18 Genius Ways To Repurpose Empty Tic Tac Containers Around Your Home And Garden

Tic Tac, first named Refreshing Mints, was invented in 1969, and it didn't take long for these minty, pill-shaped breath fresheners to become popular. Even now, with so many flavors to choose from, they're still a go-to brand. If you're someone who can't help but grab a pack of these small treats in the checkout line, then you may have wondered if there is anything you can do with the empty containers. Although they're made of recyclable plastic, upcycling them is a creative and eco-friendly alternative — especially since only about 5% of plastics are actually recycled.

The unique shape of this candy dispenser isn't just useful for eating Tic Tacs on the go; it's also perfect for upgrading your home and garden on a budget. You'd be surprised how handy these little boxes are, and once you start repurposing them, you'll see them in a whole new light — whether it be as a tiny terrarium or a spice container. That said, before you excitedly begin your next project, there are a few things you'll need to do first. Clean the empty containers with warm, soapy water to remove leftover residue. To remove the branding paper and make the boxes look more aesthetically pleasing, you can use rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. Soak a cotton ball in acetone or alcohol and let it soak into the paper for about 15 minutes. As it seeps into the adhesive, it should make it easier to peel off cleanly. Now, you're ready to give these small containers a new life.

If you love plants but want to add some low-maintenance greenery to your home, then turning an empty Tic Tac container into a terrarium may be the perfect solution. You can create this tiny ecosystem with a bit of soil, a few small plants, and some water. Some beginner-friendly terrarium plants include nerve plant (Fittonia albivenis), baby's tears (Soleirolia soleiroli), and silver sprinkles (Pilea libanensis). Moss is another common addition because it adds texture and thrives in humid conditions. For added visual interest, add a few small rocks, twigs, and other natural items.

Even if you rarely use cash, change seems to find its way around the home and car. Rather than tossing your change on your bedside table, you can use these small compact containers to keep your coins in one place. All you need to do is cut a larger opening at the top so you can slip in your money. If you like, you can customize it by decorating the box with paint, stickers, or washi tape.

Harvesting seeds from your garden can be rewarding, but what do you do with them all once you collect them? Thankfully, Tic Tac containers are the perfect size to organize and keep track of all the seeds you have. Stick labels onto the outside of the container and add information like the type of plant and date. If you plan to store them in a box, it can also be helpful to write the plant name on the top of the lid so you can easily find what you're looking for.

It may seem obvious that Tic Tac containers are useful for storing small items, but you may be surprised to learn that they also work well for repurposing into unique DIY home decor. The clear plastic boxes have the shape of a miniature aquarium, so with some fish tank supplies, you can create an adorable underwater scene. You can typically find pebbles, sand, and fake plants at stores like Dollar Tree, making this a budget-friendly project. Look around thrift stores for small toy fish, or create your own with clay or foam sheets.

If you love being in the kitchen, then you may find it easier to purchase your seasonings in bulk. While this saves you a trip to the grocery store, it certainly doesn't save space in your pantry. To add more room to your spice rack, use Tic Tac containers to store your favorite spices. Not only are these small boxes great for freeing up space, but they're also the perfect travel size.

It can be challenging to remember everything you need to bring when packing your bags to go on vacation. Making a ready-to-go travel kit is one of the best ways to be prepared and decrease the chances of leaving something important behind. You can use Tic Tac containers as a handy cover for your toothbrush or razor blade (because why waste the time purchasing one?), keeping them clean and organized and ready for your next adventure.

Although you can find travel-sized toiletries, most of us use standard sizes when stocking our bathrooms with things like cotton balls and Q-tips. By using Tic Tac containers, you can store these items on your counter or keep them organized in the cabinet. If you'd like to display them, you can remove the Tic Tac paper and set the boxes on a small tray. To match your organizers to the room's decor, decorate the outside with patterned paper, paint, or any other craft items you'd prefer.

Using Tic Tac containers to organize your jewelry is one of the easiest and most cost-effective methods. Because the containers are clear, you can find the earrings, bracelets, rings, or necklaces you're looking for without digging around in a jewelry box. Once you have everything in their boxes, you can keep them tucked away in a cabinet or on display using a decorative tray or even a makeup organizer.

If you've ever dropped a roll of ribbon, you know firsthand how much longer it takes to roll it back up than it took to unravel. Tic Tac containers are not only the perfect size for storing ribbons, but the opening also makes them great for dispensing them, too. You can also use them for similar items, like thread or jute string, so they come in handy for organizing your crafting area. If the material is thin enough, you can even use the lid to hold it in place.

A home office can go from clean to messy fast if you don't have a dedicated spot for small items. Luckily, if you have a few leftover Tic Tac containers, you already have what you need to declutter your desk. Use the bins to hold all your tiny supplies like thumbtacks, paper clips, and rubber bands. Then, all you'll need to do is open the dispenser at the top and shake out what you need. If you take the entire lid off, you can use another container as a pen or pencil box.

Whether you sew by hand or by machine, you can't get the job done without a few needles. If you need a new pin cushion, you can easily DIY one with the help of an empty Tic Tac container. The only other material you'll need is stuffing, like cotton or polyester, which you can usually get at a craft store. Alternatively, crushed walnut shells, like PlumEasy Patterns' Lavender Walnut Shells, are heavy and hold pins well.

Rather than standing over the trash or making a mess whenever you need to sharpen your pencil, you can DIY a mess-free pencil sharpener by adding a small sharpener into a Tic Tac containter. As you sharpen your pencil, all the shavings will collect at the bottom of the plastic bin. When it's full, simply remove the top, toss the wood shavings out, and it's ready to reuse. Keep one in your home office, and make a few more for your kids to bring to school.

There's nothing quite like lighting a candle after a long day. However, if you're a fan of repurposing items to help lessen your eco-footprint, you may want to consider using matches, which are typically compostable, rather than lighters. Because lighters are single-use items, they can add up in landfills. Surprisingly, you can turn a Tic Tac container into a sleek matchbox by sticking on an adhesive match strike sticker, like Winecraft's Sheet of Adhesive Match Striker Strip Stickers. As a bonus, the plastic container helps prevent moisture better than the thin card box material they typically come in.

For most of us, it seems like the second you take your hair down, your bobby pins and hair ties instantly vanish into thin air. With the help of a Tic Tac container, you can better stop losing your small hair accessories. The inside is ideal for storing hair pins or small rubber bands, while the outside can safely hold onto larger hair ties. Keep a container in your bathroom, purse, and car so you'll always have your hair supplies ready in a pinch.

We've all dealt with the dreaded task of untangling small cords, especially when they're all kept together. If you're tired of rummaging through a pile of wires only to find a tangled mess, make sure you don't toss out your Tic Tac containers. Instead, use them to hold items like chargers and earphones, and use a permanent marker to label each box. With this genius hack, you can easily find the cord you need and quickly unravel it.

One of the most amazing aspects of collecting houseplants is the ability to use them to grow new plants with nothing but water. Instead of purchasing a propagation station for your cuttings, you can save some cash by repurposing what you already have. Larger Tic Tac containers work well because the bottom half holds the water, while the candy opening helps stabilize their stems. To make it more decorative, use craft glue to wrap some jute string around it, and you'll have a chic new rooting box to house your plant babies while they grow.

When you purchase ready-to-assemble furniture from stores like IKEA, they usually give you a few extra screws or nails. If you're someone who likes to save these bonus items, you can use Tic Tac containers to organize the leftovers. By doing so, you won't have to mix them up with what you already have, and you won't have random bolts hiding at the bottom of your toolbox.

Whether you enjoy watching social media videos or catching up with friends with a video chat, there are times you want to be on your phone hands-free. What you may not realize is you may have a suitable phone stand lying at the bottom of your purse. Use your phone and a marker to measure the Tic Tac container and a utility knife to cut the marked slot out of the side. Now, you can keep your device secure when your hands are full.