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Cardboard Box Crafts: From Trash to Creative Treasure!

Whether you’re a parent looking for engaging activities for your kids or an adult seeking a rewarding DIY project, cardboard box crafts are a budget-friendly and eco-conscious solution.

Cardboard box crafts for home and play

In a world of Amazon and DoorDash, cardboard boxes have become a common sight in every home. Once their contents are unpacked, it is easy to just toss them in the recycling bin without a second thought. However, there are so many creative things you can do with cardboard boxes (just ask your cat)!

What can you make with a cardboard box?

Armed with little more than a cardboard box and a few basic craft supplies, you can transform it into a functional masterpiece or a work of art. Here are just a few ideas of what a cardboard box can be reused for:

  • Storage solutions – after all, it is a box
  • Playhouse for both kids and pets
  • Costumes – anything with a boxy shape can be made. Just google cardboard box costumes for some awesome ideas
  • Organizing – use smaller boxes to organize the drawers in your bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom
  • Piñatas – make sure not to use too thick of cardboard or your kids’ arms will get tired swinging away to get it open

These are just a few examples, but the possibilities are nearly endless. I’ve gathered some cardboard box crafts to help you get inspired.

The list is split it into three sections: using boxes around your home, using boxes for your child’s playtime, and some additional fun ideas you may want to try.

Next time you get a delivery, think about what you might be able to make with the boxes!

Ways to use cardboard boxes in your home

1
Fabric Boxes
Learn how to makeover boxes with fabric! You’ll learn how to Mod Podge fabric to cardboard in this easy tutorial that anyone can do.
PS – you can use wrapping paper too!
Get the Tutorial
2
Steve Carrell
Easy Weaving on a Cardboard Loom
Yes, you can make a loom out of a box! And make some pretty cute wall decor, if I may say.
Get the Tutorial
3
How to make DIY Cardboard table
www.ohohdeco.com
Cardboard Table
Learn how to make your own tables using cardboard! The smaller brown one is finished with paper mache and the white one is coated with tile adhesive.
Get the Tutorial
4
DIY Sweater Box, Super Easy To Make!
reusegrowenjoy.com
Sweater Box
Make a cozy looking storage box with an upcycled sweater. It is super easy to make and would look great in any room.
Get the Tutorial
5
DIY Cardboard Display Cabinet
www.handmadecharlotte.com
Display Cabinet
Repurpose a sturdy cardboard box into a display cabinet. Your kids can help and then use it to display their favorite toys!
Get the Tutorial
6
Fabric Covered Storage Boxes - Stylish Storage
www.makinghomebase.com
Stylish Storage
Here is another stylish storage option—fabric covered boxes with rope or twine handles!
Get the Tutorial
7
Make an Upcycled Cardboard Lantern
www.etsy.com
Lantern
Creating these lovely lanterns is simple with this tutorial. They'll contribute a warm ambiance to any area of your home.
Get the Tutorial
8
www.lilyardor.com
Felt Box
Create some open storage for your living room using this felt weaving idea. The box cost less than $7 to make and features wood handles made from paint stirrers!
Get the Tutorial
9
DIY Comic Book Easter Basket Tutorial
www.comicconfamily.com
Comic Book Basket
Rolled magazine (or in this case comic book) boxes and baskets are pretty cool. I like that this method is really easy, and the results can be used for storage or a gift box.
Get the Tutorial
10
Easy-bean-art-anyone-can-make.jpg
Steve Carrell
Bean Art Mosaics Anyone Can Make
Discover how to transform everyday beans into stunning mosaic art with this easy, fun tutorial. Perfect for DIY decor! You can make this with no crafting skills.
Get the Tutorial
11
Easy DIY Upholstered Headboard for $10- with Farmhouse Style
feelingnifty.com
Upholstered Headboard
Find out how easy it is to get your own farmhouse style headboard using a cardboard box and fabric! This one only cost $10 to make.
Get the Tutorial
12
diy marker storage from a cardboard box
www.smilingcolors.com
Marker Storage
Get your craft room organized! You can start with this easy marker storage using a cardboard box and paper mache.
Get the Tutorial
13
How to Mod Podge a Box with Napkins
Napkin Covered Box
Learn how to Mod Podge cardboard using a napkin and this simple tutorial. This is such an easy and inexpensive craft idea.
Get the Tutorial

Ways to use cardboard boxes for kid’s playtime

14
cardboard castle building blocks
barleyandbirch.com
Castle Building Blocks
With a few supplies you probably already have in your house, you and your kids can make some building blocks that can be used to create a castle!
Get the Tutorial
15
DIY dollhouse craft
www.craftsbycourtney.com
Deluxe Dollhouse
This dollhouse takes a bit of time to create, but is definitely worth it. It has 3 floors, scrapbook paper rugs and wallpaper, and even a shingled roof!
Get the Tutorial
16
Don't spend big bucks on a dollhouse - this DIY dollhouse project will show you how to make an awesome version from a cardboard box!
Cardboard Dollhouse
Learn how to make a dollhouse out of cardboard! It's really easy, inexpensive, and you can decorate it with Mod Podge.
Get the Tutorial
17
DIY Cardboard Treehouse
www.mimosasandmotherhood.com
Treehouse
Why not make an awesome treehouse for next to your dollhouse? Even your little ones can help with making this fun DIY.
Get the Tutorial
18
DIY Cardboard Box Play Sewing Machine
littleredwindow.com
Play Sewing Machine
If you sew, I'm sure your kids have asked if they can help you create things. Make them their own play sewing machine so they can pretend to sew whatever they like!
Get the Tutorial
19
diy deluxe play kitchen using cardboard boxes
www.happybankkycraftymom.com
Deluxe Play Kitchen
Grab your boxes and head to this post to see how this full play kitchen was made. There is a refrigerator, cabinets, sink, oven, and counter! Easy to follow videos are included.
Get the Tutorial
20
www.littleladoo.com
Play kitchen
Don't have room for the deluxe kitchen above? Make this sneaker shoe box sized stove. Best part? You can store all of the accessories in the box!
Get the Tutorial
21
www.messylittlemonster.com
Toy Parking Garage
Your kids will have fun cleaning up their toy cars after playing if they make this cardboard parking garage. Don't step on a Matchbox car again!
Get the Tutorial
22
DIY Duck Tape Recycled Robot
craftsbyamanda.com
Recycled Robot
Head to your recycling bin and grab pretty much everything! I'm sure you'll find a way to use it on a robot like this one that features Duck tape.
Get the Tutorial
23
Rainforest Diorama Box Craft
www.messylittlemonster.com
Rainforest Diorama
When you think of things to do with smaller boxes, dioramas may come to mind. I love this rainforest one and the painted rock animals!
Get the Tutorial
24
DIY Mini Foosball Table
www.u-createcrafts.com
Mini Foosball Table
If you don't have a foosball table, but you want one, you can make one with an old shoebox! Kids of all ages will have fun with this idea.
Get the Tutorial
25
Cardboard Maze for Kids and Adults
www.littleladoo.com
Cardboard Maze
Both kids and adults will enjoy making (and solving) this cardboard maze. Check out the post to see ways to decorate the maze and use it for learning!
Get the Tutorial
26
DIY Ball Drop Box for Babies
taminglittlemonsters.com
Ball Drop Box
Even your littlest ones can enjoy a cardboard box DIY! This is a great ball drop idea using a diaper box.
Get the Tutorial

Other fun uses for cardboard boxes

27
Cardboard Sandcastle
Learn how to make a cardboard sandcastle out of recycled boxes! This is such a great tutorial for a beach party in your backyard.
Get the Tutorial
28
How to Make Cardboard Furniture
www.apieceofrainbow.com
Beach Furniture
Get very detailed plans and instructions for how to make your own cardboard furniture. You can use it in your backyard or take it to the beach—it has a carrying case!
Get the Tutorial
29
DIY Cardboard Cat Scratcher
www.dreamalittlebigger.com
Cat Scratcher
Thick cardboard can be cut into strips and rolled to make the perfect cat scratcher! Check out the photos to see how much this cat likes this one.
Get the Tutorial
30
Unicorn valentine's day box
diycandy.com
Unicorn Valentine Box
Small boxes are perfect for making Valentine boxes! Learn how to make a very unique unicorn valentines box with Duck Tape. Grab a shoebox and the free patterns – kids will love to make this.
Get the Tutorial
31
Minecraft creeper pinata tutorial
tikkido.com
Minecraft Creeper Pinata
Boxes of all sizes can be used to make budget-friendly pinatas. See how to make this Minecraft themed pinata for your next party.
Get the Tutorial
32
Pimped Up Pet Bed
www.isoscella.co.uk
Pet Bed
Just give in—your cat always wants to be in your boxes anyway. Why not jazz it up a bit and make it into the perfect pet bed?
Get the Tutorial

If you liked these cardboard box crafts, I’d love it if you would share this post using the buttons below. Then check out these other popular craft posts using a variety of surfaces:

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