These upcycled crafts for kids prove that anyone, even kids, can turn trash into treasure, with the help of some creativity and a few craft supplies!

Have you noticed that kids today are generally more aware of environmental issues than adults? It’s so heartwarming to see kids care about cutting trees, polluting oceans and animals going extinct – it feels like there is hope for the future!

This could be partly due to schools taking an interest in educating children about topics like conservation, reducing waste and recycling. As parents, we can also do our bit by joining in the conversation about these topics!

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Recycling v/s Upcycling

So how is upcycling different from recycling? Well recycling generally refers to breaking down materials to create something new, while upcycling uses creativity to transform existing materials into something newer and better. They’re both ways to promote sustainable living, and they’re both to be encouraged!

Since National Upcycling Day is coming up on 24th June, we’re shifting the focus to upcycling today. Here are some amazingly creative upcycled crafts for kids to make with common things around the home, like yogurt tubs, tin cans or old toys.

15 Creative Upcycled Crafts for Kids to Make

1. Upcycled Tin Jewelry Boxes

Tin cans are everywhere; you often get tea, herbal powders or even chocolates in tin cans, and when you’ve consumed the contents, this project will be waiting for you!

2. Decoupage Glass Jar Upcycling

We love decoupage; it’s an excellent technique to use for upcycled crafts for kids! Here we’ve turned a regular glass jar into a lovely vase, the kind you won’t find in any store!

3. DIY Scrabble Tile Wall Art

So you’ve enjoyed your Scrabble board game for many years, but now some of the pieces are missing and the board is worn out. No problem – put those tiles to good use with a fun DIY wall art project!

4. Easy Newspaper Hyacinth Flowers

Even though we’ve moved away from print media on a large scale, you’ll still have some old newspapers lying around the house. If you do, we recommend turning them into pretty DIY flowers!

5. Upcycled Yogurt Container Vase

Yogurt is great for your gut, and yogurt tubs are great for making upcycled crafts for kids! Project Kid shows us how to turn yogurt containers into quirky vases that Picasso would be proud of!

6. Bamboo Tassel Can Planter

If you’ve got a large can or tub lying around and you don’t have the heart to throw it away, don’t! Instead, check out Baker Ross to find out how you can turn it into an elegant planter.

7. Magnetic Chalkboard Project

The Crafty Blog Stalker shows us how to upcycle an old cutting board that may be worn out. Get out some chalk paint and attach a magnet and you’ve got yourself a fun board to write down grocery lists, menu plans or quotes!

8. DIY Tic Tac Bobby Pin Case

Tic Tac cases are cute, but it’s hard to find uses for something so small. Well, that’s where this project from Lovely Indeed comes in – upcycle your tic tac box and turn it into a bobby pin holder!

9. Upcycled Toothpaste Tube Mini Pouches

Can you turn toothpaste tubes into upcycled crafts for kids? Well, Persia Lou proves you can! In fact, it’s hard to believe that these stylish pouches once held toothpaste!

10. Pringles Cans Makeover

Potato chips are the kind of thing that don’t last long; once a pack or can is opened, they pretty much disappear instantly! Now use those empty cans to create these interesting organizers from Color Me Thrifty.

11. DIY Cereal Box Drawer Dividers

Got a messy drawer that needs organizing? Before you go and buy more plastic, check out this project from I Heart Organizing that turns ordinary cereal boxes into pretty drawer organizers!

12. DIY Gold Magnetic Letters

Every home with kids has these plastic magnetic letters, and once your kids have outgrown them, you can turn them into stylish fridge or memo board magnets with some gold paint! Check out Inspired by Charm for the full tutorial.

13. Upcycled CD Coasters

We couldn’t help but include this project from Crafts by Amanda in our list of upcycled crafts for kids, because who doesn’t have a few CDs still lying around? Now you know what to do with them!

14. Upcycled Tin Can Wind Chime

We love this simple project from Single Girls DIY – it’s easy to make, but the result is so pretty! Imagine those colorful beads swinging around every time a gentle breeze enters your home – lovely!

15. Cereal Box Letter Sorter

Buzzfeed brings us another use for old cereal boxes – a letter sorter! Yes, we still get snail mail in this digital age, and it can be a pain to have them lying around carelessly. So make this sorter and keep everything organized!

So the next time you find an empty can or bottle, you’ll remember this list of upcycled crafts for kids and stop yourself from throwing it into the trash! As long as you have basic craft supplies in stock, you’ll always be ready for a quick upcycling DIY that saves an item from a landfill!

If you’d like to upcycle more things lying around your house, check out these projects: