Make a wonderfully versatile toy for the family to enjoy with Dad on Father's Day and then all summer long. These scoops for tossing and catching lightweight balls are perfect for play in the back yard, at a park or at the beach.

So, when the family wants to play a game of catch, you've got that one covered. And when you need a sand shovel, you've got that one, too.

Start by fishing around under your sink or in the recycling bin for two plastic laundry detergent bottles. You might consider pouring the contents of an almost-empty bottle into a small plastic container so you can get going on this activity.

  • 2 (2-quart or larger) plastic laundry detergent bottles with side handles

  • Scissors

  • Marker

  • Stickers

  • Child's sock (optional)

    HERE'S WHAT TO DO:

    Wash the two bottles and remove any paper labels. Using a pair of sharp scissors, an adult should cut off the entire base of each bottle and toss the pieces back in the recycling bin. (Note: It's easier to cut off than it might look. Dig the tip of the scissors into a point along the line of the base and then start cutting.)

    On the handle side of the container, draw a big "U" shape with a marker so the bottom of the "U" meets the handle. The shape should be wider than the size of a plastic Wiffle-style ball and extend to the cut-off base. Again, an adult should cut this shape. Soften the edges by trimming off and rounding the sharp

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    corners.

    Let the kids decorate the two scoops with stickers.

    Now, you have your ball catchers and great sand shovels. But, uh-oh, in the middle of a great game of scooper catch, the ball disappears into an unexpected wave. Is the game over? No!

    Remove the lid and cup a sock around the spout of one of the scoops. Pour some sand into the scoop so it works as a funnel, filling the bottom of the sock. When the "ball" is the size you would like for tossing, remove it from the scoop and tie a tight knot in the sock. Replace the lid on the scoop.

    Stand up, put the sock in one scoop, give the other scoop to a friend and toss the ball.

    If you miss, keep at it. It does take practice, after all.

    Tip: If your kids are a little older and are skilled ball players, you might consider making the opening of the scoop a bit smaller for more of a challenge. Or simply start with a smaller detergent bottle.

    Donna Erickson's award-winning television series, "Donna's Day," is airing on public television nationwide. Watch it in the Twin Cities at 7:30 a.m. Fridays on tptLife on channels 13 and 17. Sign up for Donna's e-newsletter at donnasday.com.