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I’m always looking for new ways to recycle everyday stuff, and egg trays just make sense for crafty projects. They’re everywhere, they don’t cost much, and you can turn them into all sorts of things. Plus, using egg trays means less trash, and honestly, it’s a fun way to spend an afternoon—kids or no kids.
Egg tray crafts let you turn something basic into something actually useful or just cool to look at. Whether you’re after a home hack or just want to keep busy with a kid-friendly project, there’s a bunch of stuff you can try.
Here are 15 ideas I’ve played with or spotted, and honestly, some of them came out way better than I expected.
1. Egg Tray Flower Bouquet

I cut up the egg cups and shape them into flower petals. A bit of paint brings them to life. Then, I bunch them together into a little bouquet. It’s all recycled stuff, and these “flowers” last forever—no watering needed.
2. Animal Figurines from Egg Trays

I love turning egg trays into little animals. With a bit of paint and glue, I end up with frogs, cats, or bunnies. These are especially fun to make with kids (or just on a rainy day).
3. Painted Egg Tray Insects

I snip the tray into sections that look like insects, then go wild with colors—yellow, red, black. Suddenly, I’ve got bees and ladybugs crawling across my table.
4. Egg Tray Candle Holders

Egg trays make surprisingly good candle holders. They keep little candles steady and add a kind of rustic charm. I paint or decorate them to match whatever vibe I’m going for, and they cost almost nothing.
5. DIY Egg Tray Jewelry Organizer

Egg trays are perfect for organizing rings and earrings. I can see everything at a glance, and it keeps my stuff from getting tangled.
A little paint or washi tape, and it actually looks cute. It’s a cheap fix that works.
6. Egg Tray Christmas Ornaments

I always end up making Christmas ornaments from egg trays. Cut out shapes, splash on some paint, tie a string, and done. They’re light, festive, and honestly, it’s nice to have something homemade on the tree.
7. Egg Carton Fairy Tale Characters

Turning egg cartons into fairy tale characters is just plain fun. I cut, paint, and maybe glue on a crown or some wings. Suddenly, there’s a whole cast of storybook figures on my shelf.
8. Egg Tray Cucculent Planters

I use egg trays as mini planters for succulents. Each little cup fits a plant, so I can grow a bunch in one go.
They drain well and keep my plants spaced out. It’s probably the easiest way to start a tiny indoor garden.
9. Egg Tray Wall Art

Egg trays are great for wall art. I cut and paint them into flowers or whatever shapes I’m feeling that day, then glue them onto canvas. It ends up looking way more unique than anything store-bought, honestly.
10. Egg Tray Gift Boxes

I make little gift boxes from egg trays. Just cut, shape, and decorate with paint or paper.
They’re the right size for jewelry or candies. Not bad for something that started out holding eggs.
11. Egg Tray Mask Crafts

I cut out eye holes and paint egg trays to make simple masks. Yarn or elastic makes them wearable. Kids love making these for dress-up or parties.
12. Egg Carton Caterpillar Toy

I turn a carton into a caterpillar toy—cut, paint, stick on googly eyes, maybe some pipe cleaner antennae. Kids get a kick out of it, and it’s a nice way to recycle.
13. Egg Tray Holiday Wreath

I made a holiday wreath with egg trays—super easy and barely cost a thing.
Cut, paint, and glue into petals, then add a ribbon or some ornaments. It’s festive, and I didn’t have to buy anything extra.
14. Egg Tray Desk Organizers

Egg trays make my desk less of a mess. I toss in pens, clips, sticky notes—whatever’s rolling around.
A little paint and they actually fit in with my office stuff. Not fancy, but it works.
15. Egg Tray Puppets

Egg trays just work so well for puppet projects. I usually cut them up into animal or people shapes, and honestly, that part’s pretty satisfying. A little paint, maybe some scraps of fabric or paper, and suddenly they’ve got personalities.
Making these puppets is quick, low-pressure, and honestly kind of addictive. Plus, kids get to pick up basic crafting skills without even realizing it. There’s something really cool about turning would-be trash into goofy, cheerful toys.