Homemade Bubbles: Easy, Cheap and Fun!

The Little Monkey loves bubbles. Now that the weather's thinking about getting warmer, I'm sure we'll be spending lots of time outside blowing them. I've found several variations for making homemade bubbles (generally one of two recipes). Going homemade is cheaper (mostly because you can make in a large amount from household items), and they work better than other "cheap" bubbles you might find. And of course you could double or half the recipe, depending on how much you want to make. Store the mixture in a jug and pour out into a shallow dish when needed. For best results, combine the ingredients the night before (but don't shake or stir them) and let them sit overnight.

This first recipe uses light corn syrup:

4 cups water

1 cup dishwashing soap 

1/4 cup light corn syrup*

*You might avoid this recipe if your yard is prone to stinging insects as the sweet corn syrup may attract them.

The next recipe uses glycerin, which is said to help make the bubbles work better. I've yet to try it, but when I do, I'll let you know what I find. Have any of you used glycerin to make bubbles? What did you think?

1 gallon water
2/3 cup dishwashing soap
2 to 3 tbsp. glycerin*

*Glycerin can be found at drug stores.

To go along with your bubbles, use objects from around your house as the bubble "wand." Try cookie cutters, pipe cleaners with shapes formed at the end and metal rings. Of course you can also often find bubble wands at discount or dollar stores.