Coffee mugs are one of those items that seem like they multiply on their own; stick two of them together in a cupboard, and a month later there will inexplicably be a dozen. If this scenario sounds familiar, there are many creative uses for coffee mugs aside from having a morning cup of java. Here are two such ideas, both of which make excellent gifts.
Coffee Mug Planter
One great use for extra coffee mugs is to repurpose them as planters. Use mugs with bold graphic prints, bright colors, or pretty motifs as homes for small plants. These planters work well for plants like cacti or succulents, which are also low-maintenance.
Supplies:
- A coffee mug
- Gravel
- Potting soil
- A plant
Instructions:
- Place about an inch of gravel in the bottom of the mug to provide drainage.
- Add a small amount of potting soil, then place the plant in the coffee mug.
- Pack potting soil around the plant to fill the mug.
Optionally, dress the planter up by adding a layer of gravel, glass marbles, small sea shells, or other decorative items on top of the potting soil. A coffee mug planter makes a wonderful gift for a teacher or a coworker!
Coffee Mug Gift Basket
Coffee mugs make a perfect vessel for small gift items. It makes an attractive display, and the mug is a useful gift as well.
Supplies:
- A coffee mug
- Candy
- Small items such as pencils, fancy hot chocolate mixes, keychains, small toys, or anything else that will fit inside of a coffee mug
- Cellophane wrap
- Ribbon
- Scotch tape
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Place a layer of candy in the bottom of the mug.
- If using any long items such as ink pens, lollipops, or other stick-like items, push them through into the layer of candy at what will be the back of the arrangement.
- Place the rest of the items in the coffee mug, starting with the largest items and working from the back to the front.
- Once all of the items are in place, put the mug in the center of a sheet of cellophane wrap and gather it around the top of the mug. Tie in place with a ribbon, and trim the top of the cellophane to the desired height.
- If there are any odd flaps or bubbles in the cellophane around the bottom of the mug, tuck them into place and secure with scotch tape.
A coffee mug gift basket is an ideal gift for many situations because it is completely customizable to fit the taste of the recipient and can be used for many occasions. Be imaginative when creating these miniature arrangements!
Other Ideas
Coffee mugs have a plethora of other uses as well. The make great pencil holders, or paintbrush holders for artists. Use them to hold small items on a desk, like paper clips and rubber bands. Chipped or broken coffee mugs can be broken down and used as mosaic tiles. The possibilities are limited only by imagination!
 |
