Reduce, reuse, recycle... upcycle! Four words we hear a lot of industry experts, friends, and neighbors talking about these days. Although it may be something we care about and want to do, it isn’t always easy to make it happen. We all lead busy and hectic lives. Sometimes just the thought of adding even one more task to our daily routines can feel overwhelming. But what if I told you there is a way to use recycling to your advantage? What if gift upcycling our gift vessels can help make your life a little bit easier, less chaotic, less stressful and only takes a few minutes to implement? Sounds like a magic pill, right? Well, I am happy to tell you it is even easier than that!
Don't Throw it Out
Here at GGB (aka:
gourmetgiftbaskets.com) we sell a lot of baskets, and boy, do I mean A LOT of baskets, crates, tins, and, well — I think you get where I am going here, right? We love baskets (crates, tins, and...)! The thought of gift recipients giving these beloved containers away or (gasp!) throwing them away seems utterly ridiculous to us. So, we thought it was time to share a few of our gift basket upcycle ideas with you. These ideas will not only help you organize your life but will also make your friends, neighbors and even your postal carrier envious of your home decorating and organizational skills!
What is Upcycling?
Upcycling is the process of converting old, unused or discarded materials into something useful, new and beautiful. Diverting an object from landfill and creating something new out of it or using it in a unique and different way. Upcycling doesn't have to be a time consuming project. Using a container for something other than its original use is upcycling! For example, using an old music CD as a coaster
is upcycling! See how easy that was?
The Benefits of Upcycling
Upcycling helps declutter your home and, according to Alice Boyes Ph.D. in this
Psychology Today blog post
, reduces anxiety and family stress. Upcycling also helps keep usable waste out of our landfills where it can often have detrimental effects on birds, animals and the environment. And, according to Frontier Group, "The U.S. produces more than 30 percent of the planet’s total waste, though it is home to only 4 percent of the world’s population." We're not sure about you, but this is a statistic we would like to help decrease!
Gift Basket Upcycle Ideas
Now that you're clear on what upcycling is and the benefits of upcycling, here are a few quick and easy home decoration and organizing ideas. All of the containers shown were created using gift baskets, popcorn tins and gift crate vessels we currently sell on our website.
Jubilee Popcorn Tin Upcycle
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Jubilee Popcorn Tin Upcycle[/caption]
Our
Jubilee Popcorn Tin comes in both one and two gallons which makes them the perfect sized containers to help organize your children's toys. One of our employees uses their Jubilee tin for their kids stuffed animals (shown here) but we've also heard from a few of our customers that this container is great for storing L.O.L. Surprise!™ collectibles as well as train parts, LEGO® bricks, Matchbox® cars and many other small toys!
Breakfast Gift Crate Upcycle
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Breakfast Crate Upcycle[/caption]
We have a few similar crates we use for our gourmet gifts that are the perfect upcycle containers. Here our
Breakfast Gift Crate upcycles perfectly into a tea time serving tray. We've been told our trays have been seen upcycled into catering serving trays, bookcase book holders, candle bases, mini table tops, tv remote holders, sorting trays and more!
Snack Gift Basket Upcycle
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Snack Gift Basket Premium Upcycle[/caption]
This beautiful chevron weave
Snack Gift Basket - Premium basket upcycle makes the perfect bathroom guest towel holder. But we've also used it as a flower tray cover, utensil holder, desk organizer, art supply basket, magazine rack, and mail holder. Turn it upside down and it becomes a decorative computer screen stand. The perfect alternative to neck cramps!
Gift Tower Tier Upcycle
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Easter Bunny Gift Tower Upcycle[/caption]
The crisscross patterned second tier of our
Easter Bunny Gift Tower makes a great desk accessory organizer. Use all of the tower tiers to tidy-up your whole desk! Or fill each box with desk supplies and dress-up drab looking bookshelves with a pop of color and pattern. Even better, seasonal tower tiers can be swapped out every spring, summer, winter and fall to take the place of traditional decorations.
Beer For Two Gift Crate Upcycle
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Beer For Two Gift Crate Upcycle[/caption]
Did you recently receive our
Beer For Two Gift Crate? This crate doubles as a grab-and-go station the whole family will love. An easy way for parents to offer-up healthier snack choices by putting them on display! For families that are always on the run, place this snack options tray upcycle by the front door as a time saving reminder when any family member is running out the door. The tray can easily hold both snacks and drinks. Definitely a winning parenting idea!
Upcycle Into a New Gift
There are so many ways crates, baskets and gift tins can be reused. When in doubt, the most obvious reuse is to upcycle as a new gift giving container. What better way to regift with style than with one of our fabulous GourmetGiftBaskets.com baskets, crates or tins! The ideas are endless, we would love to see your social posts with how you've upcycled one of our gift vessels in a fun and creative way!
© 2019 – Featured Photo by KLepage from GourmetGiftbaskets.com© 2019 – Blog Photo by KLepage from GourmetGiftbaskets.com