Empty pill bottles are a common sight in many households. Often found accumulating in medicine cabinets, drawers, and cupboards, these small plastic containers, usually with child-resistant caps, seem destined for the trash once their contents are used up. But creative minds have discovered that pill bottles can be incredibly versatile and useful instead of being discarded.
One woman’s clever repurposing of old pill bottles has sparked a wave of crafty enthusiasm. Here are some brilliant ideas for giving your old pill bottles a new life:
1. Travel-Sized Toiletry Containers
Pill bottles are perfect for holding small amounts of toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, lotion, or sunscreen. Their secure lids prevent leaks, and their small size makes them ideal for carry-on bags or luggage. Steps:
- Wash and dry the bottle thoroughly.
- Pour your desired product inside.
- Label the bottle with the product name using a waterproof marker or sticker.
2. Mini First Aid Kit
Transform a pill bottle into a compact first aid kit. It’s small enough to fit in your car’s glove compartment, purse, or backpack, yet large enough to hold essential supplies. Supplies to Include:
- Band-aids
- Alcohol wipes
- Cotton balls or swabs
- Small packets of pain relievers
- A few safety pins
3. Storage for Small Craft Supplies
If you love crafting, pill bottles are perfect for organizing small items like beads, buttons, or sequins. They prevent clutter and keep everything neat. Instructions:
- Wash the bottles.
- Fill each one with a different type of craft item.
- Label the bottles for easy identification.
4. Portable Sewing Kit
Repurpose a pill bottle to create a portable sewing kit. It’s ideal for quick fixes when you’re on the go. What to Include:
- A couple of needles
- A few colors of thread wrapped around a small piece of cardboard
- Buttons
- Safety pins
5. Spare Change Holder
Use old pill bottles to collect spare change. Their compact size makes them perfect for keeping in your car’s cup holder or by the front door. Once full, you can transfer the coins to a larger container or take them to a coin exchange machine.
6. Matchstick Holder
Keep matchsticks dry and protected by storing them in a pill bottle. This is especially useful when camping or hiking. DIY Tip: Place a small piece of sandpaper inside the lid to strike the matches against.
7. Mini Waterproof Storage for Valuables
For outdoor activities like the beach, use pill bottles as waterproof containers for storing valuables like cash, jewelry, or keys. DIY Steps:
- Test the bottle by submerging it in water to ensure it’s watertight.
- Place your valuables inside, and you’re ready to go!
8. Seed Storage
Gardeners can repurpose old pill bottles to store seeds for future planting. The opaque bottles help protect the seeds from light, preserving their viability longer. Instructions:
- Dry the seeds thoroughly before placing them in the bottle.
- Label the bottle with the plant name and the date the seeds were harvested.
9. Earbud Storage Case
If you often lose or tangle your earbuds, an old pill bottle makes a great case to store them safely in your bag or pocket. Instructions:
- Gently wind your earbuds around two fingers and slide them into the bottle.
- Close the lid to keep them protected from dirt and damage.
10. DIY Fire Starter
For campers or hikers, a pill bottle can be transformed into a compact fire starter kit. Fill it with cotton balls or dryer lint and petroleum jelly to create a highly flammable material. Steps:
- Coat cotton balls or lint with petroleum jelly.
- Pack them tightly into the pill bottle.
- Use as tinder to easily start a fire when outdoors.
Additional Tips for Repurposing Pill Bottles:
- Always clean the bottles thoroughly to remove any medicine residue before using them for a new purpose.
- Label each bottle, especially if you have multiple repurposed bottles for different uses.
- If using the bottles for food storage (like spices), consider using a food-safe liner to prevent contamination.
With a little creativity, these small, durable containers can serve a variety of useful purposes, saving you money and reducing waste
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