8+ Fun Ideas to try with Recycled & Upcycled Resources!

by

Making enjoyable experiences for kids doesn’t have to be costly or challenging. I enjoy getting my kids involved in projects with recycled materials or helping us upcycle things that may seem like trash but, with a little work, can be entertaining for hours.

One of the most crucial learning opportunities you can give kids in today’s hectic and frequently disposable society is, in my opinion, incorporating the idea of sustainability into their play and daily surroundings.

I’ve gathered some inspiration and ideas for you below because I know it might occasionally seem a little intimidating. While there are many quick and simple ideas, some of the activities and resources call for a little more planning than others.

Both indoor and outdoor play are enjoyable. I hope your exploration is enjoyable!

  1. Explore some sensory fun with Bubble Wrap & Cardboard Rolls

Here are some fun, simple, sensory-rich activities you can explore using bubble wrap and cardboard rolls. Perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, or sensory play at home or in the classroom!

🫧✨ Sensory Fun with Bubble Wrap & Cardboard Rolls

1. Bubble Wrap Stomp Path

Lay a long strip of bubble wrap on the floor and tape it down.

  • Encourage kids to walk, hop, stomp, or crawl along the path.
  • Listen for the pop-pop-pop!

Why it’s great: Builds gross motor skills + offers awesome auditory + tactile input.

2. Bubble Wrap Painting Prints

Wrap bubble wrap around a rolling pin or cardboard roll.

  • Dip in paint and roll across paper.
  • Creates fun, dotted textures!

Why it’s great: Fine motor strengthening + sensory exploration + visual creativity.

3. Cardboard Roll Telescope or Binoculars

Use one roll (telescope) or two (binoculars). Decorate with stickers, markers, or bubble wrap “grips.”

Add sensory twist: Wrap part in bubble wrap to add texture while holding.

4. Marble Run with Cardboard Rolls

Create a vertical or wall-mounted maze using taped cardboard rolls or tubes.

  • Drop pom-poms, marbles, or small balls through.

Sensory bonus: Attach bubble wrap along the path so kids press and pop as they explore.

5. Bubble Wrap Drums

Stretch bubble wrap over the top of a cardboard roll like a drumhead.

  • Tap with fingers or small sticks.

Sensory elements: Auditory (soft pops) + tactile (bouncy texture).

6. Bubble Wrap Sensory Squish Board

Glue or tape pieces of bubble wrap (small and large bubbles) onto cardboard.

  • Encourage kids to press, scratch, poke, or run fingers across.

Why it’s great: Calm-down tool for young children or anyone who enjoys repetitive tactile input.

7. Cardboard Roll Sound Shaker

Fill a roll with rice, beans, or beads.

  • Wrap the outside with bubble wrap for extra grip and sensory texture.

Makes great: DIY rainstick or maraca.

8. Roll & Pop Path Game

Place a cardboard roll on its side and roll it across bubble wrap.

  • Kids try to pop bubbles only under the roll’s path.

Why it’s great: Hand–eye coordination + pressure control + fun popping!

If you’d like, I can also create:

  • A printable activity guide
  • Step-by-step instructions with images
  • A themed lesson plan (e.g., sensory week, STEM tie-ins, or preschool circle-time activities)

Would you like a more structured guide or more “just-for-fun” ideas?

By messaging ChatGPT, an AI chatbot, you agree to our Terms and have read our Privacy Policy.
Don’t share sensitive info. Chats may be reviewed and used to train our models. Learn mor

2. Make your own musical shakers

Here’s a simple, fun, and creative guide for making your own musical shakers using everyday materials. Great for kids, classrooms, or DIY music projects!

🎶 Make Your Own Musical Shakers

Materials You Can Use

Choose one container and one filler from the lists below:

Containers (pick one):

  • Empty plastic Easter eggs
  • Small plastic bottles (water, spice jars)
  • Cardboard tubes with end caps
  • Metal tins (mint tins, small cans with lids)
  • Film canisters (if you have them)

Fillers (pick one):

These all make different sounds!

  • Rice (soft, swishy sound)
  • Dry beans (louder, clacky sound)
  • Lentils (light rattling sound)
  • Small beads or buttons (bright, crisp sound)
  • Popcorn kernels (medium clack)

Instructions

1. Fill the container

Add 1–3 tablespoons of your chosen filler.
✔ Less filler = softer, sharper shake
✔ More filler = heavier, fuller sound

2. Seal it

Use strong tape such as:

  • Masking tape
  • Electrical tape
  • Duct tape

Wrap tape around any seams or openings so nothing spills out.

3. Decorate (optional but fun!)

  • Stickers
  • Paint or acrylic markers
  • Washi tape
  • Glitter glue
  • Fabric scraps or ribbon

Make sure decorations don’t block the shaking sound.

4. Shake and test your sound

Try shaking:

  • Up and down
  • Side to side
  • In circular motions

Each direction gives a slightly different rhythm.

Ideas to Make It More Musical

🎵 Create a set

Make several shakers using different fillers so you have a variety of tones.

🎵 Play along with music

Try shaking in time with your favorite song—start with slow beats.

🎵 Experiment with rhythm patterns

Try:

  • Slow–slow–fast–fast
  • Shake–shake–pause
  • Shake up, shake down

🎵 Group activity

Perfect for classrooms or parties—everyone makes one and then plays together!

If you want, I can also give you:
✨ Printable instruction sheet
✨ Classroom lesson plan
✨ Science explanation (why different fillers sound different)
✨ Craft ideas for themed shakers (animals, holidays, etc.)

Would you like any of those?

3. Get busy with old Deodorant Bottles

Here are fun, safe, and creative ways to get busy with old deodorant bottles—perfect for upcycling and craft projects!

Before starting, make sure the bottle is washed thoroughly (instructions included below).

🧼 First: Clean the Deodorant Bottle

Whether it’s a roll-on or stick type:

For Roll-On Bottles

  1. Twist or pry off the roller ball (most pop off with gentle pressure).
  2. Rinse with warm, soapy water.
  3. Soak for 10–15 minutes if there’s residue.
  4. Let it dry completely.

For Stick Deodorant Bottles

  1. Twist the bottom until the platform rises all the way.
  2. Remove leftover product with a spoon or tissue.
  3. Wash with warm, soapy water.
  4. Let dry.

Now you’re ready to craft!

🎨 Creative Things to Make with Old Deodorant Bottles

1. Paint Roller (Roll-On Bottles)

Refill with:

  • Liquid watercolor
  • Diluted acrylic paint
  • Fabric paint

The roller ball becomes a mini paint roller—great for kids, murals, and fabric art.

2. Glitter Glue or Slime Roller

Fill with:

  • Homemade slime
  • Glitter glue
  • Colored glue

Roll it onto paper for cool textured art.

3. Travel Lotion or Sunscreen Dispenser

Refill the clean bottle with:

  • Lotion
  • Sunscreen
  • Hand sanitizer

Roll-on bottles make applying these super easy and mess-free.

4. Spice Shaker or Powder Dispenser (Stick Bottles)

Fill with:

  • Baby powder
  • Baking soda (for cleaning or deodorizing)
  • Craft glitter
  • Colored sand

Twist to dispense a small amount at a time.

5. DIY Deodorant Refill

Great for people who make natural body products.
You can refill the stick with:

  • Homemade deodorant paste
  • Beeswax + coconut oil + essential oils blend

6. Mini Secret Storage Container

The inside of a deodorant stick makes a hidden compartment to store:

  • Cash
  • Keys
  • Earrings
  • Notes

Once cleaned, it looks like an everyday item no one would open.

7. Herb or Spice Roller for the Kitchen

Fill a roll-on with:

  • Olive oil infused with herbs
  • Vinegar
  • Lemon juice

Use it to roll seasonings lightly onto veggie skewers or bread.

8. Bubble Wand Roller (Roll-On)

Fill with bubble solution and roll onto:

  • Pavement
  • Paper
  • Hands

It creates trails of bubbles for outdoor play.

9. Sand Art Tool

Stick deodorant bottles work well as precision sand pourers for layered sand jars.

10. Mini Watercolor Brush Holder

Use the casing to store:

  • Small brushes
  • Pens
  • Chalk
  • Sewing needles (with a bit of foam inside)

Want more?

I can give you:
✨ Kid-friendly deodorant bottle crafts
✨ Science experiments using roll-on bottles
✨ Garden and home uses
✨ A full step-by-step photo-style guide

Which would you like?

 4. Dye and Thread with egg cartons

Here are fun, hands-on ways to dye and thread using egg cartons—a great craft for kids, classrooms, or rainy-day creativity!

🎨 Dye & Thread With Egg Cartons

Using egg cartons for dyeing and threading develops fine-motor skills, color exploration, and creativity. You can use cardboard or foam egg cartons—cardboard absorbs dye beautifully.

🥚 PROJECT 1: Egg Carton Dye Pots

You’ll Need

  • Egg carton (cardboard works best)
  • Food coloring or liquid watercolor
  • Cups of water
  • Paintbrush or eyedropper
  • Paper towels

How to Do It

  1. Prep the Carton
    Cut the carton into sections—or leave it whole.
  2. Mix Your Dyes
    Add a few drops of food coloring to small amounts of water.
  3. Dye the Sections
    Use an eyedropper or paintbrush to drip dye into each cup or “bump” of the egg carton.
    ✔ The dye spreads and soaks in, making cool patterns.
    ✔ Try blending colors in the same cup!
  4. Dry
    Let the dyed pieces dry for a few hours.
    The colors deepen as they dry.
  5. Use Them
    You can later use the dyed pieces for threading crafts (see below!), collages, mobiles, or jewelry.

🧵 PROJECT 2: Threading Egg Carton Beads

You’ll Need

  • Dyed egg carton cups (or undyed if you want to color after)
  • Yarn, twine, or string
  • Hole punch or sharp pencil
  • Scissors

How to Do It

  1. Cut Into “Beads”
    Cut each egg cup into small shapes—cubes, petals, triangles, or round “beads.”
  2. Punch Holes
    Use a hole punch or carefully poke a hole through each piece with a pencil.
    (Adults may help younger kids.)
  3. Thread the Yarn
    Tie a knot at one end and start threading the egg carton beads.
    ✔ Practice patterns: red–blue–red–blue
    ✔ Try different shapes or sizes
  4. Finish Your Creation
    Make:
    • Necklaces
    • Bracelets
    • Hanging mobiles
    • Garland for room decor
    • Threaded flowers

🌸 PROJECT 3: Dye + Thread Flowers

  1. Cut the cups into petal shapes.
  2. Dye them using droppers (beautiful watercolor effect).
  3. Punch a hole in the center.
  4. Thread onto a pipe cleaner or string.
  5. Add a button or bead in the center and twist to secure.

Makes gorgeous bouquets!

🐛 PROJECT 4: Threaded Caterpillars

  1. Cut egg cups into round “segments.”
  2. Dye each segment a different color.
  3. Punch holes.
  4. Thread them together on yarn.
  5. Add a paper face or googly eyes.

Super cute for kids!

🌀 Extra Ideas

  • Thread dyed pieces onto sticks to make wind chimes
  • Glue the dyed pieces onto cardboard for 3D mosaics
  • Use string to create hanging egg-carton jellyfish
  • Combine with beads, straws, or pasta for mixed-material jewelry

If you want, I can also make:
✨ A step-by-step printable craft guide
✨ A lesson plan for teachers
✨ A toddler-safe version
✨ A themed project (flowers, insects, space, holidays)

Would you like one of those?

5. Use eggshells for craft and sensory fun

Here are safe, creative, and super fun ways to use eggshells for crafts and sensory play! Eggshells are lightweight, textured, and break into satisfying pieces—perfect for kids’ activities, art projects, and learning play.

🧼 First: How to Prepare Eggshells Safely

Before crafting, you’ll want to clean them:

1. Rinse

Rinse shells with warm water and remove the membrane inside if possible.

2. Sanitize

Choose one:

  • Boil for 5 minutes, OR
  • Bake at 200°F (93°C) for 10 minutes

This kills bacteria and hardens the shells.

3. Dry

Let them cool and dry fully.

Now you’re ready for fun!

🎨 EGGSHELL CRAFT IDEAS

🟦 1. Eggshell Mosaic Art

A beautiful, easy craft!

You’ll need:

  • Clean eggshell pieces
  • Glue
  • Paper or cardboard
  • Paint or food dye (optional)

How to do it:

  1. Crush eggshells into small pieces.
  2. Dye them if you want colorful tiles (let dry).
  3. Draw a simple picture.
  4. Glue eggshells down like mosaic tiles.

Great for making flowers, animals, name art, mandalas, and abstract patterns.

🧪 2. Dyed Eggshell “Confetti”

Soft, colorful sensory fun.

  1. Crush eggshells very fine.
  2. Place in bowls and add a few drops of food coloring.
  3. Stir, spread on a tray, let dry.

Use it to:

  • Sprinkle on glue artwork
  • Fill sensory bottles
  • Make pretend “sprinkles” for play dough

(No blowing confetti around—just sprinkle on craft surfaces.)

🐣 3. Mini Eggshell Planters

Perfect for spring themes or classrooms.

  1. Keep eggshell halves intact.
  2. Place a bit of soil and a small seed (grass, beans, herbs).
  3. Decorate the outside with markers or paint.

Kids love watching plants grow from tiny “eggs.”

🎭 4. Eggshell Portraits (“Shell Faces”)

Great for older kids.

  1. Draw a face outline on cardstock.
  2. Use crushed shells to fill in hair, skin, or textures.
  3. Paint shells for multi-color effects.

🖼️ 5. Textured Eggshell Paintings

Mix crushed eggshells with paint for a bumpy, 3D texture.

  1. Crush shells medium-fine.
  2. Mix with liquid glue + paint.
  3. Spread with a brush or fingers to make textured abstract art.

👶 SENSORY PLAY WITH EGGSHELLS

🌈 6. Rainbow Eggshell Sensory Bin

Fill a shallow bin with:

  • Colored eggshell pieces
  • Scoops, spoons, little bowls
  • Small toys to hide in the shells

Perfect for:

  • Pouring
  • Scooping
  • Color matching

(Best for ages 3+ unless pieces are very fine.)

✋ 7. Eggshell “Sand”

Crush the shells to a very fine powder (adult task).
It becomes soft, gritty, and perfect for:

  • Pressing tiny shapes
  • Mixing into play dough
  • Making textured sensory trays

🔍 8. Eggshell Discovery Science

Let kids explore:

  • Breaking big pieces into small pieces
  • Sorting by size
  • Observing textures
  • Comparing dyed vs. plain shells

Add magnifying glasses for extra delight.

🎵 9. Eggshell Shakers

Fill clean shells with tiny amounts of rice, then glue a paper cap over the top.
Shake gently—soft, raspy sound!

(Best done with older kids because shells are fragile.)

🌟 Want more?

I can create:
✨ A themed egg craft unit (Easter, farm animals, nature)
✨ A sensory bin plan for toddlers
✨ A no-mess version for classrooms
✨ Step-by-step printable instruction sheets

Just tell me what you’d like!

6. Make a musical ‘tree’

Leave a Comment