Easy Rice Heating Pad Gifts | Family Economics

By Cathe Holden

For last minute gifts to those everyday people in your life, such as teachers, letter carriers, or your favorite barista, a simple handmade gift may be ideal. A small rice-heating pad customized just for them is not only a kind offering, but very simple to make. Small pads are perfect for relieving headaches, muscle aches and sinus pain.

The overall design is somewhat the same as a pillow and separate pillowcase.

For the rice "pillow,” cut two rectangles of cotton fabric, such as muslin or flannel. With right sides facing inward, sew along the edges leaving a 2-3-inch area open for turning and filling. Trim off triangles at the corners to lessen bulk in those areas and turn the piece right side out. Press seams and at the opening with fabric folded inward.

Fill the bag loosely with rice, not too full and not too sparse, about as full as a beanbag that you used to toss as a kid. Hand stitch the opening to close off the pillow.

The washable cover is a similar piece cut a bit wider than the rice pillow and much longer to allow for a fold-in hem at the opening. Sew as you would the pillow leaving one end open, fold that open area inward, press and sew. Finally, slide in the pillow.

Attach a little gift hangtag or paper band wrap with instructions for heating 1-2 minutes in the microwave.

Customize by printing personalized graphics onto printable fabric from your desktop printer or iron-on transfer sheets. Use free downloadable graphics from the Internet, a photograph, or simple soothing words like “Relax.” You can create your hangtag to match. You may want to make extra cases to include with your gift.