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Everyone knows that ice packs can be expensive. I was researching homemade options for my kids lunches as I really don't have the money right now to be buying anything else that I can be making at home. This is what I found:

Items You'll Need:

Ziploc Bag
Dish Soap (any kind)
Food Coloring

Instructions:

Fill the Ziploc bag with dish soap, about 3/4 of the way, you can play with how much you want to add after you make the first one & see how it freezes. Add food coloring, about 3 drops, you can add more if you like. Squeeze to mix well. Lay bag out on flat surface and begin gently pressing the air out of the bag. Youll want to lay the bag flat, allowing the soap to work its way towards to top of the bag. About 1/2inch before the soap reaches the bag opening & the as much air is out as possible, secure ziploc. If you're worried about leaks, you can "double bag" it. The ice pack will take on whatever shape you put it in to freeze, can lay flat to freeze, or can roll it up & place it in a cup to freeze (this way will fit nicely in school lunch boxes). These ice packs will stay cold and keep your food nice and cold,  & they are reusable as well.

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You can also use Karo corn syrup in the same manner and it works great.  I like to use that on bumps and bruises for my son since I know if he happens to bite it it won't hurt him.  Great idea Summer!!

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Karo syrup is a  great idea! That would be a better option for the little ones for their bumps and bruises so if they bite it (like you said) you don't have to worry about them. I like the dishsoap one for the lunches and whatever else because it's super cheap, I got mine at the dollar store for $.88 ($.88 Tuesday at Honks).