sock puppets

Sock monsters are one of my favorite on-the-fly entertainment tricks and a cost-free way to creatively reinvent solo socks. If the simple Sharpie-drawn monster is beneath your crafty standards, try Monster Munch's free downloadable pattern and instructions. It's a quick eight-step process that involves two socks, two buttons, a bit of felt, and some stuffing. Try it once and then teach your grade schooler to make their own.

While what happens to disappearing socks in the wash remains a mystery, here's a quick tip on what you can do with the spares. Take a sharpie marker and draw faces on them and pop them in your purse.

The next time your child fusses in a long line or waiting room, pull them out. Just the right size for lil hands, these impromptu puppets should provide adequate entertainment until the end of the line. And, if they get lost — there will always be another one in the next load of laundry.

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