and match 20 blocks of clear soap base with 20 color tablets. Cosmic glitter can also be used to make the soap even more exciting and each bar can be labeled with soap-friendly stickers. Designed for kids ages SIX and up, the kit also includes a full color, 36-page instruction manual.
Pros: The kit includes a gift tag and gift box.
Cons: The soap hardens fast and users must move quickly to get the heated liquid into the mold, making this a project that requires adult supervision.
2. Kiss Naturals DIY Soap Making Kit
Make 16 small bars of hand soap in your own home with the Kiss Naturals DIY Soap Making Kit. The kit includes natural, organic ingredients that are safe enough for kids to eat. The kit includes fun molds, like dinosaurs and stars, as well as a glycerin soap base and coloring agents. The ingredients are free from parabens, synthetics, toxins, chemicals and are made in the US. An illustrated instruction manual and journal for young scientists is also included with the kit, which is recommended for ages six and up.
Pros: The soaps take only 20 minutes to dry, which is great for impatient scientists.
Cons: The kit comes in an oversized box and the ingredients only make small bars.
3. Dan & Darci Soap and Bath Bomb Making Kit for Kids
Fill your bathroom with fun new products using the Dan & Darci Soap and Bath Bomb Making Kit for Kids. Using ingredients that either meet or exceed safety requirements for children’s products, the kit comes with everything customers will need to create eight hand soaps, 10 bath bombs and two bath scrubs. Kids will learn about the chemical reaction of mixing commonly found ingredients, including baking soda, citric acid and crystallized sea salt. A manual will guide children through the steps and instruct them on how to use the included mold, beakers, liquid color and baby oil.
Pros: Fun extras like gift bags and charms to put inside the bath bombs are also included.
Cons: The color used for the bath bombs may leave stains on the inside of bathtubs.
4. Project Mc2 Ultimate Spa Studio Stem Science Cosmetic Kit
Go beyond soap with the Project Mc2 Ultimate Spa Studio Stem Science Cosmetic Kit. The kit includes enough ingredients to make six bars of soap using the gemstone mold, two bottles of scented body lotion and five lip balms. The scents can be mixed and matched for each item and users can also experiment with lip balm flavors. The set is recommended for ages six and up.
Pros: The three-in-one kit makes it possible for a group of children to be working on different items simultaneously, making this a great option for parties and playdates.
Cons: The lip balm is tedious to make and time-consuming.