11 Neat Things To Do With Jell-O (Besides Eat It)

    This gelatinous treat shouldn't be relegated to school cafeterias and Grandma's dubious Jell-O salad. Discover new ways to enjoy this childhood staple.

    Donna Dickens
    by Donna Dickens

    BuzzFeed Staff

    1. Make some psychedelic treats for your next '90s theme party.

    momadvice.com

    You will need:

    • 1 cup boiling water

    • 1 cup tonic water

    • 1 package of JELL-O

    • Whipped Cream and Sprinkles for topping (optional)

    The tutorial at Mom Advice suggests using green Jell-O as all colors do not glow with the same radiance. Note that while edible, the tonic water makes this very bitter.

    2. Or simulate a kid-friendly beach holiday with virgin Teddy Graham shots.

    newmillenniumgirlbooks.com

    You will need:

    • 1 box Teddy Grahams

    • 1 box Fruit Roll-Ups

    • Blue Raspberry Jell-O

    • Decorator's Frosting

    • Drink umbrellas

    Optional:

    • Gummi fish or sharks! Decorator's Frosting

    Detailed instructions can be found here, about halfway down the page.

    3. Create a light and fluffy flavored marshmallow snack.

    cakeballlove.com

    You will need:

    • 1 3oz. package jello (any flavor)

    • 2/3 cup boiling water

    • 1 cup sugar

    • 3 tbsp. light corn syrup

    • Powdered sugar

    Once you've got your ingredients together, head over to Joy of Jell-O for step-by-step instructions.

    4. Make an edible work of modern art.

    intimateweddings.com

    You will need:

    • 4-6 three oz boxes of Jell-o in various colors (use four boxes if you want the top to be smooth.)

    • One 14 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk

    • 2 envelopes of unflavored gelatin

    • Boiling water

    Intimate Weddings has easy to follow instructions on how to make this colorful treat.

    5. Or really commit to this, and make Jell-O origami cranes.

    myjelloamericans.blogspot.com

    You will need:

    • Cookie sheet

    • Veining sheets

    • Origami paper

    • Water

    • Food coloring

    • Jell-O (any flavor)

    OR

    • Unflavored gelatin

    • Flavored extract (Vanilla, orange, etc.)

    My Jello Americans has a video with easy-to-follow instructions.

    6. Pass the time on a rainy day with some homemade Play-Doh.

    modernparentsmessykids.com

    You will need:

    • 1 cup white flour

    • 1 cup warm water

    • 2 tbsp salt

    • 2 tbsp cream of tartar

    • 2 tbsp cooking oil

    • 1 pack Jell-O

    Get the full low-down on how to make this at home over at Modern Parents, Mess Kids.

    7. Or get crafty with Jell-O finger paint.

    chicaandjo.com

    You will need:

    • Multiple flavors/colors of Jell-O

    • Water

    Pour Jell-O into individuals containers while boiling water. Slowly add boiling water to each container until Jell-O reaches the consistency of paste. Allow to cool and enjoy!

    8. If it's nice out, throw together some pretty colored bubbles.

    Asmaa Waguih / Reuters

    You will need:

    • 1/4 cup dishsoap

    • 1/4 cup any flavor jello, any brand

    • 2 - 2 1/2 cups warm water

    To make, dissolve Jell-O in warm water. Gently mix in dish soap, being careful not to create suds. Enjoy! (Preferably outside so as not to stain furniture.)

    9. Or make your own flavored lip gloss.

    wikihow.com

    You will need:

    • Petroleum jelly

    • Microwave safe bowl

    • Jell-O (any flavor

    Optional:

    • Sugar or glitter for extra sparkle

    Instructions:

    • Put a small amount of any petroleum jelly in a microwave safe bowl.

    • Heat it up for 2:00.

    • Stir it until ALL of it is liquid.

    • If necessary, continue to heat at :30 increments.

    • Mix in Jell-O flavoring and any optional ingredients.

    • Put it into a jar and let it cool for about half an hour.

    10. Craft one-of-a-kind centerpieces for your next dinner party.

    instructables.com

    You will need:

    • Jell-O (any flavor)

    • Plastic flowers. Or substitute your own centerpiece ideas!

    • Super/Crazy Glue

    • Vases

    In her directions for creating this unique piece of temporary decor, Rhody Life adds these might be edible but to err on the side of caution.

    11. And let your inner science geek out with a Jell-O powered fuel cell!

    Via blog.makezine.com

    You will need:

    • Lime Jell-O

    • Yeast

    • Candy thermometer

    • Carbon paper

    • Plant food

    • Container

    Over at Instructables, user Egbert Fitzwilly gives extremely detailed instructions on how to create this microbial fuel cell.