The Ultimate Rainy Day Saver
Winter break is here, and the kids are already bored. You don’t need expensive kits to keep them entertained. Some of the most creative projects start with a simple stack of cups. Plastic cup crafts are affordable, easy to clean up, and surprisingly durable.
Whether you have a stack of leftover red party cups or clear tumblers, you have the ingredients for an afternoon of fun. In this guide, we explore the best plastic cup crafts to spark creativity this holiday season.
1. The Sparkling “Solo Cup” Snowman
A giant project for big fun.
This is the king of plastic cup crafts. It creates a 3-foot tall snowman!
- The Build: Staple white plastic cups together side-by-side to form a circle. Keep adding layers until you have a half-sphere. Make two spheres (one big for the body, one small for the head).
- The Light: Place a lamp or LED string inside. The snowman glows beautifully at night.
- Supplies: You will need a lot of staples and White Plastic Cups .
2. Mini “Shrink Art” Ornaments
Did you know clear plastic cups (specifically Type #6 plastic) act like “Shrinky Dinks”?
- The Process: Draw on a clear cup with permanent markers. Put it in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes.
- The Magic: The cup melts down into a flat, thick plastic disc. Punch a hole and hang it on the tree. It is one of the most magical plastic cup crafts for children to watch.
3. The Red Cup Reindeer
Simple and cute.
Turn a standard red cup into Rudolph.
- The Face: Glue googly eyes and a red pom-pom nose on the cup.
- The Antlers: Trace the child’s hands on brown paper, cut them out, and glue them to the back of the cup.
- Use: Fill with popcorn for a movie night treat holder.
4. The Shimmering Christmas Bell
A classic holiday decoration.
Plastic cup crafts can also be elegant.
- The Decor: Take a cup, poke a hole in the bottom. Thread a pipe cleaner through with a jingle bell on the end.
- The Finish: Paint the outside with silver or gold paint, or cover it in foil. Hang them in clusters on the door handle.
5. The “Stacking” Christmas Tree
Engineering meets art.
Challenge your kids to build a tree.
- The Challenge: Stack green plastic cups in a pyramid shape.
- The Decoration: Use a hot glue gun (Low Temp for kids) to secure them. Glue green tinsel between the layers and top with a paper star.
- Why we love it: It teaches balance and structure, making it one of the most educational plastic cup crafts.
6. The Confetti Popper
For New Year’s Eve.
- The Build: Cut the bottom off a plastic cup. Tie a balloon (with the tip cut off) over the bottom opening.
- The Fun: Fill with paper confetti. Pull the balloon back and snap it to launch confetti into the air.
7. The Light-Up Penguin
- The Setup: Take a clear cup. Place a battery-operated tea light underneath.
- The Art: Place a black cup over it, with a “tummy” window cut out to reveal the light. Glue on a beak and eyes.
PRO TIP: The Best Glue for Plastic
The frustration with plastic cup crafts is often that regular school glue doesn’t stick to smooth plastic.
- The Solution: Use a Low-Temp Hot Glue Gun. It bonds instantly but isn’t hot enough to melt the thin plastic (or burn little fingers). Alternatively, “Glue Dots” work great for lightweight items like googly eyes.
FAQ: Crafting with Cups
Q: What kind of plastic cups work best?
A: For the “Shrink” craft, you MUST use plastic #6 (Polystyrene). For building structures (Snowman/Tree), cheap generic party cups are actually better because they are lighter and easier to staple.
Q: Are these crafts recyclable?
A: Yes! Most plastic cup crafts (if not covered in glitter or heavy glue) can be disassembled and recycled. Check the number on the bottom of the cup.
Q: What paint sticks to plastic cups?
A: Acrylic paint works, but it can scratch off. To make painted plastic cup crafts last longer, scuff the surface with sandpaper first or use a spray primer tailored for plastic.
