10 Ways to re-purpose kid items into something new

With kids, you end up with a lot of gear. I’m a minimalist pretty much and it’s obnoxious because after Cedar, my son was born, we started accumulating all kinds of nonsense items. People give you TONS of baby and kid stuff, plus, it seems like there’s always some new item they’ve outgrown or out-smarted, thus new ones are in order. First of all you can try to minimize kid gear (easier said then done), secondly you can donate or recycle items, and thirdly, if you get creative you can re-purpose old gear into new gear.

Here are some ideas:

1. Pants that are too short: Cut the middle seams and make a cute little skirt for a girl.
2. Too small kiddie pool: Use as a drink holder (fill with ice) at family reunions, make a sand box, punch holes in it and use for a big ol’ round planter.
3. Dried out markers: Dip in water to revive them long enough to use an impromptu paint brushes.
4. Old rain boots: Use for a cute little herb garden planter.
5. Single socks: Make puppets and other stuffed pals.
6. Old board games: Make a collage game table.
7. Cloth diapers: Cleaning rags! Great for car washing too – nice and soft.
8. Stuffed toys: Use them at the office – no, really!
9. Broken crayons: Make cool solar crayons in nifty shapes.
10. Old chunky Legos: Someone here says, “Build a doghouse” – you’d have to have lots, and some waterproof adhesive, but I like the idea.

What are your ideas?

[image via stock.xchng]