Fun Crafts for Kids: 24 Ways to Reuse an Oatmeal Container

24 Oatmeal Container Crafts

Fun Crafts for Kids: 24 Ways to Reuse an Oatmeal Container

There’s more to do with your average oatmeal container than throw it away after it’s delivered you a series of tasty breakfasts. Here are 24 fun crafts for kids that will get you upcycling that old oatmeal canister into something new and fun and useful again.

1. castle towerIf you’ve got a kid who loves castles, this fun craft for kids is the cheapest way to give them one.

2. circular picture framesThese are much more visually interesting than the typical rectangular picture frames.

3. dioramaBecause you come across WAY more oatmeal boxes than shoeboxes.

4. doll chairYour doll needs somewhere contemporary casual to sit her tushie.

5. doll cradleIt even rocks!

6. drum. Every kid needs to make a drum out of an oatmeal canister.

7. fairy houseYour indoor plants want to be made into fairy gardens, too!

8. garden planterLittle potted plants can live happily in this hanging planter.

9. headband holderAn oatmeal container is the perfect diameter to use as a headband holder, and it has ample storage for other hair pretties inside.

10. lamp. Yes, the base of this lamp IS made from an oatmeal container!

11. luminaryUse a battery-operated tea light, and nobody will know that it’s not a candle.

12. marble paintingKids LOVE the messy fun of marble painting, made less messy with an oatmeal canister.

13. mushroom houseThe tiny toys are going to love their new home.

14. nature collecting canTake this on hikes, and you won’t have to worry about crushing all your little treasures as you transport them home.

15. planetariumPut on your own, at-home planetarium show with this portable projector.

16. ribbon storage. This tutorial teaches a clever way to turn an oatmeal container into accessible ribbon storage.

17. shelfThis project utilizes an oatmeal canister screwed into the wall to make a permanent shelf and storage cubby.

18. sorting boxToddlers love this game.

19. storage containerAdd pretty paper or fabric, and that old oatmeal canister can hold anything, and look fine doing it.

20. tall vase. The tall vase that you can make using this tute is perfect for displaying bamboo or tall, decorative grasses.

21. toy car washYour kid’s Hot Wheels are filthy.

22. toy windmillKids will love making this toy windmill that really works.

23. tree stumpNeed a tree stump? Here’s a tree stump!

24. Valentine’s boxOur buddy Bonnie teaches you how to turn an unassuming oatmeal canister into a lovely gift box for Valentine’s Day.

Have more ideas for fun crafts for kids made from oatmeal containers? Tell me about them in the comments below!

Avatar photo

Written by Julie Finn

I'm a writer, crafter, Zombie Preparedness Planner, and homeschooling momma of two kids who will hopefully someday transition into using their genius for good, not the evil machinations and mess-making in which they currently indulge. I'm interested in recycling and nature crafts, food security, STEM education, and the DIY lifestyle, however it's manifested--making myself some underwear out of T-shirts? Done it. Teaching myself guitar? Doing it right now.

Visit my blog Craft Knife for a peek at our very weird handmade homeschool life, and my etsy shop Pumpkin+Bear for a truly odd number of rainbow-themed beeswax pretties.

Comments (Keep It Civil...)

Winter Craft for Kids: Make Leaf Art!

Winter Craft for Kids: Make Leaf Art!

DIY Makeup: Fix that Broken Eye Shadow

DIY Makeup: Fix Your Broken Eye Shadow