In a world ruled by online shopping, cardboard boxes have become an integral part of our daily lives. In fact, General Materials Recovery says that 90 percent of all products shipped in the United States are still sent using some type of cardboard packaging. It’s estimated that a massive 425 billion square feet of corrugated packaging would be used in U.S. shipping by the end of 2023. So, what can we do with all of the cardboard after removing purchases from their packaging? While recycling is commendable, reusing and repurposing are even better. After all, cardboard can be bent, cut, painted, wrapped, and configured in almost any way imaginable. Upcycled cardboard doesn’t have to be relegated to the realms of kids’ play forts or drab organizational systems, either. Here are some creative ideas for turning excess cardboard into functional items you will want to show off.
I’ve always been amazed at how versatile cardboard is—it’s like the unsung hero of packaging. Beyond just tossing it in the recycling bin, I’ve found that with a little creativity, you can turn those boxes into something useful and even stylish. According to the American Forest & Paper Association, about 93% of corrugated cardboard is recyclable, but reusing it cuts down on waste even more. Plus, it’s a fun way to save a few bucks while making something unique. Here’s how you can get started with these projects and why they’re worth trying.
1. Create Postcards
A handwritten thank-you card will never go unappreciated. So what could be better than using the original gift box to craft a message of gratitude? Cardboard “postcards” can be sent as is; no envelope needed. You can even add a few special touches, like fabric scraps, as this DIYer did.
I love the idea of turning a plain piece of cardboard into something heartfelt. It’s super simple—just cut the cardboard into postcard-sized rectangles, sand the edges lightly for a smoother look, and decorate with whatever you’ve got lying around, like leftover wrapping paper or even some washi tape. If you’re worried about durability, a quick coat of clear sealant can make them mail-ready. The U.S. Postal Service says postcards need to be at least 0.007 inches thick, and cardboard easily meets that, so you’re good to go. This is a great way to add a personal touch while keeping costs down—store-bought cards can run you $2–$5 each, but these are basically free!
2. Reuse for Napkin Rings
Whip up a set of these delightful napkin rings with a cardboard tube from a roll of plastic wrap or foil. About ¼ yard of your favorite fabric will be more than enough for eight rings; use fabric glue or double-sided tape to secure the cloth to the inside of each cardboard coil.
I’ve made these for a dinner party before, and they were a hit—guests couldn’t believe they were made from old foil tubes! Cut the tube into 1-inch sections, wrap them with fabric scraps (I used some old cotton remnants), and secure with a dab of glue. If you want to get fancy, add a small bead or ribbon for extra flair. Fabric glue is your friend here because it dries clear and holds up well. This project is not only budget-friendly—costing under $2 for a set of eight—but it also reduces waste. Considering that the average household tosses out tons of cardboard tubes yearly, this is a small but satisfying way to repurpose them.
3. Fashion a Planter
“Believe it or not, cardboard can serve as an excellent planter,” Zahid Adnan, gardener and founder of The Plant Bible, says. Its porous nature allows for proper aeration and drainage, creating an ideal environment for plant growth,” he adds. Dress up a simple cardboard box with a bit of paint, then line it with a plastic bag poked with a few drainage holes. You are now ready to move a plant into a pretty new home. Zahid adds that “while not all plants thrive in cardboard planters, certain varieties, such as herbs and shallow-rooted vegetables, benefit from the moisture retention and insulation that cardboard provides.”
I was skeptical about cardboard planters at first, but I tried this with some basil and was pleasantly surprised. The key is to reinforce the box with duct tape along the seams to prevent it from falling apart when wet. I also painted mine with non-toxic acrylic paint for a pop of color. Scientifically, cardboard’s porous structure lets roots breathe while retaining just enough moisture, which is perfect for herbs like mint or cilantro. Just make sure to place a tray underneath to catch any drips. This is a dirt-cheap option—pun intended—since you’re using materials you already have, compared to $10–$20 for a basic ceramic pot.
4. Add Style to Storage
Making this batch of storage boxes is simpler than you might think. Wrapping paper or paint, a bit of Mod Podge to keep the wrapping paper in place, and awesome plated card holders find new purpose as storage bins. Visit How Joyful for the tutorial.
I’ve turned old shipping boxes into storage bins for my craft supplies, and they look way better than those plastic bins from the store. Use Mod Podge to seal the wrapping paper; it’s a game-changer for durability. If you’re on a budget, skip the fancy card holders and just cut slots for labels. The EPA notes that Americans generate about 4.9 pounds of waste per person daily, and cardboard is a big chunk of that. This project helps cut down on that while keeping your space organized. You can make a set of these for under $5, compared to $15–$30 for store-bought organizers.
5. Cut It Up for a Cat Scratcher
Save your furniture—and delight your favorite feline—with a scratching pad made from corrugated cardboard boxes, courtesy of Dream a Little Bigger. For a stylish touch, paint or decorate the outer rim.
My cat absolutely loves the scratcher I made from old Amazon boxes. Just stack and glue strips of corrugated cardboard together, then wrap the edges with some decorative tape. The corrugated texture is perfect for cats because it mimics tree bark, their natural scratching surface. I spent maybe $1 on glue and tape, versus $20 for a store-bought scratcher. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those thick corrugated boxes that are too sturdy to just toss out.
6. Create Coasters
Cardboard, decorative tissue paper, and a bit of tape are all you need to make these drink coasters on the fly. Bonus use: Protect your floor from scratches—these coasters also make great furniture sliders!
I whipped up a set of these coasters for a house party, and they held up surprisingly well. Cut circles from sturdy cardboard, cover with tissue paper or even old gift wrap, and seal with a layer of Mod Podge for water resistance. They’re not as durable as ceramic coasters, but for a one-off event, they’re perfect and cost next to nothing. The furniture slider trick is a lifesaver too—I used some under a heavy couch and moved it without a scratch. This is a quick project that keeps cardboard out of landfills, where it makes up about 30% of municipal waste, according to the EPA.
7. Cut Up Some Gift Tags
Whether you use them as gift tags or as a means of labeling various boxes, bags, or containers around the house, cardboard cutouts are easy, free ways to mark your stuff. For an extra-special touch, decorate them with markers or paint pens, like this DIYer did.
I’ve been making gift tags from cereal boxes for years, and they always get compliments. Just cut them into fun shapes—think stars or hearts—and decorate with whatever you’ve got, like glitter pens or stickers. A hole punch and some twine make them gift-ready. This is a great way to use thinner cardboard that’s not sturdy enough for bigger projects. It’s practically free, unlike store-bought tags that can cost $5 for a pack of 10. Plus, it’s a fun craft to do with kids!
8. Suppress Weeds in the Garden
Cardboard is a sturdy yet compostable material, which makes it a natural solution for controlling weeds. “By laying cardboard sheets on bare soil, you create a barrier that prevents sunlight from reaching weed seeds, stifling their growth,” Adnan says. “To enhance its weed-suppressing capabilities, it’s crucial to wet the cardboard thoroughly before applying mulch or soil on top.” Place flat pieces of cardboard on your weed-prone area, and water thoroughly to help them stay put. When you’re done, top them with soil or mulch.
I tried this in my backyard last spring, and it worked like a charm—no weeds for months! The trick is to overlap the cardboard pieces to avoid gaps where weeds can sneak through. Wetting the cardboard makes it mold to the ground, and a 2-inch layer of mulch keeps it in place. Studies show that cardboard can suppress weeds for up to 6 months while breaking down naturally, enriching the soil. This method saved me from spending $30 on chemical weed killers, and it’s eco-friendly to boot.
9. Make an Easy Paint Palette
Any craft project involving paints will be easier with this cardboard paint palette, complete with a handy thumb hole to keep a grip on your hues.
I’ve used this trick for kids’ art projects, and it’s a total game-changer. Just cut a piece of cardboard into an oval, add a thumb hole, and you’ve got a free palette that’s sturdy enough for acrylics or watercolors. It’s not as fancy as a store-bought palette, but it’s disposable, so cleanup is a breeze. This is perfect for keeping costs down—plastic palettes can cost $5 or more, and you’re already drowning in cardboard from deliveries.
10. Contain Magazines
Is there a cereal box taking up space in your recycling bin? Make a stylish magazine or paper file worth displaying by cutting a cereal or shipping box to the proper size and covering it with decorative paper or paint.
I turned a couple of cereal boxes into magazine holders for my living room, and they look so chic nobody guesses they’re recycled. Cut the box at an angle for easy access, then cover with wrapping paper or contact paper for a polished look. A quick coat of sealant keeps them durable. This project is a great way to organize clutter for under $2, compared to $10–$20 for a store-bought magazine rack. It’s also a fun way to repurpose the 30% of household waste that’s paper and cardboard, per EPA stats.
11. Fashion Fabric Picture Mats
Why use a plain-Jane picture mat from the craft store, when you can customize one with fabric? Thin cardboard, like that from a cereal box, notepad backing, or thin cardboard packaging is perfect for this. Just cut it to the appropriate size and use spray adhesive and Mod Podge to adhere your fabric. It will frame your photos beautifully.
I made these for some family photos, and they added such a cozy touch to my gallery wall. Choose a fabric that matches your decor—I used some leftover linen scraps—and cut the cardboard precisely for a professional look. Spray adhesive works better than glue for a smooth finish. This project costs maybe $3 with materials you already have, versus $10–11 for a store-bought mat. Plus, it’s a creative way to use up thin cardboard that’s often too flimsy for other projects.
12. Create a Compost Bin
If you’ve got an old box with a lid lying around, you can create the perfect DIY indoor (or outdoor!) container for compost. This blogger used an old banker’s box, a bit of coco peat, and some soil conditioner to construct this indoor compost bin.
I set up an indoor compost bin with a cardboard box, and it’s been a game-changer for my kitchen scraps. Line the box with a plastic bag to prevent leaks, and poke a few holes for aeration. Add some coco peat or shredded newspaper to kickstart the composting process. The EPA says composting can reduce household waste by up to 30%, and this method costs under $5 compared to $40 for a store-bought bin. Just keep it in a cool, dry spot to avoid any funky smells.
13. Build a Bird Feeder
This kid-friendly, quick and easy DIY project takes less than 45 minutes and requires only a few materials. Use a piece of cardboard to cut out three rectangular strips and one square strip. Then cut window-like holes into two of the rectangular strips. Use glue to attach the two rectangular strips together and for the square floor piece. Then use the last rectangular strip as the roof. Use smaller pieces of cardboard or popsicle sticks, like this DIYer used, as perches. Place a bit of birdseed into the bottom and watch as local birds dine in your new bird feeder.
My kids had a blast making a bird feeder from an old shipping box, and we’ve had sparrows visiting ever since. Reinforce the joints with extra glue or tape to make it weather-resistant, and hang it with some twine. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology says simple feeders like this can attract a variety of birds, especially if you use mixed seeds. This project is practically free, compared to $15–$30 for a basic feeder, and it’s a fun way to teach kids about recycling and wildlife.
14. Repurpose It Into a Desk Organizer
Who knew a cardboard box had this much potential? To create this convenient desk organizer, cut a cardboard box to the desired height for a drawer or desktop and use the flaps as dividers. This blogger used washi tape to add a fashionable touch.
I made a desk organizer for my home office, and it’s kept my pens and notepads in check ever since. Cut the box to fit your drawer or desk, and use the flaps to create compartments. Washi tape adds a fun vibe, but you can also paint it for a sleeker look. This is a quick project that costs under $2, compared to $10–$25 for a store-bought organizer. It’s also a great way to reduce the 80 million tons of paper and cardboard waste generated annually in the U.S., per EPA data.
15. Make an Air Freshener
To create this simple DIY air freshener, use a piece of cardboard to cut out a shape of your choice. Cut out the same shape in a couple of pieces of felt fabric and glue them onto both sides of the cardboard. Sprinkle a few drops of your favorite essential oil onto the fabric and get ready to freshen up the car or other space.
I made a few of these for my car, and they smell amazing for weeks. I used lavender essential oil and some scrap felt from an old craft project. Cut the cardboard into fun shapes like hearts or stars to make it cute. Essential oils can last up to a month on felt, so you just refresh as needed. This costs under $1, compared to $5 for a store-bought air freshener, and it’s a great way to use up small cardboard scraps.
16. Shred It for Animal Bedding
Give old cardboard a second life by using it to cushion your furry friends. Cut the cardboard into small strips to create a comfortable bedding material for small animals. Shred by hand or cut thinner cardboard into pieces small enough to run through a paper shredder.
I’ve used shredded cardboard for my hamster’s cage, and it’s worked just as well as store-bought bedding. If you’ve got a paper shredder, it makes quick work of thinner cardboard like cereal boxes. It’s absorbent and safe for small animals, plus it’s free! Store-bought bedding can cost $10–$20 a bag, so this is a no-brainer. Just make sure the cardboard is clean and free of tape or staples to keep your pets safe.
17. Repurpose It as Packaging Filler
Cut up cardboard into small strips to use it as packaging filler to help keep the contents of a shipment safe and secure throughout delivery. This creates a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to traditional packaging materials, and kind of completes the cardboard cycle.
I started using cardboard strips as packing filler for holiday gifts I ship, and it’s been a game-changer. Just cut or shred the cardboard into thin strips—it’s sturdy enough to cushion fragile items like glassware. The EPA estimates that packaging materials make up about 28% of municipal solid waste, so this is a small way to reduce that. It’s free, unlike $5–$10 for a bag of packing peanuts, and it gives your old boxes a second life.