FloraCraft Styrofoam Snow, 4 Liters

Artificial snow can be useful for everything from school projects to theater set designs to everyday decorations. Thanks to artificial snow, you can create your own snowball fight any time of year in the temperature-controlled comfort of your own home.

But there’s more than one type of artificial snow and each has its own unique use. Some snow is shaped for snowball fights, while others have you adding a little water to create snow on the ground over a small surface area. Another type is specifically made for decorating.

No matter which type of artificial snow you choose, though, there are some factors to consider while you’re shopping. Some forms of artificial snow are messier than others, so if you plan to use it indoors, you might want to think about cleanup. Many types of artificial snow also collect dirt and pet hair once they’re out of the package, which can put a big crimp in any plans you have for multiple uses.

Pay close attention to the amount in each package you buy. If you intend to spread your artificial snow across your backyard, you’ll obviously need a product that can expand to fill that ground. But if you’re filling a snow globe or setting up a small play area for your preschooler, a smaller supply will do.

Before you buy, you should also take a look at the application instructions. With some artificial snow, you just add water and wait for results. Others require you to add water or shred it into smaller pieces to spread out. Some snow requires no work whatsoever. Just open the package and start having fun. The time and effort you’ll save will be well worth it.

• The type of snow you buy will depend on your planned use. Some units are advertised specifically for snowball fights. Instead of the cold, slippery playthings you find with real snow, these snowballs are made of cotton, making them a lightweight alternative. SnoWonder Instant Fake Snow is great for spreading across the ground on an area of up to 4.8 square feet, while Be Amazing! Toys Grow Snow Powder is more ideal for science projects or setting up in a tub on a table. Other models are better suited for crafts like floral arrangements.
• SnoWonder Instant Fake Snow was designed for indoor snowboard parks in Japan, making it the best for covering your yard or an indoor area with snow.
• Throwing snowballs indoors may seem like a bad idea, but the fabric design of most packs keeps the balls soft enough that they won’t break or knock over any valuables they hits.
• For households interested in emphasizing STEM learning, Be Amazing! Toys Grow Snow Powder has plenty of potential. Just add a little water and watch it grow. The powder can absorb up to 100 times its weight, allowing it to grow to more than 2 gallons.
• Cleanup is a concern for any household and Be Amazing! Toys Grow Snow Powder doesn’t disappoint. Although other models don’t leave a mess, they do tend to pick up hair and debris, so you may find your play sessions with each pack are limited. However, most of the snowballs are machine washable, and you can put them in the dryer on a low heat setting.
• Safety is a concern for any product that will be used by children. Be Amazing! Toys Grow Snow Powder is fully safety tested to ensure they’re nontoxic. SnoWonder Instant Fake Snow is made from a non-toxic polymer that’s designed to imitate the texture of real snow.