For soft items you learn quickly to keep a finger on the "seal" button and ready to push at the right moment.
If you want to have fun with the kids, put marshmallows into a FoodSaver canister or mason jar. The bigger the container the better. They squash down to nothing. When pressure is restored they puff right back up to normal. Very dramatic.
If you haven't already, check out the Food Saver website (
FoodSaverŪ Vacuum Sealer, America's #1 Selling Brand of Home Vacuum Packaging Systems and also check eBay occasionally for good deals, especially on bags. Just be careful since not all bags are the same.
Lately I've used my FoodSaver to make water pouches for my 72-hour emergency kit by using pint-size bags, filling with water, and then just sealing (raise the machine up about 3-5 inches on a box or something so the water stays down when sealing). Bags are much lighter and more flexible than bottles.
I also vacuum seal first-aid and other items which improves their storage life and also protects them from the elements. Lots of uses for that FoodSaver besides just food.