7 Brilliant Ways To Repurpose Old Travel Mugs Around The House

If your kitchen cabinet is overflowing with old, unusable travel mugs that you can't seem to get rid of, don't worry. There's no need to throw them in the trash, especially if they were expensive or have sentimental value. Whether these travel mugs have lost their lids, or they're cracked and no longer able to hold liquid, they can still come in handy around your home. From your bathroom to your office, you can utilize discarded travel mugs in a myriad of ways, from utensil holders to plant pot alternatives. No matter their material, whether they're stainless steel or plastic, these items are excellent for makeshift storage.

Some travel mugs are still usable for their original purpose, sans lid. After all, they keep liquids hotter than a traditional lidless mug. They just won't be practical for taking outside the home. But if you have one that's cracked, stained, or simply taking up too much space in your kitchen cabinet, you can give it a new spot in your home instead of adding it to your giveaway pile. 

Unused travel mugs make for excellent DIY utensil holders. If you have one of the taller mugs, for example, one that is 16 ounces or larger, you can use it to hold any long kitchen tools, like spatulas, spoons, scissors, and whisks. If it's a smaller-sized mug, you can use it to house extra silverware on your kitchen counter or dining room table. And if you have a home coffee bar, this could be the perfect place to keep spoons, coffee stirrers, K-cups, or sugar packets. You can keep these mugs as-is or paint them to match the rest of your home's decor. 

If your old travel mug is cracked or unable to hold water, you can turn it into a makeshift planter. Depending on how broken the container is, you may still want to drill a hole or two into the bottom to ensure your plant can get proper drainage, or use it as a vase if there are no cracks. Keep the mug in its original color and texture, or spray paint it with a new shade. If you want to mimic a ceramic feel, mix paint and baking soda for a textured, faux stone aesthetic. Fill with soil and your favorite houseplant.

Similar to the utensil holder hack, you can use your discarded or broken travel mug as a way to reorganize your office or school desk. Before you run to your local Target to pick up a pen and pencil holder, you can put an old travel mug to good use and turn it into a home for your favorite writing utensils, craft scissors, and Sharpies. Cover your mugs with cute craft paper for a cohesive look, and transform your desk from chaotic to clean using these extra cups as helpful storage. 

Since they are already heat-safe, certain travel mugs, specifically those made of stainless steel, can be used as DIY candle containers. After you've cleaned out the mug and repainted, if desired, you will need candle wax, wicks, and optional fragrance oil. Melt your wax down on the stovetop and dip the wicks into the wax, securing them to the bottom of your travel mug. Next, pour the wax into the mug and add your fragrance oil. Note that some travel mug materials, like plastic or thin glass, should not be used as a candle holder. 

If you love to watch birds flock to your garden, then you can easily transform your old travel mugs into DIY feeders. You may have seen the bird feeder hack online using coffee mugs, and this DIY is similar. You'll need a travel mug, suet, a stick, and bird seed. After giving your cup a deep clean, place your stick inside, making sure it sticks out a few inches (this is the perch). Add bird seed to your mug, filling it at least halfway. Lastly, melt down the suet and pour it in, allowing it to solidify in the fridge. Once ready, hang it from a tree branch. 

If you love to curate gift baskets for loved ones, a travel mug makes a great addition to any coffee, tea, or hot chocolate-themed presents. Make it seem less like a re-gift with some paint and personalized decals that say things like "World's Best Teacher." If the mug is no longer in working order, you can transform it into a cute planter, or simply use it as gift packaging for small items like pens, face masks, candy, or tea sachets. The mug keeps everything in place while still looking aesthetically pleasing. 

If you need to switch out your toothbrush holder or you need some extra storage for your toiletries, old travel mugs without lids are an easy option. Use them to store your toothbrushes and toothpaste, or fill them with Q-tips, cotton pads, makeup brushes, tweezers, and more. Since these containers are usually pretty sturdy, you won't have to worry about knocking them over onto the floor. Instead of buying brand new containers, opt to recycle your travel mugs.