Encore: Simple Giving-DIY Rice Sock

Over the past year, a few This American Home posts have earned the distinction of getting the most hits and attracting the most eyes.

This entry on DIY Rice Socks is one of the winners. According to my statistics the page has been looked at by folks around the world in countrys big and very small. Cool.

I am re-publishing the idea as an encore for new and loyal readers alike. Warm wishes:

  

Several years ago, I learned about the rice sock. A simple, home-made solution for warming up chilly bedsheets in winter or soothing sore muscles.

The socks were such a hit at our house, I started making them as gifts for close friends and family who wouldn't laugh too hard at receiving such a strange and admittedly odd-looking item. Once they tried it, however, the skeptics were converted. 

But there was a new problem. Squabbles broke out over who got to cozy up to the rice sock at night, and I ended up making several more to keep the peace. 

Over the years, I have considered jazzing them up -maybe adding scented herbs like lavender or layering a soft cashmere sock as an outer layer. But it's hard to beat the no-frills simplicity of the basic model.

As my holiday gift to you, I am including the directions below. Make one for yourself first! You deserve it! Then, if you know of someone who might appreciate a thoughtful, little gift feel free to share the love & warmth. Peace.

Uncooked rice.                            

Pour rice into a new, clean cotton athletic sock, leaving enough room to tie off the top.

Tightly knot the top of the sock.

Add a gift tag with simple directions. To warm: heat in microwave for 2 - 3 minutes on high. Handle carefully and with common sense. Enjoy!