If you love a beautiful upcycle makeover, this might be the perfect way to turn outgrown clothes and baby equipment into functional keepsakes. From furniture to gadgets, empty containers to sentimental hand-me-down clothing, there is a new destiny for every item, as long as you bring some creativity to the table. To help you in this quest, here are five ways to make use of baby items when your child grows out of them:

1. Turn Old Formula Tins Into Crayon And Toy Containers

Having a baby requires a lot of resources. Suddenly, you’re buying wet wipes, formula, bottles, and all sorts of products, powders, and unscented baby products. Your house is filled with empty wet wipe containers, and even the best nappy rash cream doesn’t seem to serve much of a purpose when the container is empty.

Instead of tossing away all the empty packaging, get creative. Soak your old formula tins in warm water until the labels peel away. Next, apply a thin layer of liquid wood glue to the tin and stick some fun wrapping paper around the outside. Voila – perfect crayon containers!

2. Create Dog Beds

Old blankets that have lost their plushness, cute clothes that are outgrown, and other sentimental fabrics and soft items can be sewn together to create a plush dog bed for your beloved pooch. Not skilled enough with a sewing machine? Wash the items you’re sentimental about and source a local seamstress. It’s usually cost-effective to enlist these services, and the end result will give your furry friend a bed with a story behind it.

3. Make A Memory Quilt

Similar to the idea above, you can create a beautiful quilt out of your old maternity clothes and baby’s first outfits, blankets, mittens, socks, and other cute items. Incorporate them into a design in their original shape, or cut the fabric into even squares and sew them together to tell a story. There are many great quilt-making courses and guidelines online. If you’re too busy to do it yourself, save your sentimental pieces and ask a seamstress to do the laborious parts for you. This kind of quilt tells the story of the early days in your little one’s life, making it a treasured keepsake.

4. Changing Tables Can Turn Into Beverage Carts

Nappy changing tables are quite costly but they’re beautifully designed. Instead of losing out on the investment by selling your old changing table, turn it into a beverage cart. A simple coat of paint and a few minor DIY changes can transform it completely. It’s a great project for a couple to tackle together. Once your cart is fully converted, enjoy beverages from it together. Who thought a changing table could be so stylish?

5. Create Stuffed Animals Out Of Old Baby Clothes

Keepsakes are best made with love. Use the most beautiful outgrown items from your little one’s wardrobe to create an adorable stuffed toy. Does your little girl love unicorns? Download a unicorn pattern and sew it using her old baby clothes. Create little cushions, blankets for dolls, or tiny tablecloths. When you are able to reuse the items your little one wore, it immortalizes those memories without cluttering your home.

While an upcycle project might be fun, it can also be challenging. Those early days slip by so quickly, but if you’re still feeling sentimental, there’s no reason to rush your process. Take the time to sort through the items, recall the memories, and give each one a new purpose when you feel ready to do so.