In the Brainstorms section we look for ways to recycle items and save money. Is there anything you are trying to find a use for? Click here to submit a request!
Passed Over For a Job, Need Ideas To Cheer Hubby Up?Hey everybody, my poor husband is so exhausted from working 2 jobs lately. He works full-time at Coca-Cola (5:30 a.m. to 4:00 pm) and then goes straight to work at Home Depot and works til' closing there. I need to think of something really nice to do for him today before he gets home... to cheer him up. He works his tail off and deserves a reward. My mind is blank.
Uses for Plastic Bottle and Pop Can RingsIdeas for reusing the rings that come with six packs of aluminum pop cans and plastic bottles. Post your ideas!
Uses for Flower Tubes?I am looking for uses for flower tubes. I have a bag of plastic flower tubes (the kind that come from the florist that they put on the end of roses/flowers to retain water). Maybe there is someone out there that may know of additional uses of these tubes. Thanks.
Pam from MN
Uses for Hotel Shampoo BottlesUses for the shampoo and conditioner bottles you get when you stay at a hotel. Post your ideas.
Uses for One Shoe?I am looking for uses for one shoe.
Uses for Oatmeal Containers?I have a lot of round oatmeal boxes. Any ideas of what I could make or use them for? Thanks
Uses for Club SodaYou make any cold beverage sparkling, with this water that has carbonation and potassium bicarbonate added. It can be helpful with cleaning. This is a page about uses for club soda.
Uses for MayonnaiseThis page contains uses for mayonnaise. Did you know that mayonnaise can help condition your hair or even remove water marks? Here are a few of the many uses for mayonnaise.
Alternative Uses for Wine?This is a page about alternative uses for wine. Many people enjoy having a glass of wine. Cooking with wine and using it to dye fabric are just a few of the ways you can use wine.
Reuse Shower Curtain MagnetsBefore you get rid of your old shower curtain liner, be sure to cut out the weights in the bottom, they're excellent and useful little magnets! I love 'em!
Organizing Papers?How do you organize and maintain places and systems for mail, receipts, and paper work?
My Mitten Drying Rack Has Many UsesI get a lot of use out of a simple mitten drying rack! I use it to dry my rubber gloves after cleaning, my ziploc bags that I wash and save, dish towels...which do not dry very fast in the kitchen. I also put my grandson's little wet shoes on the mitten tree.
Homemade Tool for "Hard to Reach" PlacesThis is something that I have created and find it so useful in many ways. An old mop handle with a cup hook screwed on the end of it, so simple and easy.
Use Your Luggage Carrier For Heavy ItemsI have a back problem and cannot lift much so when I go out to shop, I put my collapsible luggage carrier in the car, along with a box that fits on it. When I get home, I set up the luggage carrier with the box and load my purchases into it. Even if I have to make more than one trip, it is worth it. I also have a little flat bed dolly I bought at the hardware store for larger things such as pet food, boxes, etc.
Multi-Purpose Wax Paper SheetsI buy at Sam's, a large store where you can buy in bulk. There are others in your area, I am sure. If not, cut up sheets yourself and store in an empty large Kleenex box.
The Many Uses of WD-40Some of the many uses of WD40: Use to loosen rusty nuts and screws, clean garden tools. Cleans piano keys. Keeps wicker chairs from squeaking.
Bounce This Along - Uses For Bounce Fabric SoftenerMy mail carrier told me that the US Postal service sent out a message to all letter carriers to put a sheet of Bounce in their uniform pockets to keep yellow-jackets away.
Uses for Glass Pot Cover?I am looking for ideas of what can be done with a glass pot cover. it is about 9" in diameter and has a plastic round handle in its center. Long ago I had to get rid of the pot (the Teflon was all scratched). But the lid is perfectly good. It does not fit any other pots.
Uses For Water From Boiled Eggs?Ideas to recycle the water from boiling eggs from our ThriftyFun community.
Uses for Levi PocketsYou can sew them together and add a cord to make a tiny shoulder bag. Needless to add, you can embroider or otherwise decorate it.
Uses for Napkin Rings?Are there any other uses for napkin rings? I received 12 pewter ones many years ago as a wedding gift, and I have never used them.
Uses for Small Boxes?Does any one have ideas of what to do with small boxes? I hate to throw them out.
New Containers For Your PlantsNew Containers For Your Plants. Did you receive one of those nifty bath baskets for Christmas? Is the basket made of wire? Well, here is a idea to use it after all the bath contents are gone. Line the basket with a coconut basket liner, fill with soil and plant flowers or herbs in it.
New Year's ResolutionsThis is a brainstorm for New Year's Resolutions. What are yours?
Crafts Using Formal Dresses?Crafts Using Formal Dresses. Does anyone know of a craft using those beautiful cocktail dresses and formals that you see at all garage sales, that nobody will buy and wear?
Uses For Empty LuggageTips for using empty luggage (for something other than going on a trip). Post your ideas.
10 Ways To Reuse A Flip Top Box (Cigarette Pack)10 Ways To Reuse A Flip Top Box (Cigarette Pack). Hey, if you must smoke then get something positive out of the process. First Aid Kit: stock it with several type band bandaids, Acetaminophen in a tiny bit of Saran Wrap, four small packets of germ killing lotions. . .
Keeping Video Boxes Looking NewTo keep video boxes looking brand new. This tip is great if you still buy videos. Some movies aren't on DVD's yet, so once in a while I still purchase old movies this way. . .
Uses for Fragrant Powder?I have a number of boxes of fragrant body powder. I hate to give them away. What can I do with them, other than use them for body powder?
Uses For An Old HamperI have an old hamper that I'm not using anymore and can't figure out what to do with it now. It's just a regular sized hamper that's green. Any ideas would be great.
Uses for Cat Food CansAny ideas for uses for empty cat food cans?
Uses for Old TilesDoes anyone have any creative ideas on how re-use old white tiles?
Uses for JarsTips for reusing jars. Post your ideas.
Uses for Leftover SaladUses for leftover salad. Post your ideas.
Uses for Extra Photos?Ideas for using photos (extras or duplicates) that you don't plan on saving. Post your ideas.
Uses For Campbell's Select Microwave Bowls?I bought one of the Campbell's Select "Savory Lentil Soup" in the microwavable bowl. It does say on the label not to re-use the container. It is a sturdy container with a dandy sturdy cover and it is a shame to have to just throw away the whole thing after one use.
Favorite MagazinesWhat are your favorite magazines? Post your ideas.
Uses for Unwanted ShampooTips for using shampoo that you don't like to use on your hair. Post your ideas.
Cheap Entertainment (aka Thrifty Fun!)Tips for having a good time without spending a lot of money.
Paper or Plastic?Which do you prefer when you go shopping? Paper or plastic?
Uses for Big Plastic Tubs?I have a stash of items that I need ideas of how to use them rather than throwing them away. What can I do with those big plastic tubs with rope handles?
Pre-schooler Craft Projects?I'm just looking for bright and fun crafts I can make with a four year old without doing the whole project for him. Also I'm looking for projects that don't have small or toxic parts so the one year old can be involved.
Saving Money On Tights?Buying Tights for school uniforms is just far too expensive, especially when your teacher's are far too strict! for example my Headmistress told me to throw away and not wear these tights to school again, just because of one small ladder!
Uses For Unwanted Books?Tips for recycling or using unwanted books. Post your ideas.
Uses For Plastic Air Mattresses?Reusing plastic air mattresses for something other than a mattress. Post your ideas.
Ice Scraper IdeasHave an icy windshield but no ice scraper? Here are some other things you can use in a pinch. Post your ideas.
Uses for Velveeta BoxesIdeas for reusing Velveeta boxes. Post your ideas.
Saving Money on Music?Tips for saving money on music (CDs, Tapes, etc.). Post your ideas.
Links about catalogs and samples?Thanks for all the wonderful tips I see. Does anyone know any good links that have good reasonable catalog offers? Free Samples links?
Gadgets - Which Ones Are Worth It?Today someone mentioned a worthless gadget. Maybe readers could write in about gadgets that are actually worth the money on the info commercials. You always see them and wonder if there is value in them.
Keeping Your Home PreparedWhat do your do to keep you home prepared for a natural disaster? Please let us know which types of risks there are where you live, i.e. blizzards, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes. Post your ideas.
What to Do with a Huge Roll of Paper?I got a huge roll of paper from my aunt for Christmas but I don't know what to use it for. Any ideas? Kristi
Uses for WD-40WD-40 can be a great help when cleaning house, especially in the bathroom. Keep WD-40 under the sink to:
Uses for Flat Soda PopTips and ideas for making use of flat soda pop. Post your ideas.
Paper Wad BasketballI thought this would be a perfect opportunity for you to start thinking about new ways to use old stuff - for fun, family and the sheer joy of always having something to play.
Uses For SkateboardsTips and ideas for using skateboards, other than as a mode of transporation or sport. Post your ideas!
Uses For Kitchen FatUses for leftover fat from the kitchen, other than eating it. Post your ideas.
Uses for Torengo's Chip ContainersWash and reuse those plastic containers that Torengos chips come in. I use them for everything from storing small craft parts to keeping prepackaged granola bars fresh (and bug free) in my office desk.
The New HomemakerThis is a GREAT site - I wanted to share it ! - melody_yesterday
Frugal BeveragesWhat is your favorite inexpensive beverage?
Favorite Stores?What is you favorite store to shop at and why?
Uses for Mini Reese's Pieces Containers?I have collected a half dozen of the orange plastic containers in which mini Reese's Pieces are sold. They are too cute to throw away! What can I do with them?
- Coreen in Idaho
Uses for Ice Cream Buckets?Ideas for using the large plastic ice cream buckets. Post your ideas.
Recycle Those Plastic Shopping Bags!I don't know about you, but I can't bear to throw away those plastic bags that we get every time we go to the store. They are so handy for lots of things!
Saving Money on Dishwasher Soap?Tips for saving money on dishwasher soap.
Uses for Junk Credit CardsIdeas for using cards that you get as junk mail. Post your ideas!
Reusing Disposables GameMake a game out of seeing how many times a "disposable" product can (safely) be reused. I have been using the same sheet of paper towel to clean my bathroom mirror for over 2 months! I have used a paper plate to eat a sandwich on, brushed off the crumbs when finished, used it to cover a bowl of soup in the microwave, and finally drained bacon on it. My disposable paper products (well, except toilet paper!) seem to last a very long time!
By Leann D
Uses for Paper and Craft Ideas?What are things you can write on paper like; making lists, designing your dream bedroom, home made cards, etc. Also, do you have any ideas on simple crafts you can make yourself to give family members as gifts?
Thanx,
Kristi
Recycling Old BindersRemove all of your old papers and donate these to your elementary school. The teachers and principal may be able to use them. Your local library may be able to use them as well.
By Debra in Colorado
The "No Buy" ListKeep a list in the front of your calendar or day planner. See how many items you can add to it that you will never have to buy again.
Perfume Cards from MagazinesI use the perfumed scratch and sniff cards that come in magazines to throw in the garbage can in my kitchen. It takes care of bad odors and it doesn't cost me anything, especially since I bought the magazine at a garage sale for 10 cents. I also use the coupons from it to get a discount off something else at the store!
By Tiny Bop
Decorating Using Small Plastic Juice Bottles?I have 5 to 6 small plastic bottles. Please give me some tips to use them for decorating my hall/bathroom/table. Thanks in advance.
Selling Magazines?Any ideas on how I can profit from current magazines that I have bought and read?
msparker
College Baseball Banquet?I need help thinking of something unique/easy/fun and most importantly cheap thing to do for 15 centerpieces for a baseball banquet. Any suggestions?
Need Feedback for Article on Apples
We're working on an article about apples. What are your favorite
apples for baking (sauce or pies), salads or eating? Do you have
any favorite recipes using apples? Please name the variety you
normally use. We haven't received any feedback yet.
Jumbo Glue Sticks?I have several boxes of non-usable (no longer tacky) colorations jumbo glue sticks. I've been racking my brain about how I can recycle container and/or glue stuff. Most of the boxes are unopened so it seems like such a waste to just trash them but I can't use them for their intended purpose. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. I work with preschool age children so some type of craft for young children would be a bonus.
Thanks
Redecorating 10 Year Olds Bedroom?I am only 10 years old and my room is just dull. Please help me get some re-decorating tips. These wallpapers have to go. Now! I have so little space.
Thank you.
BB
What to do with paper cardboard cylindersHow do you use leftover tubes from toilet paper, paper towels and wrap?
Preparations for WinterWe all make preparations for winter. Depending on where we live it can be a little or a lot. What preparations do you make for winter.
Using TomatoesI have way too many tomatoes this year. Because this is a new problem for me, what should I do to preserve and use them?
Jennifer L.
Using It All - Canning Lid CentersWe have so many canning lid "centers" -- the round solid part and we can't figure out what to do with them except to paste pictures on them and we don't want to do that. We are looking for something that we could possibly use as a craft "item" for a craft sale. Any ideas? Thanks in advance for any help you can give us.
- Lori
Packaging Odds and EndsIn the "Clipper" last week we had a tip about reusing the plastic that backs bacon for making hamburger patties. Linne sent in a response that inspired this brainstorm (it is posted below). We're opening this up beyond bacon backing, what odds and ends of packaging do you reuse and how do you use them.
No Effort FundraisersA myriad of companies offer fundraising for "shopping you'd do anyway." If you're involved in your school's fundraising, check out some of these businesses and sign up. Even one shopper could earn a few dollars, and every school can use those.
Saving Money on DVDs (and Videos)Tips and ideas for saving money on videos and DVDs as suggested by the ThriftyFun community. Post your own ideas here.
Saving Money on JeansTips for saving money on jeans as suggested by the ThriftyFun community. Post your own idea here.
Money Saving Hamburger IdeasTips for saving money on ground beef. Buy hamburger in bulk packages, divide into desired amount then put in freezer bags and mash flat. This is great for saving room in your freezer.
Laundry Bottle Craft IdeasCraft ideas using laundry detergent bottles. Cut the top half off a plastic clothes detergent or fabric softener bottle leaving as much of the handle as possible. The bottom half of the bottle will become the boat.
Saving Money on Movie RentalsTips for saving money on movie rentals. Post your ideas.
Uses for Old Towels?If you have old towels that are stained or have holes in them, you can use them to protect your counter tops from spills, as tub mats, or as throw rugs in front of your doors.
Alternative Uses for Coffee Filters?What are various uses of coffee filters?
Uses for Coffee Grounds?What is the best use for used coffee grounds?
Uses For Shoe Boxes?I have about 10 empty shoe boxes. I know that organizations use them to send to our war fighters. Please help me find a good use for my boxes.
Name for New Daycare?I am starting a daycare and would like suggestions for names. My name is Jenny.
Uses For Wallpaper?I have some discontinued wall covering books and I would like to use the book of design pages to decorate bookshelves, etc. The problem is, I don't know how to get the pins or screws that hold all of the sample wall covering designs together.
