13 Creative Ways to Reuse Egg Cartons You’ve Probably Never Considered

If you go through a lot of eggs in your household, chances are you have egg cartons piling up all the time. But don’t toss them just yet! You’ll be surprised at the variety of useful and decorative things you can make with these short-lived containers. And best yet, you probably already have all the supplies you need to give them a new lease on life.

From Instagram-worthy vases to mouth-watering food platters, here are 13 of our favorite ways to reuse egg cartons.

Want more design inspiration? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest decor ideas, designer tips, and more!

Organizers

Whether it’s craft supplies, hardware, ornaments, or jewelry, there’s always something that needs a home. Luckily, egg cartons are very practical for storing little odds and ends—and they fit nicely in drawers, too. Not a fan of the bare, utilitarian look? Pep it up with paint, washi tape, and colorful fabric!

Egg Carton Sewing Box from Truly Myrtle

Seed Starter

For the plant peeps: you don’t need fancy seed starting trays to start growing your own garden. Egg cartons are a great (zero-waste!) alternative if you’re on a budget or just starting your botanical journey. Just make sure you cut an opening at the bottom of each cell for drainage and transplant the seedlings once past the germination phase.

Crafts for Kids

As any parent knows, most craft projects start with a long list of supplies and hurried trips to the store. However, you don’t have to look far when your craft store is the recycle bin. Old egg cartons can be upcycled into many fun crafts, including Easter chicks, finger puppets, flower wreaths, and sailing boats.

Artwork

Speaking of getting creative, this art teacher created lamp shades and planters from egg cartons, painted them different colors, and glued them on cardboard. She even added extras like ropes and mini LED lights for a truly unique piece of art. 

Gift Boxes

Looking for an easy but meaningful gift idea? Give your empty egg cartons a second chance as gift packaging! Paint or decorate the carton as you wish. Then, fill each hole with bite-sized treats and small gifts, like hair accessories, key chains, and figurines.

Tie up your box of goodies and finish it off with a little note, flowers, or a gift tag for a special touch.

Vases

Pretty vases don’t have to cost an arm and a leg—not when you have egg cartons lying around. The best part, you only need six items to recreate this earth-friendly vase: egg cartons, scissors, a utility knife, a hot glue gun, a ruler, and your choice of paint. 

DIY Vases Using Recycled Egg Cartons from The House That Lars Built

Food Platter

This idea is perfect for picnics, movie nights, parties, and even as an appetizing snack tray for the kiddos. All you have to do is line each cup with parchment paper (or paper grass) and load them up with an assortment of finger foods, fruits, and desserts. It’s safe to say this egg carton charcuterie by caterer @milkandhoneyco._ has us drooling!

Mini Plant Hanger

As if egg cartons aren’t versatile enough, they can also be repurposed into small hanging pots to jazz up indoor/outdoor spaces. For this DIY, cut out the triangular parts of the egg case and poke two holes on the opposite sides.

Next, pass a rope through the holes (you can also add beads for extra flair) and tie a knot at each end. And there you have it, an artsy home for small succulents! 

Egg Carton Pots from Journey Into Creativity

Bird Feeder

Have a lot of birds hanging out in your garden? Or maybe you’d like to make your space more bird-friendly. In either case, consider setting up a buffet for these flying guests to gorge on.

Note that egg carton bird feeders aren’t made to last long and may fall apart when it rains, or when a big squirrel comes along. Regardless, your neighborhood birds will thank you for the extra calories.

How to Make the Best Egg Carton Bird Feeder from Crafting a Fun Life

Fun Learning Activities

Here’s a little secret: egg cartons can make learning more fun, engaging, and interactive for children. For instance, you can paint each pocket a different color of the rainbow and make a color-matching activity out of it. Another example? A counting game! The trick is to use items your kids love playing with, such as colorful pom poms, cubes, and other small toys.

Paint Holder

We also love the idea of reusing egg cartons for paint projects, as they make handy paint palettes. The lid can double as a mixing tray and the middle, pointed parts as brush holders. After you (or your kids) are done painting, let the egg carton dry and save it for the next painting session.

Flower String Lights

Paper pulp egg cartons, acrylic paint, and fairy lights—that’s all you need for this DIY lighting idea. Drape it along your mantel, display it on your porch, spread it across your Christmas tree, or hang it in the bedroom. The options are plenty, plus you get to show off your recycling skills at the same time! 

Egg Carton Crafts – String Lights from My 100 Year Old Home

Decorative Bowls

You can never have too many decorative bowls around the house, but that doesn’t mean you should overspend on them. Instead, why not try your hand at making your own bowl? The longest part is waiting for the paper mache to dry but the finished product is worth it! Not to mention, the exterior can be decorated however you like, whether it’s with paint, patterned napkins, or decoupage.

Egg Carton Bowl Tutorial from Sibia Torres Padilla