What to do with that box of perfectly good plastic blocks gathering dust in your attic or garage?


Photo: Lego

Most kids in North America grew up with a set of Legos, most parents have probably stepped painfully on the hard little blocks in their bare feet, and most Lego blocks will outlast your kids, nieces and nephews, even grandkids. According to the manufacturer, there have been enough Lego parts made to provide every human on earth with 52 pieces. They are one of the most popular and creative toys on the planet. What to do with that box of perfectly good plastic blocks gathering dust in your attic or garage?

Here are a few ideas, and we invite you to submit your own in the contents section- or write a guest blog for us!

Photo: Associated Content

Here’s a craft idea from Laurie Meekis at Associated Content for the kids- or your own inner child- to make. Remember guys, that special someone is probably a sucker for the occasional childlike –as distinct from childish- touch form you. This one is a winner. You can craft a Lego bud vase or flower pot cover that will last practically forever. Blend the colors to match the bouquet or your décor. 

You’ll need Enough Lego blocks to surround the pot or bud vase. Line your structure with aluminum foil or reused plastic bag to keep water from leaking. Put your plant or flower into a used milk carton, can, food jar or other container- recycled is better and the theme here. Plants will last longer than cut flowers, obviously.

Add soil if you didn’t by pre-potted plants. If this is a kid’s project, sprouting the seeds can be part of the fun.

Once you have your plants and containers, simply build a shape that will fit the pot. Make it tall enough to conceal the pot or container- you just want to see the Lego art. Put a bottom on it and line with the aluminum foil or plastic bag.

You can use these as gifts for Mom or Grandma, centerpieces at the table, or just line a sunny window with them. Kids and those of us who never completely grew up will love this project.

You can also use old or broken Legos as drainage material instead of stones in your potted plants.
You can add to the Lego theme on your table by making a stylish set of salt and pepper shakers with this nifty blog on Trendhunter.

Photo: Trendhunter

This is a very cool reuse- color coded for salt(white blocks)  and pepper(black blocks) and a red cap  to close it up or open whichever side you want to shake from. You could make a bunch of these, Sell them on eBay or Craigslist and get back some of the money you invested in your kid!

Designer Charles De Castelbajac has used Legos in a fashion line. See the creative hats and Lego Fashion Show below.





And Legos themselves can teach the concept of reuse – see this cool video on using Legos to teach the concept of deconstruction and rebuilding of housing:



There’s no reason to ever throw away a Lego - they can be sold online, donated to kid’s and battered women’s shelters. Goodwill, or just passed on to the the next generation of architects, builders, and mad scientists.  So peel those Legos off the soles of your feet and start putting them to better use!