As parents, we naturally want the best for our children. We buy top-of-the-line toys, review high-quality clothing, and research crib safety standards; however, as time goes by, we also realize that most of these items will eventually be of no interest to our child or simply be put in the garage sale pile to be resold. A child’s toy box is no exception. Although a toy box is an exceptional way to teach a child organization, even the finest quality boxes can collect dust and find a permanent home in the attic. So what is a parent to do with an old toy box that is no longer used for their children’s toys?
For plastic or wooden boxes, the sky is the limit of uses. One just has to sit back and use a little creative imagination. The easiest idea to reuse one would be to simply change what is stored inside. Put your pet’s toys inside, use it as a laundry hamper, or place it in the back of your car or trunk for jumper cables, tools, or groceries. Get your kids involved in making a time capsule that stores their favorite toys and memories for them to look at for years to come. Don’t be afraid to take it outside, either! It can be used for garden equipment, pool toys or lawn equipment. To really get the green effect on your reuse, turn it into a compost bin or recycling bin!
Storage isn’t the only option, either. Attach wheels to the bottom and decorate it as the next Indy 500 cart. Sew a canopy and attach it to the top for a covered cart. Place pillows or a cushion on the closed lid for an entryway bench. Does Fido need a place to sleep? Place a blanket and pillow inside for a pet bed. You can even decorate it as a coffin on Halloween!
Plastic toy boxes are very versatile; they can even be used to house chicks! It’s the perfect size with a few extra vents, hardware cloth, and some handy work; you’ll be raising chickens in no time! It could also become an incubator for bird eggs. How about taking some of your plants and giving them a new home indoors? Heading to the big game? Take it with ice and TOUCHDOWN! to an instant cooler!
For durable wooden boxes, think outside the “box” as you rotate it vertically to store DVDs, CDs, or books. If you add shelves inside, you now have a potential wine rack! Flip it all the way around for a kid-sized table. And the most economical use for a wooden toy box… take it apart to light it for your next campfire!
A child’s toy box creates memories that remain stored forever inside. Open the lid to create a world of new memories!