Disposable containers made to hold drink mixes and other consumables are often worth saving. I’ve always thought it was a shame to throw away perfectly good containers and cans with lids. Surely they could be used for something else, and baby formula cans were rarely discarded in my home. Years ago when I used powdered formula for my kids, I used the empty cans for the following creative projects. I no longer have a baby in my household, but drink mix cans will also work quite well for these fun and creative projects that will help you recycle and reuse empty baby formula cans that might otherwise end up in the trash.
Outdoor Luminaries
Around the holidays, some people like to decorate outdoors with beautiful luminaries. Some line their driveways and sidewalks with small paper sacks illuminated with votive candles, and if you’ve never seen these types of luminaries, it’s really an amazing sight to behold. This tradition is popular in a local neighborhood known for amazing lighted displays, but you don’t need paper sacks to make eye-catching luminaries to line sidewalks and driveways. If you have a baby that drinks powdered formula or know of someone else who does, save and reuse those empty baby formula cans. They make beautiful outdoor luminaries.
Begin by removing the labels from several empty baby formula cans and set the lids aside for recycling. Using a sharp utility knife with a small blade, cut out triangles, squares, diamonds, pinholes, and other shapes that will light up a cold fall or winter night. If desired, draw the shapes before cutting to make sure they’re exactly where you want them. The more time you take in designing these empty formula can luminaries, the more beautiful they’ll appear when lighted.
Once you’ve designed your cans, place about an inch of sand in the bottom to add weight and help prevent a fire. Set glass votive cups inside the outdoor luminaries along with votive candles with the wicks trimmed to approximately ¼ inch. Keep in mind the containers can catch fire, so only burn candles in votive cups outdoors with supervision. Otherwise, choose flameless lighting for your formula can luminaries. No one will believe your beautiful outdoor luminaries were made from empty baby formula cans.
Rope Handle Stilts
If you were a child in the sixties and seventies, you probably remember Romper Stompers. Romper Stompers were plastic yellow cups complete with vinyl rope handles, and they were similar to stilts, but much easier to use. When kids walked on Romper Stompers they were about six inches taller than usual, and they provided lots of exercise and entertainment. I never had a pair of Romper Stompers, but my friends did, and I absolutely loved them.
You can make a pair of Romper Stompers using empty baby formula cans. Glue the lid in place on two empty cans, or cover the sharp metal edges with heavy-duty duct tape. At the other end of the first can, make two holes in direct line approximately three inches below the bottom when turned upside down. Run soft cotton ropes through the holes to make handles of the appropriate height.
Keep in mind that empty baby formula cans are made of heavy-duty cardboard and can’t withstand excessive weight. For best results, these homemade Romper Stompers shouldn’t be used by kids weighing more than 40 pounds. Examine them often to look for excessive wear, and discard them once they begin to breakdown or deteriorate.
Plastic Bag Holder
A single trip to the store can net dozens of plastic handle bags. In many cases they rip along the seams or near the corners during the very first use, but some stores offer sturdier plastic bags that can be used again and again. Instead of stuffing empty plastic handle bags between cabinets and major appliances where they’ll end up way beyond reach, create handy bag holders using empty baby formula cans.
If you want something decorative, cover the can with wallpaper, self-stick appliques, paint, or shelf liner. Otherwise, just remove the label. Cut a large x-shaped opening in the center of the plastic lid, and fill the empty formula can with the empty handle bags worth keeping and reusing. Each time you need plastic bags, simply pull them out one by one. You’ll be surprised by the number of bags that will fit in a single baby formula can!
Gift Containers
Empty formula cans also make fantastic gift boxes, especially for odd-shaped gifts and those that are breakable. Save your empty formula cans for gifts for every occasion. They’re great for holiday gifts, birthday gifts, and gifts that must be mailed.
Begin by covering the sharp edges with colored electrical tape that will match the gift wrap you choose. Next, remove the label, and wrap the can with a layer of gift wrap that’s appropriate for the occasion. Partially fill the interior of the empty formula can with shredded tissue paper that also matches the gift wrap, and place the gift or gifts inside. Top this original gift container with a pretty bow, and it’s ready to give to the lucky recipient.
