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.
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
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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
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50. Fine Motor Work with Golf Tees From Mess For Less
51. Elastic Band Launchers From Housing a Forest
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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.
Diana - FreeStyleMama
Great collection!!
Luisa
This is quiet the collection! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Darlene Nemeth
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
Carolyn
There are so many ways for kids to experiment and learn without it costing heaps of money. I love your ideas here.
Vicky @ Mess For Less
Thanks Carolyn. This is a big part of the "less" part of Mess For Less.
Vicky @ Mess For Less
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!
Vicky @ Mess For Less
Really appreciate it Erin.
Vicky @ Mess For Less
Thanks Wag Doll! Hope they keep the kids busy.
Vicky @ Mess For Less
Thanks Deborah! I am too cheap to just use things once.
Vicky @ Mess For Less
Thanks! Just follow the links above to follow The PLAY Group on Pinterest and join the group on Google +.
Tammy @ housing a forest
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.
Erin D
Love it! Pinned.
Wag Doll
Wow what a fantastic lis, thanks for compiling and sharing all these wonderful ideas! x
Melinda
Oooh love all the cool ideas. Exactly how does one become a member 🙂 I would love to join
Deborah Alter-Rasche
Great roundup! Love giving things another life! 🙂