How to Use Empty Cereal Boxes

If your family eats cereal, you might not realize that a valuable resource is ending up in your trash or recycle bin every week! Rather than throwing away those empty cereal boxes, here are some creative ways to use them.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Empty cereal box

1. Cereal boxes are ideal for gifts. Simply tuck the present inside and wrap as you would a store-bought gift box.

2. Cereal boxes can be used to ship unbreakable items. Cover them with paper grocery bags or simply be sure to use a noticeable label.

3. Make a magazine holder out of an empty cereal box by slicing the upper third of the box at a diagonal and covering with contact paper.

4. Fashion an impressive book report cover from an empty cereal box by cutting the front and back panels of a box so that they are slightly larger than notebook paper. Cover with glued-on construction paper and punch holes to match the notebook paper’s holes. Decorate the front cover appropriately, place the report pages inside, and fasten with brass paper fasteners.

5. You can even create an adorable, gift-worthy tote bag from a cereal box. Cut off one of the sides (think nutrition label). Cut 2 1-by-12-inch strips from another piece of cardboard; these will be your handles. Cover the box and handles with tasteful, pretty gift-wrap or contact paper. Punch 1 hole in each end of the handles, and punch 2 holes in each side of the box, near the opening. Using brass paper fasteners, attach the handles to the inside of the opening.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't find a way to use an empty cereal box, at least recycle it!
• Assist children with crafts using scissors or hot glue guns.