Creative Uses for Empty Baby Formula Cans

Disposable containers made to hold drink mixes and other consumables are often worth saving. I've always thought it was a shame to throw away perfectly good containers and cans with lids. Surely they could be used for something else, and baby formula cans were rarely discarded in my home. Years ago when I used powdered formula for my kids, I used the empty cans for the following creative projects. I no longer have a baby in my household, but drink mix cans will also work quite well for these fun and creative projects that will help you recycle and reuse empty baby formula cans that might otherwise end up in the trash.

Outdoor Luminaries

Around the holidays, some people like to decorate outdoors with beautiful luminaries. Some line their driveways and sidewalks with small paper sacks illuminated with votive candles, and if you've never seen these types of luminaries, it's really an amazing sight to behold. This tradition is popular in a local neighborhood known for amazing lighted displays, but you don't need paper sacks to make eye-catching luminaries to line sidewalks and driveways. If you have a baby that drinks powdered formula or know of someone else who does, save and reuse those empty baby formula cans. They make beautiful outdoor luminaries.

Begin by removing the labels from several empty baby formula cans and set the lids aside for recycling. Using a sharp utility knife with a small blade, cut out triangles, squares, diamonds, pinholes, and other shapes that will light up a cold fall or winter night. If desired, draw the shapes before cutting to make sure they're exactly where you want them. The more time you take in designing these empty formula can luminaries, the more beautiful they'll appear when lighted.