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  • Hi, I'm Vicky, the founder and content creator at Mess For Less. If you are looking for family-friendly recipes, recipes that kids can make, and play and learning activities for kids, you will find them at Mess For Less. I invite you to learn more about me. Thanks for stopping by!

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    Home » Play and Fun

    50+ Ideas for Repurposing Items for Play

    Published: Feb 21, 2013 · Modified: Apr 28, 2022 by Vicky · This post contains affiliate links.

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    If you have been a regular reader at Mess For Less then you know I am somewhat frugal. I hate to spend  lots of money on things to entertain and teach the kids. I try to find items I already have around the house to use in new and unexpected ways to create memories and fun. I am hoping after browsing through these Ideas for Repurposing Items for Play, you will be inspired and look around your house and for items you can use for play.

    repurposing items for play

    Ideas for Repurposing Items for Play

    1. Counting Game with Buttons and Muffin Cups  From Mess For Less
    2. DIY Microfiber Cleaning Slippers  From Housing a Forest
    3. Sidewalk Chalk Paint  From Train Up A Child
    4. Sponge Bowling with Word Families  From Toddler Approved
    5. Shower Sponge Painting  From Learn With Play at Home
    6. Snowflake Valentine's Craft using Coffee Filters  From B-Inspired Mama
    7. DIY Magnetic Chalkboard  From Growing a Jeweled Rose
    8. Rainbow Bubble Snakes  From Housing a Forest
    9. Swimming Pool Scrabble  From Toddler Approved

    10. Cat Craft from Mess for Less

    11. Faux Tie Dye Spring Window Flower Display  From Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas
    12. Exploring Michelangelo with Preschoolers From Rainy Day Mum
    13. Birthday Party Playdough  From Mess For Less
    14. Painting With Jelly Beans  From Housing a Forest
    15. Building with Spices  From Toddler Approved
    16. Playdough Imprints Texture and Pattern  From Learn With Play at Home
    17. Snowflake Drop Baby Activity  From B-Inspired Mama
    18.
    19. Stamping Dice  From Housing a Forest
    20. Sponge Tower Time  From Toddler Approved

    21. Gooey Flour Fun  From Learn With Play at Home
    22. Paint a Tree with Q-Tips  From Mess For Less
    23. Comb Painting  From Learn With Play at Home
    24. Paper Bag Donkeys  From Mess For Less
    25. Ivory Soap Experiment  From Housing a Forest
    26. Counting and Sequencing with Peas  From Train Up A Child
    27. Building with Books   From Learn With Play at Home
    28. Cup Stacking  From Housing a Forest
    29. Painting Rainbows with Marshmallows  From Train Up A Child
    30. Make a Cereal Bracelet  From Learn With Play at Home

    31. 
    32. Tinfoil and Sharpies  From Housing a Forest
    33. Paper Plate Dino Craft  From Train Up A Child
    34. Credit Card Art  From Housing a Forest
    35. Peppermint Oatmeal Sensory Play  From Train Up A Child
    36. Painting with Seasoning and Spices  From Learn With Play at Home
    37. Hot Glue Crayon Rubbings  From Mess For Less
    38. Making Flowers with Scrubbing Sponges  From Mess For Less
    39. Yogurt Spice Sensory Play  From Train Up A Child

    40. Dripping Salt Painting  From Mess For Less
    41. Using Empty Paint Bottles for Sensory Play  From Train Up A Child
    42. Dry Erase Tiles  From Housing a Forest

    43. Toddler Sewing Activity  From Housing a Forest
    44. Painting with Pool Noodles  From Train Up A Child
    45. Easy Homemade Faux Lava Lamps for Kids  From Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas
    46. Glowing Jello  From Train Up A Child
    47. Tie-riffic Fun with Twist Ties  From Learn With Play at Home
    48. Nail Polish Art  From Housing a Forest
    49. 
    50. Fine Motor Work with Golf Tees  From Mess For Less

    51. Elastic Band Launchers  From Housing a Forest
    52. 
    53. Penguin Sensory Bin  From Train Up a Child
    54. Q-Tip Painting and Number Learning  From Learn With Play at Home
    55. Colored Rice Sensory Play  From Train Up A Child

    56. Soft Toy Toss  From Learn With Play at Home

    57.How to Dye Q Tips for Play and Learning From Mess for Less

    58. Fall Diorama with Cereal Box From Mess for Less

    59. Suncatcher Craft From Mess for Less

    I hope you got some ideas for using items that you already have at home to entertain and educate your kids. These ideas for repurposing items for play are just the start. Let me know your favorite ways to reuse common items.

    Searching for more creative kids' activities? Make sure to check out Green Kid Crafts. Monthly, your kid will get a package filled with fun projects and creative activities than can be enjoyed by kids ages 3-10. This earth-friendly monthly craft subscription box encourages respect for the environment.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Diana - FreeStyleMama

      March 03, 2013 at 2:37 am

      Great collection!!

    2. Luisa

      February 28, 2013 at 2:07 am

      This is quiet the collection! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    3. Darlene Nemeth

      February 27, 2013 at 3:29 pm

      Wow, this is fantastic. Thanks so much for sharing all these wonderful ideas. I found you at Whatever Goes Wednesday and I am a new follower on Pinterest. Darlene, http://darlenebnemeth.blogspot.ca

    4. Carolyn

      February 22, 2013 at 10:52 pm

      There are so many ways for kids to experiment and learn without it costing heaps of money. I love your ideas here.

    5. Vicky @ Mess For Less

      February 23, 2013 at 2:28 am

      Thanks Carolyn. This is a big part of the "less" part of Mess For Less.

    6. Vicky @ Mess For Less

      February 23, 2013 at 2:25 am

      Tammy, Whenever I am at the dollar store I stroll through the kitchen aisle and think about how I can use the items for play. Thanks for stopping by!

    7. Vicky @ Mess For Less

      February 23, 2013 at 2:10 am

      Really appreciate it Erin.

    8. Vicky @ Mess For Less

      February 23, 2013 at 2:08 am

      Thanks Wag Doll! Hope they keep the kids busy.

    9. Vicky @ Mess For Less

      February 23, 2013 at 2:07 am

      Thanks Deborah! I am too cheap to just use things once.

    10. Vicky @ Mess For Less

      February 23, 2013 at 2:07 am

      Thanks! Just follow the links above to follow The PLAY Group on Pinterest and join the group on Google +.

    11. Tammy @ housing a forest

      February 22, 2013 at 5:08 pm

      Such a great reminder that some of the best play items are not actually toys! I love using household items in a new way. Thanks for sharing.

    12. Erin D

      February 22, 2013 at 12:43 pm

      Love it! Pinned.

    13. Wag Doll

      February 22, 2013 at 12:14 pm

      Wow what a fantastic lis, thanks for compiling and sharing all these wonderful ideas! x

    14. Melinda

      February 22, 2013 at 12:28 am

      Oooh love all the cool ideas. Exactly how does one become a member 🙂 I would love to join

    15. Deborah Alter-Rasche

      February 22, 2013 at 2:01 am

      Great roundup! Love giving things another life! 🙂

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    Hi, I'm Vicky, the founder and content creator at Mess For Less. If you are looking for family-friendly recipes, recipes that kids can make, and play and learning activities for kids, you will find them at Mess For Less. I invite you to learn more about me. Thanks for stopping by!

    Valentine's Day Activities and Recipes

    • Valentine’s Dessert Cheese Ball
    • Valentine's Brownie Cake Pops
    • Valentine's Chocolate Covered Pretzels
    • Valentine Ideas for Kids - Glitter Hearts

    Winter Activities

    • Q-Tip Painted Snowman Craft
    • Winter Shaving Cream Paint
    • Pinecone Snowman Craft
    • Melted Snowman Craft

    Popular Recipes

    • Crack Chicken Casserole
    • Overnight Egg Casserole
    • Toasted Italian Sandwich - Food Fun Friday
    • Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake

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