Jar lids can be reused in many different ways. I know there are many uses other than the ones I have come up with, so if you have any to share, please feel free!!

1. As paint palettes for kids. Perfect for holding some paint, and for letting kids mix paints together,

2. As a cookie cutter. Nothing makes a perfectly round cookie like a jar lid! Make sure the lid id washed and dried, ten just push down and twist over rolled dough.

3. As a spoon rest on your stove!

4. Paint lids (or let the kids) and then glue a magnet on the back of the lid. Trace and cut a picture to fit inside, then glue it in. (This can make a cute handmade Christmas gift from kids to their grandparents, teachers, etc..)

5. Drill holes in jar lids, and then attach under cabinets. Use the jars for spices, tea bags, pasta, cereal, dried beans.....and scew the jars to the lids for a decorative storage idea!

6. Paint the lids. Then glue a large X or O made out of a fabric to the top part of the lids, and you have an instant Tic Tac Toe Game (use poster board, cardboard or even a frame with the lightweight cardboard filler in it as the game board.)

7. Quick trays for under candles.

8. Instant ashtrays.

Before you toss out old stuff, get creative with ideas to reuse old items cluttering up your shelves and closets. Real Simple.com has some great tips for reusing old items--here are a few of my favorites:

Votive candle holders: Use for toothpick holders, paperclip holders, ponytail holders, marble collections.


Wooden Crates: Make Excellent bathroom storage centers for toilet paper and towels!


Old Books: Can make a free table stand instantly!


Empty Kleenex Boxes: Makes a handy place to store plastic grocery bags.



Extra Stamps: Interesting stamps can make for a fast and cheap nail manicure! Just trim the stamps to fit your finger nail, dampen and apply!


Other ideas: Shared on the Mail Tribune.com:

Trimming tree branches: Save long fallen twigs or branches that are in good condition. Tie in a bunch and let dry completely in the garage. Spray paint them in white, silver or gold and display in a vase or large urn as indoor decorations.

Dry leftover slivers from bath soap bars and place them in a large zip top plastic bag. Use a hammer to smash the bars into small pieces, and then close the bag. Poke several small holes in the bag with a pin, and then toss the bag into storage bins with clothes. The soap will repel moths and other insects, and keep clothes smelling fresh.

Save old socks or partner-less socks to store delicate Christmas ornaments.

Have any re-using tricks to share? We'd love to hear them!