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A little bar of soap can make a big splash, especially when it's got a fun and funky middle. Once your kids see the prize inside, they'll scrub themselves silly to get it.

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  Step 1: Check if trinket fits

  Before starting, make sure the trinket you picked out fits inside the mold.

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  Step 2: Cut base into cubes

  Cut your base into 1-inch cubes to allow for easier melting. You can approximate the amount to melt by seeing how many chunks fit into the mold.

• Tip

  Use a clear glycerin base if you want your object to be visible inside the soap, and a milky, opaque base if you want it to be a hidden surprise.

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  Step 3: Heat soap base

  Place your soap base into the glass bowl or measuring cup, cover the top with plastic wrap, and heat in the microwave on high for 30 seconds. If the base isn’t completely melted after 30 seconds, remove it, stir it with a whisk, and re-heat at 10-second intervals, stirring in between, until it is. Don’t forget to replace the plastic wrap each time.

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  Step 4: Gently stir

  Remove the base from the microwave and gently stir with the whisk, to avoid creating air bubbles.

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  Step 5: Pour thin layer

  Pour a thin layer of melted soap base into the mold.

• Tip

  Avoid using a loaf-shaped soap mold—you'll have to slice up the finished soap, and may end up cutting through the objects inside.

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  Step 6: Spray with alcohol

  Spray the top of the mold with rubbing alcohol to get rid of any excess bubbles and let it cool a minute or two, until a thin skin forms.

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  Step 7: Place object

  Place the object of your choice on top of this layer, then top off the mold with more melted soap base.

• Tip

  You may want to use a toothpick or chopstick to push the objects down or reposition them to your liking.

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  Step 8: Spray alcohol again

  Spray the top of the mold again with rubbing alcohol.

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  Step 9: Let mold sit

  Let the mold sit for several hours at room temperature—or in the refrigerator for about an hour.

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  Step 10: Pop out soap

  When the soap is fully hardened, pop it out and let the scrubbing begin.

• Fact

  Soap was taxed as a luxury item in many parts of Europe well into the 19th century —when the tax was finally removed, average folks were finally able to lather up.