Stick your gift cards in Elf Snot this year for Christmas and your kids will love it! It makes giving gift cards a little more personable, and a LOT more fun! Giving gift cards doesn’t have to be boring!
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With just a little slime (that takes seconds to make) and a cute, free printable sticker, you can take your gift card gift from practical, to star of the show!
My daughter has BEGGED to play with this stuff since I made it and she loves it! This is THE BEST slime recipe I’ve ever made. It doesn’t get slimy and sticky with time, but actually stores very well, making it ideal for this Elf Snot gift idea!
If you love funny gift ideas like this for all ages, you NEED to check out my big post of 40+ DIY Christmas gag gift ideas (or sometimes called White Elephant gifts) – they’re hilarious!!
If you’re just here for the free printables, and don’t want to read the tips on printing and instructions on how to put these together below, then you can get those HERE.
How do you make Elf Snot?
Step 1: Gather your supplies.
Elf Snot Supplies:
- 2 bottles of clear school glue
- Neon green food coloring gel
- Baking Soda
- Contact Solution with boric acid (read more on that below)
- Small Mason Jar (I LOVE these plastic ones for gifting)
- Free Printable Elf Snot Stickers
- Printable Sticker Paper
- Gift card or small gift of some sort
Scroll all the way to the bottom of this post for a simple, printable recipe for this Elf Snot DIY.
Step 2: Mix the glue and food coloring.
Use a fork (or similar tool) and mix the food coloring and the clear school glue together until well-blended.
I only use gel food coloring, and not liquid, for this project to keep the liquid ratio correct.
Step 3: Add the baking soda.
Sprinkle the baking soda in next and try to spread it out so it doesn’t clump. Mix it well, until all the lumps are gone.
Step 4: Add the contact solution.
Next, you will need to add in the contact solution to activate your slime and turn it from sticky to playable slime!
What is contact solution?
I’ve had a LOT of people ask me, “What is contact solution?” The simple answer is that it’s a liquid used for the care of contact lenses for your eyes. You can find it at just about any drug store or grocery chain.
What kind of contact solution should I use?
You absolutely need to use a contact solution that has boric acid for this to work as your slime activator.
I have only ever used Walmart’s Equate brand Multi-Purpose Solution as pictured above for this recipe, and it’s never failed me (plus it’s cheap.)
Step 5: Mix until it’s not sticky.
When you first start to mix, you will need to use a fork. It will start off stretchy and sticky, like this. Keep mixing.
After a while, you will need to switch to mixing with your hands, to get it to a non-sticky, pliable slime that makes perfect Elf Snot.
Step 6: Place your gift card in the jar.
I used these super cute small plastic mason jars I found at the dollar store. You can also sometimes find them at Dollar General.
BUT you can always find them on Amazon HERE, which is my favorite since I don’t need to wear pants.
Do I need to wrap the gift card in plastic?
Many have expressed concern that the Elf Snot slime will somehow damage the gift card or the magnetic stripe. I’ve been making this for years and leaving gift cards in the slime, and have never had an issue.
However, if you want to be on the safe side, you can wrap it in saran wrap before placing it in the jar.
You could always put other gifts besides gift cards in the jar. I’d probably stick those in plastic or something to make sure they stay clean.
But little toys like Shopkins, Tsum Tsums, Lego Minifigures etc, would be cool! You could also do golden dollars if you really want to make them work for it!
Step 7: Add the Elf Snot sticker.
Go to my free printable library HERE and print off the Elf Snot sheet onto sticker paper. You can find sticker paper at Walmart, or you can get it on Amazon HERE.
Wait until you’re completely done with the gift to put the sticker on. The Elf Snot slime can be wet, and might smudge your printed sticker if done early.
Now you’re finished with your Elf Snot slime gift! Give it to a kid, teen, or heck, even an adult! It makes for lots of laughter and fun and everyone gets a kick out of it!
How long can I store Elf Snot?
A lot of people wanted to know how long the slime stays good. If you keep it in a sealed container, in a cool, dry place, the slime can stay good for a few months.
It’s best to give it “fresh” because cooled slime won’t be as sticky and stretchy, but it’s still fine.
If you want to watch a live video I did answering any questions people have had about Elf Snot, or to see exactly what I used, how I mixed it, the consistency etc, you can see the live video I did on Facebook for that HERE!
Want some more Christmas DIYs?
- Rootin’ Tootin’ Gift Idea – this is another hilarious gag gift idea that everyone loves. It’s super simple to make!
- Christmas Tic Tac Gift – Turn Tic-Tacs into an adorable stocking stuffer with this cute little DIY!
- Sixlet Elves – these are a SUPER cute way to make Sixlets into adorable gifts for any age! The printable makes these take no time at all too!
- Grinch Hot Chocolate Bombs – these make the most amazing green hot chocolate and the free printable makes them a great gift too!
Elf Snot DIY
Make giving gift cards fun with Elf Snot this year! It's the perfect way to make people laugh at Christmas time!
Materials
- (2) 5 oz bottles of clear school glue
- Neon Green Gel Food Coloring
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 2 1/2 tablespoons contact solution
- Sticker Paper
- Free Printable Elf Snot Sticker Sheet
- Small Mason Jar
Instructions
- Mix the glue and the neon green food coloring together. Use a moderate amount of food coloring. Add more if you think it needs it.
- Sprinkle the baking soda over the top, and mix well with a fork until there are no lumps.
- Add in the contact solution and mix with the fork.
- After you've mixed with the fork for a while, mix with your hands until it's nice and stretchy, and not sticky.
- Put your gift ard, or other small gift, into the small mason jar.
- Add in the slime on top of the gift card until it's fully covered.
- Seal the mason jar with the lid.
- Print off the sticker onto sticker paper and cut it out. They will print 9 stickers per sheet.
- Put the Elf Snot sticker onto the jar.
Notes
- Your contact solution MUST HAVE boric acid to work. I always use Equate brand Multi-Purpose solution with great results.
- Store in a sealed container for best results.
- If you're concerned about damage to your gift, wrap the gift in saran wrap before putting in the Elf Snot slime.
Suzanne says
What is “contact solution” and where can you buy it?
Admin says
Contact solution is the saline solution that people clean their contacts with at night. Here’s a link to show you what I mean http://amzn.to/2Asm124 (aff). Hope that helps!
Lisa says
What size bottle of clear glue did you use?
Admin says
Just a regular sized bottle =)
Kathy H. says
I have found them in 4 & 7 1/4 oz bottles so which is needed? Can regular white glue be used?
Admin says
Those sizes will work fine, just make sure to get all the glue out of the bottle, or close to for the best results. I haven’t tried it with white, I’ve only ever tried it with clear or glitter glue and both of those worked fine.
Louise says
You can buy contact solution at most drug stores or grocery stores.
Gail says
I have tried this twice tonight and all I get is foamy slime. I left the first batch sit out on a cookie sheet and it finally lost the famines, but then it still wasn’t the fun slime you made. I measured exactly the quantities. I used 2 – 5 ounce bottles of glue. Just seems very liquid. No stretchy no can be done with this. Did you stir it very rapidly or very slowly so it wouldn’t get foamy. How long did you stir it before it held its form? I’m so bummed it didn’t work.
Admin says
Hey! Sorry you’re having trouble. I just mixed it with a silicone spatula til it needed more mixing than the spatula could make, and switched to mixing with my hands. Probably mixed for about 2-3 minutes total. It’s still a LITTLE slimy immediately after mixing, but if you leave it in a jar, for like thirty minutes sealed, it’s perfect and doesn’t stick to anything. My almost-two year old played with it tonight even, and it sticks to nothing. It’s amazing.
Becky says
I recommend using 1 6oz bottle of clear glue
1/2 tablespoon of baking soda
1 1/4 tablespoon of contact lense solution (any brand will work)
Mix the baking soda first then the contact solution to make it not sticky. You can always add more solution based on texture. This is the only recipe that has worked for my daughter.
Admin says
This is the same recipe as what I used in this post, it’s just doubled so there’s enough slime to cover the gift card well in the jar =)
Laura evers says
I just made 6 batches with my grand son, 6 oz Elmer’s white glue, 2 tablespoons distilled water, food coloring, mix well. Add .5 tablespoons baking soda, mix well then add 1.5 tablespoons multi-purposebcontact solution for soft contact lenses. We used Equate brand. Mix and then knead well put in a clean jar with lid. Found some cute smooth glass jars at Dollar General for a $1 east. Next step is to cut sign vinly of Grinch face for side of jar.
Admin says
Sounds adorable!
Gail says
I just noticed my phone chose words for me. Famines should have been foaminess, among other words that changed. Sorry.
Barb Vesco says
Will you make to order? I would love 7 jars for my G’ kids
Admin says
You’re so sweet! Unfortunately I’m swamped this time of year, or I would send you some jars!
Heather says
How long does this last please and du need to keep it in the fridge?
Thanks
Admin says
Hi, Heather! It lasts as long as you want it to if you keep it in a sealed, dry jar =) No need to refrigerate unless you just want it to be cold! =)
Abigail says
If the slime starts to stiffen from play, is there a way to soften/loosen it back up?
Admin says
Ours always did best when it was warmed up from play for a while. If it’s played with before hands are washed, natural body oils can sometimes make it stiff. Cool storage also makes it a little more stiff too. Good luck!
Michelle says
I signed up for the mailing list but never received the password to download the printable label for the Elf Snot.
Admin says
What’s your email and I’ll send it to you! Sorry that our automated responder is slow sometimes!
Barbara says
Would you please email me too?
Admin says
Hi, Barbara! Did you sign up for our emails and miss the password?Send me an email at downredbuddrive@gmail.com aso I can get you a password.
PATTI says
Can you please send me the link to the label. I never received am email either. It would be very appreciated. I want to make with my girl scout troop.
Admin says
Hey! Please send me an email at sammie@downredbuddrive.com and I’ll hook you up!
Chris says
How much does this make? Thinking of having a making party with a few moms, but wanted to know how much it makes at one time.
Admin says
This made like half a pint of slime, if that makes sense. I put it in a pint size Mason jar and it filled it like half way. Hope that helps!
Chris says
Also, can this be made with the Elmers glitter glue?
Admin says
I haven’t tried it with the glitter glue, but I’d think it would work. Try it and tell us!
Ashley says
I was wondering if the glitter glue worked
Admin says
I can’t imagine why it wouldn’t, but I’ve not tried it with the glitter glue. If you try it, please come back and let us know if it worked for you!
Michaele K says
I used glitter glue and it worked perfectly. According to Elmer’s any school glue will work with this recipe, even the plain Jane white stuff!
Admin says
Yes! I made a live Facebook video recently where we tested the glitter glue. It was a bit different than the clear glue, but definitely works! Here’s the live video in case anyone wanted to see it: https://www.facebook.com/DownRedbudDrive/videos/379798792473914/
Elaina Zimmerman says
Can I use any contact solution brand?
Admin says
Yep! I just used a cheap, store brand for this recipe specifically, but have used random others in the past with the same results.
Rebecca says
Could you use hair gel
Admin says
I don’t think hair gel will work. Clear school glue works great, though!
Beverly Pate says
In the recipe, it says neon green food dye but you stated you used gel. What is gel?
Admin says
It’s gel food dye. There’s a link to a similar product in the list of suplies =) Hope that helps!
Dawn Herman says
I also signed up for the newsletter and never received an email. I want to print a label so I can make this for a White Elephant gift.
Admin says
Hey, Dawn! Sorry you had trouble. Sometimes our auto-response system is a little slow. Can you send me an email at downredbuddrive@gmail.com and I can get you a password? Thanks!
Connie Walker says
Can you please email me the link to print labels. Thanks.
Admin says
Hi, Connie! Did you sign up for our email and not get a password? If so, can you shoot me an email at downredbuddrive@gmail.com? Thanks!
Lauri says
Hmm…I seem to be having the same problem with it not really turning to slime, just a runny mixture (although I love the color!). Anything I can add more of to help ‘thicken’ it?
Admin says
Lauri! Ok, so I spent several messages and did a bunch of research with another reader and your contact solution needs to have boric acid in it for it to work. Check the ingredients label!
Judy says
Thank you so much. Grandma of 10 grandkids. Always thinking of ways to give cash and gift cards in a fun way. Think I will use small test tub and put cash in them. I have also used those (not sure what they are called) thing you put water in for a long stem rose. Seal the end with glue first so the slime won’t slime in. The pintable’s are wonderful.
Admin says
Sounds like such fun! You sound like you’re a fun grandma =) Thanks for your kind words!
Darla says
I am so excited to try this. Does it stick to anything..I am thinking of putting a toy in the jar and I don’t want the toy ruined. Thanks
Admin says
Toys would be great! Unless it’s a plush, or anything with a fabric material, it DOES stick to that (found that out the hard way…toddler got into it and rubbed it onto her clothes haha)
Liz says
Just did this and had it turn out a liquid with foam. Used contact solution with boric acid … i should have realized this beforehand but the reason it’s doing that is because of using contact solution with hydrogen peroxide in it! Bummer!
Liz says
Never mind. It didn’t have peroxide after all. Who knows!!!
Admin says
weird!!! I’ve never had that issue. I linked to the exact solution I used (or you can find it at Walmart) if you want to try again!
Hayley says
If i use shaving foam with the slime, will it be better? It is so hard and not stretchy when i don’t use shaving foam. It says that shaving foam softens slime. Will hand cream work too?
Admin says
I’ve used hand cream and shaving foam in other slime recipes. This recipe has HANDS DOWN been the best recipe I’ve ever used. I like that it’s a little more firm than other recipes because it doesn’t stick to everything. When I get it out for my kids to play with it, I always squeeze it in my hands a few times to warm it up a bit and it stretches just fine. It will stretch really thin, and they like to look through it in its transluscent state – haha. Hope that helps!
Rebecca says
I signed up for the newsletter for the free download and was never sent the password….can you please email it to me?
Admin says
Hey, Rebecca! Sorry, my automated responder is a little slow sometimes. Send me an email at downredbuddrive@gmail.com and I’ll get you hooked up. Thanks!
Jody says
I bought the multi purpose solution and it worked great but it needs more than double the solution with the recipe. I just kept adding it little by little until it wasn’t sticking to me anymore. Other than that it’s great, I added a little silver glitter to it and it really does look like snot lol
Admin says
Well, I’m glad that worked for you. Having made slime before, I know you can always add more activator, but a lot of people don’t. You sound like a pro! =)
B Murphy says
I would love to print the Elf Snot label but I have not received a password after subscribing to your newsletter. Thank you.
Admin says
Hey! Shoot me an email at downredbuddrive@gmail.com and I’ll get you hooked up!
Heather Bocook says
Could you tell me how much this recipe yields? Thank you
Admin says
Hey! So it just overfills a half-pint jar, if that helps!
Amanda says
Hi! I made this today and it was great at first but after playing with it for a big it got hard. Any tips on what I might have done wrong or how to fix it? I followed the directions as written. Thanks!!
Admin says
Was it left out for several hours outside of a container? How long was it out before it started getting hard? My kids have left batches out even over night and they were still playable. Not sure where yours could have gone wrong! Here’s me making it live if you want to watch to see exactly what I used and how I made it: https://www.facebook.com/DownRedbudDrive/videos/379798792473914/
Stacy says
I can’t get past the subscribe page to sign up? I type in my email and try to submit, but nothing happens. Would like to subscribe so I can get the password for the download.
Admin says
Hey, Stacy! Sorry about that! It’s fixed now. BUT if you shoot me an email at sammie@downredbuddrive.com I can get you a password. Thanks!
Karen says
My slime is very thick and doesn’t stretch easily. How can I make it a thinner consistency.
Admin says
Maybe add a little more glue? I’ve never had that issue ad have made several batches. Go watch me make it live here if you want to walk through it with me: https://www.facebook.com/DownRedbudDrive/videos/379798792473914/
Karen says
How long does it last? I want to make some as Christmas gifts and want it to be fresh.
Admin says
My kids are still playing with a batch I made in October (which for future readers was two months ago). For best results I’d make it the day before. Then it will still be soft and gooey for sure, but will have had long enough that it’s not sticky so as to not make a mess.
Andrea Pochman says
It won’t ruin the gift card? Or do I need to wrap the gift card before putting in the slime?
Admin says
Nope, it won’t hurt the gift card at all!
Mary says
What is the difference in the snot if you use the clear glue or the white glue?
Admin says
I haven’t tried it with the white glue. I have tried it with the clear glue and with the glitter glue and both worked fine. Try it and let me know!
JC says
Will borax work in place of the contact lense solution? I’m pretty sure the boric acid in the lense solution is the active ingredient. I used to make gak as a science thing with our homeschool group and it called for glue, water, borax, and coloring. We didn’t use baking soda though.
Admin says
It might, but I have NO idea what ratio you would need to use. You’re correct that the boric acid is the activator. I’ve also used liquid starch before. This recipe is by far my favorite of all the slimes I’ve made so far.
Moggirl7 says
My son and I made two batches of Elf Snot this evening. We had so much fun playing with it. Laughing and giggling the whole time. Who knew slime could be so much fun. My teenage daughter was guite disappointed with our lack of maturity. He he he. Her loss. It’s fun to behave like a child again. :-). Thanks for the video tutorial.
Admin says
Glad you had fun with it!!! My husband and I love playing with it too. Your teenager will come to her senses eventually haha!!!
Keitha says
Thank you so much for this fantastic idea. I tried using contact solution and could not get it to work. I ended up using Borax. My son loved this! His Christmas Elf brought it to him a couple of days ago. It was a hit!
Admin says
Did your contact solution have Boric Acid in it? That’s what will activate the slime. Glad you got it to work with Borax! Merry Christmas!
Keitha says
I included a link back to your post from here: https://keithaschaos.blogspot.com/2017/12/cutesy-elf-2017-week-3-days-15-17.html
Admin says
Thanks, Keitha!
Heather Calhoun says
How much slime does this make? I️ need a project for 15 third graders..
Admin says
This makes about a pint worth. Hope that helps!
Julie Pearson says
How many jars doez the above recipe fill
Admin says
Fills a half pint 🙂
Josette Bright says
Could I get the password to print labels as I would like to make this for my niece and nephew for our family Christmas this weekend? I did not get a response for signing up. Thanks!
Admin says
Sorry I missed this! In the future, for a quick response, email me at sammie@downredbuddrive.com!
Kerry says
Any idea how long you can leave the gift card in the “snot”, hours vs days?
Admin says
You know, I’m a last minute gift giver always (as in, make the elf snot, and stop to buy the gift card on my way to the gift exchange type of person) BUT I know of several people who wrapped the gift card in a tiny bit of saran wrap to make sure the bar code wasn’t affected just in case. Hope that helps!
Deborah Mills says
I am planning to make this for our four grandkids and I’m wondering if I can make enough for all four in one batch or if it would be better to make each batch individually?
Admin says
I’d make each one individually, but it would work either way! Have fun, the kids are gonna love it!
Julie A Maldonado says
How many jars does this recipe make?
I think this is a fabulous idea.
I am amazed I have never seen it before with all the things I do with my grandchildren. 🙂
Admin says
The recipe makes just one jar 🙂 Kids love it! 🙂
Laura says
Thanks for the great gift card idea!!! I made it following your exact recipe (except used 9 oz of glue because they didn’t have the smaller bottles at the store). It turned out perfectly! It was quick and easy to make. I used a mason jar and needed one and a half batches for it to fully cover the gift card.
Admin says
Hooray!!! So glad to hear it! Thanks for taking the time to tell me! Merry Christmas!
Kim says
I made this today, following the recipe exactly, and it came out stiff. Any suggestions? Also, my son did not like the smell at all. I smooshed in a couple drops of lavender oil and he loved it!
Admin says
Next time try a little less contact solution? That’s my only suggestion. Glad he loved it! =)
Gail says
Great idea for the grandkids and nieces and nephews for Christmas. One of our granddaughters helped me make 16 jars of Elf Snot. She did most of the work. Can’t wait to pass them out to the kiddos and teens on Christmas. Just one question. It is hard to get it all our of the jar. Does yours come out easily? Maybe the jars I got are made of a different plastic? Got them on Amazon. They are supposed to be for sugar scrubs, slime, etc. Food grade safe.
Admin says
I just used little plastic mason jars I found at the dollar store. Hope your gifts turned out awesome! I’m sure they loved them!