30 Unique Uses for Leftover Powdered Baby Formula

  

   If you’ve recently weaned your baby or switched formulas, you might find yourself staring at leftover cans of baby formula wondering, what now? Don’t toss it! 

Baby formula is packed with nutrients and can be surprisingly useful beyond the bottle. Whether you’re the thrifty type or just hate waste, here are 30 unique and creative ways to repurpose leftover baby formula.

1. Homemade Face Masks

Baby formula contains gentle ingredients like vitamins, calcium, and protein, making it a surprisingly nourishing base for a DIY face mask. Mix a spoonful of formula powder with a little water or honey until it forms a paste. Apply to your face, leave on for 10 minutes, and rinse for soft, soothed skin.

2. Feed Your Plants

Yes, plants love formula too! The calcium and nutrients can act as a fertilizer. Mix a very diluted solution (1 teaspoon of formula to 1 gallon of water) and use it to water houseplants or garden flowers. Just don’t overdo i, too much can burn the plants delicate roots.

3. Add It to Baked Goods

Use leftover formula as a substitute for milk in recipes like pancakes, muffins, or bread. It works well in any baked good that calls for milk, and adds a subtle creamy taste. Just mix the powder with water as you would for a baby bottle before adding it to your batter.

4. Make DIY Milk Bath Soaks

Create a soothing milk bath by adding powdered formula to warm bath water. It can help soften dry skin and give your bath that luxury spa feel, which is perfect for winding down after a long day!

5. Craft Clay or Salt Dough for Kids

Turn leftover formula into fun craft materials! Mix it with flour and salt to make homemade modeling clay or salt dough for kids’ art projects. It’s a safe and tactile way for toddlers to play, especially if they’re still in the put-everything-in-the-mouth phase.

6. Donate to Animal Shelters

Many animal rescues accept unopened formula to help feed baby animals like kittens and puppies. Just check the label and call ahead to make sure it’s suitable and still within the expiration date.

7. Treat Dry Skin Spots

Mix baby formula powder with a tiny bit of water or coconut oil and apply it to dry or irritated spots on your skin. The gentle formula can help moisturize and calm down minor irritations, which is especially useful for dry elbows, knees, or winter skin.

8. Use as Emergency Coffee Creamer

Ran out of creamer? Formula powder can be a quick substitute! It blends better if you dissolve it in hot water first. While it won’t taste exactly like your usual creamer, it’ll do the job in a pinch.

9. Boost Compost Nutrients

Add small amounts of expired formula to your compost pile to give it a boost of protein and calcium. Just be sure to balance it with carbon-rich materials like leaves or cardboard to avoid any smell issues.

10. Practice Recipes for Homemade Baby Food

If you’re transitioning to solids, leftover formula can be used to thin out purees for babies that are just starting to eat solids. It adds extra nutrition and a familiar taste, helping make the switch a little smoother.

11. Polish Silver or Brass

Mix a paste of baby formula powder and water and gently rub it onto tarnished silverware or brass. The mild abrasiveness and calcium content can help lift tarnish and restore a soft shine. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly.

12. Soothe Sunburns

The proteins and vitamins in baby formula can calm irritated skin. Create a cooling compress by soaking a soft cloth in a chilled, diluted formula solution and laying it over sunburned skin for 10-15 minutes.

13. Clean Leather or Patent Items

Use a small amount of diluted formula on a soft cloth to gently clean scuffs off patent leather shoes, bags, or even furniture. Test a hidden area first to avoid discoloration.

14. Fortify Homemade Yogurt or Smoothies

If you’re making yogurt or blending a smoothie, you can add a scoop of leftover formula for an extra calcium and protein boost, especially helpful for those needing more nutrition.

15. Use for Hair Conditioning

The nourishing fats and proteins can give dry or damaged hair a little love. Mix with water or your favorite conditioner and apply it as a hair mask. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing out.

16. Create Non-Toxic Paint for Kids

Mix baby formula powder with water and food coloring to make safe, washable paint for little ones. It’s great for toddlers or babies who are still exploring everything with their mouths.

17. Make Ice Cubes for Teething Relief

Freeze prepared formula in ice cube trays, then wrap a cube in a baby-safe mesh feeder. It’s a soothing (and tasty) way to calm teething gums.

18. Use for Learning to Pour

Let your toddler use leftover formula when practicing how to pour liquids from one container to another, like in sensory bins or at the sink. It’s less sticky than juice and a good use for small leftover amounts.

19. Dust Preventer on Houseplants

Lightly dusting indoor plant leaves with a diluted formula spray (and then wiping gently) can help reduce buildup and keep leaves shiny. Don’t overuse it though, too much can attract bugs.

20. Emergency Milk Substitute for Pets (with Vet Approval)

In urgent cases where milk is needed for pets like puppies, kittens, or small rodents, baby formula (especially gentle or hypoallergenic kinds) may be acceptable short-term. Always ask a vet first, though!

21. DIY Chalk Paint for Furniture

Baby formula can help create a creamy chalk-style paint for upcycling furniture or crafts. Just mix it into water-based paint (along with some cornstarch or baking soda) to give it that thick, matte texture ideal for rustic finishes.

22. Calming Foot Soak

Create a foot soak by mixing warm water, a bit of baby formula powder, and Epsom salts. The formula can help soften cracked heels while the minerals relax tired feet.

23. Science Experiments for Kids

Use leftover formula in safe science play! Try experimenting with how it reacts with baking soda, lemon juice, or vinegar. It’s a great sensory addition for early learners.

24. Homemade Milk Soap

If you make your own soap (or want to try it), baby formula can be used in place of milk in recipes. It adds creaminess and skin-softening properties. Just be sure to follow proper soapmaking precautions.

25. DIY Nail Soak

Soak your nails in warm water with a bit of baby formula mixed in. The calcium can help support nail strength while softening cuticles. Follow up with a little oil for a nourishing mini-mani.

26. Temporary Wall Filler for Small Holes

Need to patch a tiny nail hole quickly? Mix a bit of formula powder with water to create a paste, then apply it to the hole with your finger. Once dry, sand lightly and paint. It’s a surprisingly decent quick fix!

27. Non-Toxic Adhesive for Kids Crafts

Mix baby formula with flour and water to create a safe, homemade paste-style glue for paper crafts, especially when you’re working with toddlers.

28. Enrich Bird Food

Some backyard bird lovers have added small amounts of baby formula to homemade suet or seed blocks for extra protein—especially in colder months. (Research your local bird species first and don’t overdo it!)

29. Faux Snow for Holiday Crafts

Mix formula powder with baking soda and a few drops of water to create soft, packable faux snow. This is great for sensory bins, Christmas crafts, or snowmen made out of recycled materials.

30. Emergency Lip Mask

Mix a pinch of baby formula with honey and coconut oil for a nourishing lip treatment. Apply, let sit for 5 -10 minutes, then gently wipe off for soft, smooth lips.

Leftover baby formula doesn’t have to go to waste. With a little creativity, you can turn that unused powder into something useful, helpful, or fun! Got your own favorite use for baby formula? Drop it in the comments and share the inspiration!

20 Creative Ways to Recycle K-Cups Instead of Tossing Them in the Trash

   Since I recently won the giveaway for Java Factory Roasters Cherry on Top flavored coffee K-Cup Giveaway, I thought it would be a great time to look into ways to recycle all these K-Cups I will be going through! Below is a list of different ways you can recycle K-Cups into fun and usable things you can work on daily. 

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   If you're a coffee lover who uses a Keurig or other K-Cup Brewer, you know how quickly K-Cups can pile up and unfortunately, most of them end up in the trash. But did you know those tiny plastic pods can have a second life? With a little creativity and care, K-Cups can be reused, upcycled, and even repurposed into fun projects and helpful tools.

Here are 20 clever, easy, and eco-conscious ways to recycle your K-Cups instead of sending them to the landfill:

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1. Seed Starters for Gardening

After brewing a cup of delicious coffee, clean out the old grounds, poke a hole in the bottom for drainage, and fill with soil and seeds. They're the perfect size to start herbs or flowers on a windowsill!

2. DIY Mini Planters

Decorate the outside (or you can leave it as is), add succulents or air plants, and turn them into tiny decorative pots for your home or to share little startings with friends! 

3. Organize Small Craft Supplies

Use K-Cups to store beads, sequins, buttons, or pins in your craft drawer. Label the containers for easy access, and then turn the extra cups into a fun piece of art!

4. Paint or Water Cups for Kids

These cups are just the right size for rinsing paintbrushes or mixing small amounts of paint during craft time.

5. Mosaic Art Pieces

Cut them up and use them to create colorful mosaic designs on picture frames, flower pots, or trays.

6. Holiday Ornaments

Add some glitter, paint, and ribbon to make adorable ornaments for Christmas. They make adorable Snowmen, Reindeer, Santa Clauses, and more! Endless options. 

7. Mini Snack Cups

Use them for portioning out small snacks like raisins, trail mix, or nuts for kids or lunchboxes.

8. DIY Advent Calendar

Glue 24 K-Cups to a board and fill each one with a treat, note, or small toy to count down to a special holiday. Glue cut squares of tissue paper over the tops and put a number on each, one yo be opened for every day of December, up until Christmas.

9. Bird Feeders

String a few together with twine, fill with bird seed, and hang in the garden for a cute mini feeder.

10. Ice Mold for Crafts

Fill them with water and freeze to make ice cubes for sensory bins. Add a couple drops of food color to each one for an added extra bit of fun!

11. Stamping Tools

Use the open end to dip in paint or ink and make circle patterns on paper or fabric. This is so cute when making snowmen!

12. Store Homemade Lip Balm or Lotion

Sanitize and reuse as containers for small batches of homemade beauty products.

13. Homemade Bath Bomb Molds

Perfect size for shaping round bath bombs or shower melts! Pop them out once dry.

14. Party Favor Holders

Paint and decorate, then fill with candies or toys for birthday or holiday party favors. This also works well at making name plates for table guest seat decor. 

15. Mini Candles

Melt down old candle wax, pour it into clean K-Cups with a wick, and let it set for a tiny but cute candle.

16. Sensory Toys or Shakers

Fill with dry beans or rice and seal with tape for toddler sensory play or musical fun. They also work well to make confetti poppers!

17. Game Playing Card Holder

Decorate your K-Cup with the open part on the bottom, making a slice in the top, this will be where the cards sit. Check out this adorable raccoon idea to see how to make yours!

18. Bath Salt Samplers

Package different types of bath salts in K-Cups for gifting or travel.

19. DIY Air Fresheners

Add a cotton ball with essential oils, cover with fabric and a rubber band, and place in a drawer or car. This is a simple but effective way to get your space smelling good.

20. Science Experiments

Use them as measuring cups, sorting bins, or tiny containers for science or homeschool experiments. They can bring loads of fun!

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A Few Tips Before You Start:

• Always remove the used coffee grounds (they're great for composting!).

• Peel off the foil top and rinse thoroughly. Sand down any sharp edges.

• You can store empty, clean pods in a large container or bag until you’re ready to use them for future projects.

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Recycling K-Cups doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. With a little imagination, you can keep them out of the landfill and put them to good use around your home. Whether you’re looking for kid-friendly crafts, garden tools, or clever storage hacks, those little pods have big potential!

Which idea will you try first?
Have a fun way to reuse K-Cups not listed here? Drop it in the comments below, I’d love to see how you recycle these little pods! 

Halloween Garland DIY Made From a Recycled Sephora Store Bag

  

  I love to decorate for the holidays, but before I spend money on new items, I like to shop the house to use what I have on hand, or craft up the item I have in mind. This not only saves money, but it’s also more environmentally friendly! I recently made a trip to Sephora for some splurgy beauty products, and had their bag ready to recycle. I thought it would make the perfect striped Halloween Garland, so I gathered the supplies I’d need for the garland, and got to work. 

   I decided to have my garland say “Get Spooky” so I cut out the 9 triangles needed. Then I painted a letter on each triangle, using paint I had on hand, and strung them across some embroidery thread. I folded the tops over and secured them onto the string, using tape. A quick, easy craft, and I think it turned out so cute! 

Making Nature Based Dyes for WaterColor Art

Did you know you can make nature based watercolor dyes? There are so many things just growing outside that are free and available for you to experiment with and make colors for your artful masterpiece. Of course it will depend on the season for what might be growing at the time, but you could easily improvise with what you may have on hand or find in a store near you. Below are some ideas to give you the colors you need. 

Blue/Purple: huckleberries, blueberries, grapes, red cabbage, wilted rose petals

 

Red: beets, red elderberry, strawberries, cherries, raspberries

 

Yellow/Orange: onion skins, golden beet, yellow turnip, celery leaves, carrots, turmeric

 

Green: peppermint, spinach, artichoke leaves

 

Brown: coffee, tea, red onion skins, walnut hulls and husks, bark and dried leaves

 

Black/Gray: wood/almond charcoal (burning wood or almond to produce a burnt residue)

 

Among these, there are so many other ideas that can give you colors of the rainbow to design your piece. You can experiment with basically anything and see just what beauty of color it gives you!

Enjoy!

DIY Tombstones for Halloween Decor

 

   If you're looking upon some easy DIY Halloween Decor you can make from recyclables, check out these fun Tombstones made from cereal boxes!

   To make these faux stones, you need cereal boxes, scissors to cut the shape, tape to hold it down, and paint. You begin by cutting the front and back of the box, to make a round top. Make sure to leave the sides, so you can fold them down into the the top to form the round edging. Once formed, tape the tops, and you can begin painting! I used silver spray paint and then went over it with a Terra Cotta grey color of acrylic paints, because that's what I had on hand. 

   I think these would look even better with the stone textured spray paint, but use whatever you have on hand, to make this project cheap and easy! Once the faux stone-colored paint dried, I used black acrylic paint to write the words R.I.P. and Rest in Peace. Feel free to write something more clever if you make your own 🤣

    If you look at the stones closely, I feel like I did a pretty sloppy job, but they still turned out cute! These tombstones make some fun indoor Halloween decor for your house, and you can dress them up any way you like. I wouldn't recommend putting them outside, unless you live in a warmer dry climate, but they would look awesome as front yard decor! 

    If you decide to entertain yourself and make these fun little tombstones, please feel free to let me know! I would love to see how they turn out! 🤍

 

 

 

DIY Orange Scented All Purpose Cleaner

   One of my favorite DIY Cleaners is a citrusy orange scented, all purpose solution that cleans everything while leaving a pleasant smell behind. It's so easy to make, you fill a jar with as many orange peels as you can fit, then fill the remaining space with white vinegar, making sure to cover all of the peels. Seal the jar with it's lid and store in the cupboard for up to two weeks, though I find it can be retrieved much sooner and still smell great. Strain out the liquid into a spray bottle, leaving behind orange peels, and you can either leave solution as is, or dilute with water. I have done both, typically just adding in water to fill the remaining spray bottle space, which is around a half to a fourth. The orange peels help cover the vinegar scent, so your kitchen countertops will smell citrusy fresh! 

 

Crafting Up Some Valentine's Day Lollipop Flowers

   A fun and sweet craft to do with your kids, is to make Lollipop Flowers to give out as little Valentines!

 

     To make these, you begin by gathering the "flower" parts, which is cutting hearts and little stems from construction paper. 

 

   You can use glue dots or tape to secure the lollipop onto the papers - the heat for the flower the stems to the stick. These make such cute little candy flowers that would be perfect to give out in a classroom or between family and friends! 

 

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Carved Eraser Stamps For Making Valentine's

   Did you know you can make stamps from a chunky pencil eraser? 

 

   It's better with the right tools, but as long as you have something sharp, you can form a shape into your eraser and use it for stamping. 

 

   I decided to carve a heart shape into my eraser, using only what I had on hand, which happened to be a pair of sewing scissors. It showed to be slightly difficult, but chiseling away at that rubber was kind of therapeutic 😄 Once finished, I inked the heart into paint and began stamping. It's not as pretty as it could be, but it was still fun! You could make these stamps for your kids and let them have tons of fun designing their own Valentine art!

 

   

Easy DIY Paper Heart Link Garland for Valentine's Day Decor

   A fun and simple way to decorate for Valentine's Day is by making a Paper Heart Link Garland! You can also turn this into a wreath!

 

 

 

    For this craft, all you need is construction paper, scissors, and a stapler. You can choose any colors you like, but I decided to go with pink and red. To make this Garland, you begin by cutting strips of paper ((about an inch or half in size)), one strip for as many hearts as you think you might need. 

 

   To make a heart, fold a strip of paper in half and press the bottom edge down to form the end of the heart. Then reverse the other two ends, connecting them together to shape a heart, staple the ends and you have your first link! 

 

   Do this as many times as desired to get your perfect length of garland, and once you have each heart done, you can begin connecting them. To do this, you just staple them together, and you're done! You will have an easy yet cute Paper Heart Link Garland that you can decorate with!

DIY Gift Bag From Wrapping Paper

If you need a last minute Gift Bag, but all you have on hand is wrapping paper, and absolutely no calico bags in sight, then check out this simple way to turn paper into a bag that you can gift your presents in!

 

First you will need the supplies... a box (or something square/rectangle shaped), scissors, tape, a glue stick, and your choice of wrapping paper. You begin by cutting the wrapping paper to the size of the box. An ordinary shoe box works great. You fold the paper over on the box, leaving an inch or so of space, and cut the shape of a square or rectangle. 

 

    Once you have your shape, fold about an inch or two of the top over, gluing it down to produce a nice clean look. Then take the paper and wrap it around the box you used, taping the end, while pressing the sides to give a form to the bag. On the end of the bag, wrap it as you would if you were wrapping your box, tape and all. Then slowly pull the box from the bag and it should be complete! 

 

 

   Do some extra creasing on the edges to give it a cleaner look, and for it to stand up better. You can also add handles to the top of your bag. I would suggest putting in a piece of card stock on the bottom of the bag, to give it better support. 

 

 

   Once you get the hang of it, it takes no time to make this bag, so it's great for last second ideas. But if you're only using wrapping paper for this, make sure not to hold heavy items inside. You could attempt to make smaller versions of these bags with construction paper, Newspaper, Chip Bags, and more!