This past week we came across a total score when it came to some Craigslist carpet tiles. A company had small leftover amounts from other jobs and we were able to pick them up for less than $1 each! We're using them as actual carpet, but having them lying around has us thinking we might be able to make some really cool gifts out of these things!
Here are a few of our ideas, though we know there are loads more. We like the idea of creating something or being able to give an out-of-the box gift, especially when you know it will be well loved over the coming years.
1. Hop Scotch: Even the least crafty person on the planet can paint on a few numbers. It doesn't matter if they're perfect, but if you'd like a more clean cut look, try using a stencil. The tiles can get picked up when not in use and tucked in a closet or under a bed, or left our year round!
2. Play Mats: Rugs and carpets that have roads, trees, rivers and more painted on can cost a pretty penny. Try painting your own on carpet tiles with the help of a little fabric paint. You can even use a small foam roller to roll on roadways and rivers in a super snap!
3. Seating: Build a cube from wood and use a little liquid nails to affix each tile to the outside of the box. Sure all wood is cool too, but covered in carpet tiles is even better when you're 6!
4. Picture Frame: Use the carpet tile just as you would a mat and cut a hole for your favorite picture to go inside. Use E-6000 glue to hold a strong on the back for easy hanging. Also on the back, attach a piece of cardstock slightly larger than the hole for the photo. Make sure to leave it unglued (or taped) at one end to allow easy sliding in and out of photos as they get changed!
5. Headboard: Along with the help of quick release adhesive tabs, you could give the gift of a headboard to kids who are in need. It's easy to change out and would even be great down the long side of a bed for those who are in the corner and against a wall.
What gift ideas can you come up with? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
(Image: Sarah Rae Trover)
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Reminds me of the set of carpet samples we had as kids -- what fun to create impromptu structures, line our doll houses (and play Barbie...), etc.. So, you could just give the carpet tiles to a kid and let their imagination take over :)
Extending the playmat idea--you could do roads, and they could be sort of interchangable so you set them up different ways to make different configurations.
my daughter loves them to for her playmobil sets. the "sample" size floor tiles are almost the exaxt same size a standard floor grid in playmobil structures.
Absolutely brilliant! Nice to take on picnics or to ball games to sit on.