Transforming the old into gold is not just eco-friendly, it's a creative adventure! Discover how to give a second life to your child's outgrown items with these innovative upcycling ideas.

1. Toy Frame Artwork

Transform those tiny toys that are no longer in use into a chic piece of art. Simply glue them onto a frame for an instant 3D masterpiece that adds a playful touch to your child's bedroom.

Exclusive Insights:

  • Choose a color theme to paint the toys and frame for a cohesive look.
  • Use a shadow box frame to accommodate bulkier toys.
 "I turned my son's old action figures into a cool wall art piece for his room. It's now a unique focal point that holds so many memories!" - Jenna P.
Upcycle toy frame

2. Garden Planters from Rubber Boots

Outgrown rubber boots make whimsical garden planters. Drill some drainage holes, fill them with soil, and plant some flowers or herbs.

Exclusive Insights:

  • Stack boots for a tiered planter effect.
  • Use a variety of boot sizes for an eclectic garden display.
"The boot planters are a hit in our garden! Neighbors always ask where we got the idea, and the kids love seeing their old boots bloom." - Marcus W.
Upcycle toys in to planters

3. Denim Pocket Organizers

Old jeans can be upcycled into handy organizers. Cut out the pockets and attach them to a board or directly onto the wall.

Exclusive Insights:

  • Reinforce the pockets with fabric glue for added durability.
  • Decorate the board with paint or fabric for extra flair.
 "I made a denim organizer for my craft room. It's perfect for storing scissors, markers, and other small items. So practical and stylish!" - Fiona G.
Denim is great for upcycling

4. Puzzle Piece Coasters

Missing puzzle pieces? No problem! Glue them together to create unique coasters that are both functional and conversation starters.

Exclusive Insights:

  • Seal the coasters with clear varnish to protect them from moisture.
  • Mix and match pieces from different puzzles for a fun, eclectic look.
"These puzzle coasters are adorable. They protect my tables and remind us of the puzzles we've completed as a family." - Luis M.
Puzzle can be turned into coasters

5. T-Shirt Yarn Rug

Turn old t-shirts into yarn and weave or braid them into a soft, colorful rug. It's a great way to repurpose stained or worn shirts.

Exclusive Insights:

  • Use a mix of colors and patterns for a vibrant effect.
  • Consider different braiding techniques for varied textures.
"I made a t-shirt rug for my daughter's room, and it's so cozy! It was a fun project, and it feels good to upcycle." - Rachel D.
Make rugs out of old clothes

6. Baby Clothes Quilt

Stitch together your baby's outgrown clothes to create a sentimental quilt. It's a beautiful keepsake that tells a story.

Exclusive Insights:

  • Mix different fabrics and textures for a tactile experience.
  • Personalize the quilt with embroidered dates or names.
"The quilt I made from my son's baby clothes is priceless. It's full of memories, and he loves pointing out his old favorites." - Kim S.
Upcycle baby clothes and make a quilt

7. Shoebox Dollhouse

A shoebox can be the start of an incredible dollhouse. Decorate it with scraps of wallpaper, fabric, and other materials.

Exclusive Insights:

  • Create furniture from small boxes and bottle caps.
  • Use the lid as a garden or patio extension.
"My kids spend hours playing with the dollhouse we made from shoeboxes. It's amazing what you can create with a little imagination!" - Hector N.
Shoe box dolls house

8. Sock Puppets

Mismatched socks can become a cast of characters for your very own puppet show. Add buttons, yarn, and fabric scraps to bring them to life.

Exclusive Insights:

  • Use hot glue for quick assembly and durability.
  • Create a simple puppet theater from a cardboard box.
"We made sock puppets during a rainy weekend, and it was a blast. The kids put on a show, and we all laughed so much!" - Olivia R.
Upcycle with sock puppets

9. Crayon Candles

Melt down old crayons to create colorful candles. It's a great way to use up broken pieces and teach kids about recycling.

Exclusive Insights:

  • Layer different colors for a rainbow effect.
  • Add a scent with essential oils for a sensory experience.
"The crayon candles we made are so pretty when lit. They give off a soft glow and make our home feel cozy." - Ethan J.
Make candles out of old crayons

10. Bottle Cap Magnets

Collect bottle caps and turn them into funky fridge magnets. Glue a magnet on the back and decorate the front with stickers or paint.

Exclusive Insights:

  • Use clear resin to seal in decorations and add a glossy finish.
  • Create themed sets for holidays or special occasions.
"I love our new bottle cap magnets! They're a fun way to display the kids' artwork on the fridge." - Sofia K.
Homemade bottle cap magnets

11. Old Socks into Bean Bags

Fill old socks with rice or beans to make simple bean bags. They're perfect for indoor tossing games or as a sensory tool.

Exclusive Insights:

  • Sew the socks shut for added safety.
  • Use colorful socks for visual stimulation.
"The bean bags we made from old socks are a hit! They're just the right size for little hands, and we use them for all sorts of games." - Brian L.

12. Cardboard Box Fort

Every kid loves a fort, and cardboard boxes provide the perfect structure. Let your kids decorate and personalize their fortress.

Exclusive Insights:

  • Combine multiple boxes for a larger play area.
  • Cut out windows and doors for a realistic touch.
"Our cardboard box fort has become the go-to play area. It's amazing to see the kids' creativity come to life!" - Nora T.
How to build the ultimate box fort

13. Clothing Button Jewelry

Turn those spare buttons into charming pieces of jewelry. String them together to make bracelets, necklaces, or even earrings.

Exclusive Insights:

  • Mix sizes and colors for an eclectic look.
  • Use elastic thread for easy-to-wear bracelets.
I made a button necklace, and it's such a unique accessory. It's a great conversation starter, and I love that it's upcycled!" - Amelia V.
Make jewelry with buttons

14. Stuffed Animal Bean Bag Chair

Create a cozy bean bag chair by filling a large fabric bag with stuffed animals. It's a soft and cuddly seating option.

Exclusive Insights:

  • Use a zippered bag for easy access and cleaning.
  • Choose a durable fabric to withstand frequent use.
"The stuffed animal bean bag chair is both functional and adorable. It's a clever way to store the plushies and it's super comfy!" - Derek H.

15. Lego Key Holder

Attach a Lego baseplate to a board and use Lego bricks to build a key holder. It's a playful addition to your entryway.

Exclusive Insights:

  • Secure the baseplate with strong adhesive.
  • Use different colored bricks to designate key spots for each family member.
 "Our Lego key holder is a hit with the whole family. It's practical and adds a fun touch to our home decor." - Zoe U.
Lego key holder

16. Old Bookends from Hardcover Books

Use old hardcover books to create stylish bookends. Glue them to a sturdy base and let your bookshelf tell a story.

Exclusive Insights:

  • Choose books with interesting spines for visual appeal.
  • Add weight inside the books for extra stability.

Customer Review: "The bookends I made from old novels look fantastic. They're a great way to upcycle and they keep my shelves organized." - Sean M.

17. Tin Can Wind Chimes

Empty tin cans can be transformed into a charming wind chime. Paint them and hang them with string or wire for a melodic upcycle.

Exclusive Insights:

  • Create different lengths for varied tones.
  • Use a hammer and nail to make decorative patterns on the cans.
"The tin can wind chimes are a beautiful addition to our porch. They have a lovely sound, and I'm proud we made them ourselves." - Grace Z.

18. Puzzle Serving Tray

Repurpose an old puzzle by gluing it onto a tray. Seal it with clear resin for a unique and functional serving piece.

Exclusive Insights:

  • Choose a puzzle with an image that matches your decor.
  • Use a high-quality resin for a durable finish.
"I get so many compliments on our puzzle tray. It's such a clever idea, and it's perfect for serving snacks during game night." - Elliot N.

19. Clothing Patch Tote Bag

Sew patches from old clothes onto a plain tote bag for a personalized accessory. It's a great way to showcase your child's favorite outfits.

Exclusive Insights:

  • Arrange the patches in a visually pleasing pattern.
  • Use a sturdy tote bag as a base for longevity.
"My tote bag is now a patchwork of memories. It's so special, and I love carrying it around." - Harper Q.

20. Skateboard Shelf

An old skateboard can become a cool shelf for books or toys. Mount it on the wall with brackets for a rad upcycling project.

Exclusive Insights:

  • Sand and paint the skateboard for a fresh look.
  • Ensure the brackets are securely attached to the wall.
"The skateboard shelf in my son's room is awesome! It's a great way to repurpose his old board, and it looks super cool." - Tony E.
Upcycled skateboard ideas

Upcycling Toys Is The Way To Go

Upcycling your kids' old toys and clothes not only gives them a new lease on life but also teaches valuable lessons about sustainability and creativity. With these 20 innovative ideas, you can transform clutter into treasures that spark joy and imagination in your home.

Happy upcycling!

What To Do With Unwanted Toys? Donate, Recycle, and Upcycle!
Does your child have too many toys, Or are you wondering what to do with the ones they have outgrown? You can donate, recycle, and upcycle with these ideas!
Mothers Best BuysLaura Robinson

Unwanted Toys