🛒 Don’t Overlook These Trays from Goodwill — Here Are 10 Brilliant Ways to Reuse Them!
Arrange a stack of favorite books in the tray.
Add a tiny succulent, candle, or framed photo .
Place on a shelf, coffee table, or nightstand.
Rotate seasonally for fresh vibes.
📖 Bonus: Use for a “currently reading” display .
5. 🧷 Craft & Sewing Supply Organizer
Perfect for: Button jars, thread spools, or scrapbooking tools
What You’ll Need:
1 divided tray (like a cutlery tray)
Small containers or jars (optional)
Step-by-Step:
Clean and dry the tray.
Use compartments to sort:
Buttons
Beads
Scissors and tape
Thread spools
Label sections with sticky tags.
Keep your craft room clutter-free!
💡 Great for jewelry makers too — use for earring backs or clasps.
6. 🍋 Kitchen Utensil or Produce Organizer
Perfect for: Drawer chaos or countertop fruit bowls
What You’ll Need:
1 flat or shallow tray
Liner (cloth, silicone, or paper)
Step-by-Step:
Place in a drawer to organize spatulas, whisks, or measuring spoons .
Or, use on the counter to hold:
Lemons and limes
Onions and garlic
Cooking oils and vinegars
Add a linen liner for a farmhouse touch.
🍋 Bonus: Use a wire tray for ventilation with produce.
7. 🎁 Gift Tray (Instantly Impressive)
Perfect for: Housewarming, hostess, or holiday gifts
What You’ll Need:
1 nice-looking tray
Coordinating items (jam, tea, candle, soap)
Ribbon or twine
Step-by-Step:
Arrange themed items on the tray:
“Breakfast in Bed” (mug, tea, honey, spoon)
“Spa Night” (candle, scrub, bath bomb)
Wrap with cellophane or a large gift bag.
Tie with a bow and gift tag.
The tray becomes part of the gift — double the value!
💝 Pro Tip: Paint or personalize the tray first for extra thoughtfulness.
8. 🪞 Vanity Mirror Tray
Perfect for: Makeup, perfume, and jewelry
What You’ll Need:
1 sturdy tray (preferably with a lip)
Full-length mirror (or leaning picture frame)
Step-by-Step:
Place the tray on your dresser.
Lean a tall mirror behind it.
Fill the tray with:
Perfume bottles
Makeup brushes
Necklaces and rings
Instant glam station !
💄 Bonus: Use a magnetic tray to hold metal bobby pins or tweezers.
9. 🌿 Mini Indoor Garden Tray
Perfect for: Succulents, herbs, or air plants
What You’ll Need:
1 shallow tray with no holes
Small potted plants
Pebbles or moss (optional)
Step-by-Step:
Line the tray with pebbles for drainage .
Arrange 3–5 small potted succulents or herbs.
Add moss or decorative sand between pots.
Place on a windowsill or coffee table.
🌱 Pro Tip: Use a metal tray for a modern look — just add a liner to protect from moisture.
10. 🎨 Paint & Craft Station for Kids
Perfect for: Messy play, art time, or school projects
What You’ll Need:
1 deep tray (like a baking sheet)
Washable paints, brushes, paper
Step-by-Step:
Place the tray on the table.
Put paper inside to contain spills.
Set paint cups and brushes inside.
Let kids create — with zero mess on the table !
👧 Bonus: Use for playdough, slime, or sticker crafts .
Final Thoughts
That old tray from Goodwill isn’t trash — it’s a canvas of possibility .
Whether you’re organizing, decorating, gifting, or crafting, these 10 brilliant ideas prove that creativity beats cost every time .
So next time you see a stack of trays at the thrift store, don’t walk past them.
Pick one up. Take it home. Transform it.
Because sometimes, the most beautiful things in your home started out… forgotten.
Post Comment