It seems easy to collect a lot of coffee mugs without even trying. What are some creative uses for coffee mugs? Here are ideas from the ThriftyFun community. Post your own ideas here.
They are great to use in your craft room, to hold scissors, pencils, pens, glue bottle, colored markers, etc. In the kitchen under the sink, store your dish brush, bottle brush, plastic scrubby, wet sponge, etc.
By Syd
I got one this past summer that had a "country goose" on it. To me that seems a little outdated but inside, my friend had given me a nice bouquet of flowers that had a root system growing so it could be potted! Another way to use them is for Bingo prizes or white elephant gifts for your club or organization. Or send a friend or neighbor some soup or something and there is no need to worry if you don't get the mug back!
I always use them for plant cuttings as house warming gifts, gift to the hostess when invited to dinner, thank yous for when we stay with relatives out of town. It is so easy to just add some good soil and start a clipping from my house plants! I always keep a few rooting for gifts.
By Terry
Donate mugs to a homeless shelter so they can use them to serve coffee or soup.
Here's a great idea in nasty weather. When you see the guy who drives the snowplow approaching, make him a hot cup of coffee or cocoa. Put it in one of your "extra" mugs, flag him down and hand it to him, and tell him he can keep the cup! These guys work very hard in weather the rest of us avoid going out in, they deserve a nice gesture and a word of thanks from time to time! Of course, this also applies to your mailman, school bus driver, trash pick-up guys, etc, etc.
By Becki in Indiana
Extra coffee mugs can be put to good use at your desk to hold pencils, etc. I use one in the bathroom to hold mascara, combs, etc and keep them organized. They make nice housewarming gifts or stocking-stuffer type gifts, you can fill them with candies, assorted tea bags, etc.
By Becki in Indiana
My cousin collect mugs for the nursing homes in her town. She buys them at yard sales and flea markets for 10-25 cents. She washes and disinfects them, fills them with mints,a pocket comb, tissues and whatever she can find on sale. She then gives them to the men. They really like that someone pays attention to them for a few minutes. One man dumped out the stuff on his bed and went right to the kitchen for coffee. I think they get tired of disposable cups.
By Vi Johnson
Make individual portions of a pudding recipe for "Koppiepoeding" or "Cup Pudding".
By Willem
I use mine to make new candles in. I melt down old candles and put in my new wick and, ta dah... a new candle is born!
By IMAQT1962
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Love Great Granny Vi's idea! Going to do that this weekend. There are a lot of convalescent homes and shelters and board and care facilities in our town here and selfishly, it would make ME feel good, too!
:) Thanks GGV!
For Christmas gifts I put a pack of hot chocolate, a couple of hersheys kisses, a few mini marshmellows and a candy cane..makes a really great gift for co-workers,teachers, mailmen, and paper deliver...anyone you want to give a little gift...there are such cute christmas mugs at yard sales and thrift stores....Also can be filled with candy...
We have 9 children and have gone through many sets of glasses, even plastic ones. I hit upon the idea of using coffee cups instead, and at 10 cents or so we can afford it.
i pick up coffee mugs at the thrift store by the dozen. If you make a cake mix you can fill the cup 3/4 of the way and bake in oven. now frost it and put a candle on top. Take it to an elderly neighbor as a birthday cake, valentine cake, easter cake etc. you get the idea!!Also is great for smaller children. They think they have their own cake. This only takes like 15 min. in oven. You will love their expression when they get to blow out the candle
I bought some small, short/squatty melmac coffee cups and they are just the greatest to serve my kids ice cream in. They hold just the right amount plus they have the handle to hold onto!
Hello,
I know there are just posts about uses here and i was wondering if anyone knew how to get mugs donated.
My work is a non-profit organization providing services to the elderly and adults with disabilities.
We are trying to go green and we were wondering if anyone knew how we could get coffee mugs donated to us, it doesnt matter if none of them match.
Thank you!
Hello Monique,
Do you still have a need for coffee mugs? Let me know if you do.
Put out the word to the churches and synagogues in your area. Ladies' groups love projects like that. As a former school districe employee I used to get lots of mugs .... Rather than a holiday gift exchange it was more like a mug exchange. And the children's parents always throw in some mugs with small items or candy inside.
I love these ideas! So useful and eye-catching! Also, this is helpful for the environment!
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