Culture

Don’t Throw Out Your Kids’ Old Toys—Just Upgrade ’Em

Kids grow out of even the most beloved toys. Before you know it, yesterday’s prized possessions are gathering dust in a forgotten corner of the garage. (See Toy Story, 1–4.) But with just a little creativity, they can live forever—in one form or another.
kidpackagetoys.jpg
Justin Fantl, Styling by Leila Nichols

Kids grow out of even the most beloved toys. Before you know it, yesterday’s prized possessions are gathering dust in a forgotten corner of the garage. (See Toy Story, 1–4.) But with just a little creativity, they can live forever—in one form or another.

  • Repurpose skateboard decks as sturdy stylish shelves for your treasures gadgets and books.
    Christie Hemm Klok
    01

    Skateboard Bookcase

    Repurpose skateboard decks as sturdy, stylish shelves for your treasures, gadgets, and books.
  • Christie Hemm Klok
    02

    Slinky Pot

    Add cool texture to a houseplant by using a retired Slinky for the pot.
  • Christie Hemm Klok
    03

    Lego Checkers

    No need to buy a checkerboard when you can build one out of the wayward bricks lodged between your sofa cushions.
  • Justin Fantl
    04

    T. Rex Tripod

    Kids will mutilate their toys, but you can transform the sawed-off hindquarters of a plastic T. rex into a perfect phone stand.
  • Christie Hemm Klok
    05

    Noodle Nunchakus

    Nunchakus hurt—but not if you craft them from pieces of pool noodle. Hi-yah!
  • Christie Hemm Klok
    06

    Remote-­Controlled Spy Machine

    Stick a GoPro on a remote-controlled car and it becomes the ultimate surveillance bot. Parents, beware.
  • Christie Hemm Klok
    07

    Lego Cable Clips

    Those little Lego figures? Their tiny hands are just the right size for holding iPhone chargers and other cables firmly in place.
Topicshow-tomagazine-24.07WIRED Kids
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