Got tin cans lying around? Put them to good use by repurposing them! Here’s our ten uses for tin cans!

Tin Can Planters

Turn your old food tins into planter pots by punching a few small drainage holes in the bottom and fill with potting mix, soil or ground up corks. These can be sat virtually anywhere or screwed onto a backing board, the fence or straight to a brick wall. If these are painted up it can give a wonderful effect and really brighten up any boring old area.

Plastic Bag Can Holder

Using an old baby formula tin, paint or cover the outside of the tin and cut a small hole into the plastic lid that comes with it. Fill with plastic bags to keep them tidy and easily remove through the hole in the lid.

Tin Can Phone

It’s a far cry from today’s technology but so much fun for little kids! I remember using tin cans and string line phones as a child. Just be certain that all sharp edges etc. are removed before letting the kids play with them.

Tin Can Stilts

Another blast from the past, which your little ones will enjoy as much as you did. Using some coffee or milo tins punch holes into either side of the tin and thread through some rope. Tie it off on the inside of the can so as it creates large rope handles then replace the lids. Dress then up with a coat of paint and let the kids practice their balance and coordination skills.

Knick Knack Storage

Baby formula tins are great for storing so many things as the edges aren’t sharp and they come with an easy seal lid. Store any number of small bits and pieces in them. They can be used in virtually any room of the house or the shed! They are especially good for storing things like craft items, kids pencils etc. and Lego blocks. Or if like me you buy the boxes of washing powder, transfer it into an old formula tin for a water proof, less messy and more aesthetically pleasing storage solution. As with any of these uses, either spray paint the outside of the tins or cover with contact.

Money Box

Cut a large button-hole shape out of the lid of a milo, coffee or baby formula tin and secure the lid back onto the tin.

Homemade Jewellery

If you’re really crafty you can cut the tins up to make any manner of aluminium jewellery or embellishments.

Baking Aids

Small tin cans make great cookie cutters or fantastic individual baked desert tins. Try baking can cakes instead of cupcakes or even single serve self-saucing puddings.

Tea Light Holders.

If you feel extra crafty, use a punch and create a pattern in the tin. Once your masterpiece is complete, pop a candle inside and watch the light dance through your creative artwork. You can also punch two small holes on either side of the top rim of the can and create a handle out of wire. Now you can hang your fancy candle holders from the branches of trees for a great night time soirée feature. If Mozzie are an issue why not use citronella candles to keep the bugs at bay.

Gift Wrap/Box

Decorate the tins with paint, contact, papers and all manner of embellishments then fill with homemade fudge or sweets to make a lovely old fashioned yet quirky gift.

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