Don’t toss those mismatched plastic lids just yet. Here are 10 clever ways to reuse them

Use plastic lids to organize small items in your drawers and on your desks. By sorting paperclips, thumbtacks, rubber bands, and other small office supplies into individual lids, you can keep your work area tidy and easily accessible. This method works well in kitchen drawers too, where you can organize spices, tea bags, or other small items. Choose lids of varying sizes to fit perfectly into your storage spaces, maximizing efficiency and minimizing clutter.

Mismatched lids can be used to cover open pet food cans, keeping the contents fresh and preventing odors from escaping. Simply find a lid that fits snugly over the can’s opening. Additionally, smaller lids can serve as portable dishes for pet food or water when you’re on the go. This can be especially handy during trips to the park or while traveling, as these makeshift dishes are lightweight and easy to clean.

Turn plastic lids into pieces for outdoor games like toss-and-catch or DIY checkers. Paint the lids in different colors or patterns to distinguish between teams or players. These lids can also be used as markers for hopscotch grids or to create other fun children’s activities. Since they are durable and weather-resistant, they can be left outside without worry, providing endless entertainment for kids.

Write the names of your plants on plastic lids with a permanent marker, then stake them into the ground or attach them to sticks to label your garden rows. This is an effective way to keep track of different plant varieties, especially in a large garden. Additionally, you can use lids as seed starters by filling them with soil and planting seeds directly in the lid. Once the seedlings are ready to be transplanted, you can move them to a larger pot or garden space.

With some crafting supplies, plastic lids can be transformed into unique photo frames or bases for wall art. Paint or decorate the lids to match your home decor, then adhere photos or small prints to the center. For added flair, use multiple lids to create a collage effect on your wall. This is a budget-friendly way to showcase your favorite memories and add a personal touch to any room.

Plastic lids are surprisingly useful as scrapers for cleaning tasks around the house. Their firm yet flexible nature allows them to remove sticky residue from surfaces without causing damage. Use them to scrape off food remnants from dishes before washing or to clean stubborn grime from countertops. Keep a few lids in your cleaning caddy for easy access, and you’ll find them to be invaluable tools in your household cleaning arsenal.