Kids outgrow their toys. Sad but true. My daughter has already lost interest in many of her toys and I am sure she will keep on doing so. The toys that lie unused are often donated or given to a kid in the family. But sometimes a toy is too pretty to part with and I keep thinking if there is a way to reuse it and keep it in the house without causing any clutter.
Yes, there is and in fact there are lots of ways. Repurposing or upcycling (as it is called commonly) is a word I love. What could be better than creating something absolutely new from something that was almost regarded as waste. Reuse and recycle is a great mantra to follow.
So I started my pursuit of finding out ideas for repurposing old toys and found these absolutely amazing and gorgeous 15 ideas. Take a look and don’t forget to click on the links to see where they originated from and in most cases to find a tutorial too.
15 SIMPLE AND CREATIVE WAYS TO REUSE OLD TOYS
1. Using Old Lego blocks as Storage. These huge lego blocks are a clever storage solution and are so colorful. Why would you ever buy a pen stand again?
2. Toy shelves from Scott Bedford These seem a little tricky to make but can you imagine how quirky your bookshelves will look once done.
3. A xylophone windchime I think it looks fantastic and quite simple to make too.
4. A pin board out of Metal Xylophone . Who knew that Xylophones could be so versatile? Just use small magnets to stick notes or invites on the Xylophone.
5. Using small toys as Ornaments for a christmas tree . Rather than buying the same old baubles and stars to decorate your tree use these beautiful accessories which will also be a sweet reminder of the wonderful memories.
6. Using wooden puzzle pieces as Ornaments from Creature Comfort. Again I think these look so much more colorful than just hanging the shiny baubles. Just a drill hole and you can create a delightful ornament.
7. Once again from creaturecomfort this headsmackingly simple idea. Use memory game cards or puzzle cards as gift toppers. I can’t think of adding a more wonderful twist to a gift. Definitely on my to-do list.
8. Using Stuffed Animals as Bookend by Kathryn Barnard. Just replace the stuffing with dried beans to weigh down the toy and create a sturdy bookend.
9. Laminated storybook pages as Place mats by Mark Lund. I think the beautifully illustrated Dr Seuss and Eric Carle Books will make fascinating placemats.
10. Picture holders using wooden blocks I think our ELC Wooden blocks will make great picture holders.
11. Dinosaur toys become Planters . Frankly I am thinking of just buying some Dino Toys so that I can turn them into planters.
12. Make magnets using small toys from Home Spun With Love. Again an easy DIY which will give you years of reusability with these toys.
13. Make a planter from a toy wagon from This Old House. A Herb Garden on the move, what more could you ask for?
14. A lamp from old toys. This is an ethereal looking lamp and no one could tell that it is made from hot gluing plastic toys.
15. Toy collection photo prints from Apartment Therapy. If none of the above ideas work for you this one will. Just photograph your child’s toy collection using some white background and natural lighting and create an artwork.