Sometimes simple is best when it comes to toys. A perfect example is a child receiving a gift just to toss the contents and play with the box. There are multitudes of ways to repurpose old items we have at home. Turn the outdated…soon to be trash… into true treasures and fun, educational toys that don’t cost anything yet give immensely as ways to teach, play and save. Here are some ideas to get you started while just beginning to tip the iceberg of repurposing.
Suitcase to Dollhouse
Need a new briefcase or small luggage? Turn the old bag into a new home for dolls! Using 2-3 wood pieces cut to size, screw each “floor” into the case. Now have fun decorating with wallpaper and carpet scraps or felt and markers. Use your imagination for decor and finish up with doll furniture for a dollhouse that can go anywhere!
Shutters to Storage
Old house shutters can become the new storage spot for photos and other mementos and souvenirs. Simply remove any hardware, clean, and paint in your child’s favorite color. When dry, hang securely for a comforting spot filled with memories, friends, and family photos as well as awards, medals, and more!
Table to Lego Land
Let outdated end tables live on as the perfect place for Legos! Cut out the top to house a storage basket. Clean and paint the table then add the Lego base with sturdy glue for a never-ending play place for your little builder!
Entertainment Center to Play Kitchen
With big screen TVs in demand, entertainment centers need a new purpose. For less than $60, your child can have a dream kitchen filled with accessories! Here’s how to make it a reality!
Candy Tin to Travel Game
Mints come and go but the tin can stay around for fun games on the go! Decorate your tin in your own style. Glue a tic tac toe grid, printed or drawn on white card stock, inside the tin. From pom poms to gemstones…choose your markers, get set, and play! Pieces store nicely inside the tin!
Shoe Holder to Child Travel Storage
Take that shoe organizer you never used for shoes and turn it into a traveling baby station or a storage spot for games, DVDs, toys, and more!
Blue Jeans to Swings
We know who really wears the pants in the family, but now they can swing in them, too! Outgrown blue jeans still have plenty of life left, so turn them into a sturdy denim swing for toddlers! Here’s how it’s done!
Shoe Box to Blocks
The possibilities are endless here and the idea is obvious. Save those shoeboxes and cover them in wrapping paper, felt, old clothing, or anything you choose! This brick contact paper is a great choice for realism. As long as you buy shoes, the cost of building will be the lowest it’s ever been!
Socks to Sensory
Turn outgrown mittens, gloves, or socks into a sensory toy that will keep little hands busy and intrigued while providing calming comfort. Simply fill with unpopped popcorn, rice, dried beans or tiny pebbles then sew securely shut.
Soda Bottle to Sprinkler
There is always an excess of soda bottles! Turn one or several into a backyard sprinkler by drilling or poking holes throughout a two-liter bottle. Connect your garden hose using a connector for a 1” coupling and possibly waterproof tape for extra support from leaks. Place it on the ground or hang it on a tree branch for your own cool water park!
Birthday Balloons to Stress Relief
Using regular-sized birthday balloons, fill them with rolled snake-shaped playdough so it easily fits inside. When comfortably and squishably full, tie a tight double knot. Better make several because everyone will want one!
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