These bean bags are kept in my freezer and are used on a VERY frequent basis. They can be heated in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on high for a quick heated compress or they can be kept in the freezer and used to cool down fevers, burns, and bruises. They're much less intense than ice packs too. 

They're also extremely cheap and easy to make and a good way to use up your scrap material. 

You will need: 

Scrap of soft, pretty cloth. I prefer about 20" by 5". 

Coordinating needle and thread

2-3 cups of rice, beans, or other type of grain/legume

Sewing machine

*You can also use beans or any kind of legume or grain that you have on hand. I prefer rice because the texture is smaller and seems to lay more softly on rounded surfaces. 

Here's how: 

Take a scrap of pretty, soft cloth that's long and kind of narrow. I prefer one that's about 20" by 5". 

Fold in half and sew a tight seam (1/4 seam allowance) on all three open sides- but leaving about two inches  open at the end. 

You're all done! I'm thinking that these will be great for homemade Christmas presents!