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.
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!
Cardboard Box Crafts
Don't throw away those boxes until you've taken a look at this list of useful and creative cardboard box crafts.
Ways to use cardboard boxes in your home
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!
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.
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.
Display Cabinet
Repurpose a sturdy cardboard box into a display cabinet. Your kids can help and then use it to display their favorite toys!
Stylish Storage
Here is another stylish storage option—fabric covered boxes with rope or twine handles!
Lantern
Creating these lovely lanterns is simple with this tutorial. They'll contribute a warm ambiance to any area of your home.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Marker Storage
Get your craft room organized! You can start with this easy marker storage using a cardbaord box and paper mache.
Ways to use cardboard boxes for kid's playtime
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!
Laundry Set
Get the kids excited about doing laundry at a young age with this cardboard box stacked laundry set. Hopefully they will look forward to doing their own laundry when they get older!
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!
Cardboard Dollhouse
If the deluxe dollhouse is a bit too much for you, learn how to make this more simplified one! It's really easy, inexpensive, and you can decorate it using Mod Podge.
Treehouse
Why not make an awesome treehouse for next to your dollhouse? Even your little ones can help with making this fun DIY.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
Ball Drop Box
Even your littlest ones can enjoy a cardboard box DIY! This is a great ball drop idea using a diaper box.
Other fun uses for cardboard boxes
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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?
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:
Acorns • Bottlecaps • Buttons • Canvas • Clay Pots • Clothespins • Doilies • Dried Flowers • Fabric • Glitter • Lace • Magazines • Maps • Napkins • Newspaper • Paper • Photos • Popsicle Sticks • Recycled Bottles • Resin • Rhinestones • Seashells • Tissue Paper • Wine Bottles • Wood • Wood Blocks • Wood Boxes • Wood Letters • Wood Plaques • Wood Slices • Wood Trays