Got An Old Coat? Turn It Into 5 Great Gifts!

Ah, the winter holidays. Even before your Thanksgiving turkey (or Tofurkey) has fully digested, retail stores have already sprung into full-on holiday mode. Garland arches over every aisle. Sleigh bells play overhead. Coffee shops break out the peppermint/eggnog/gingerbread lattes. In such a sweet environment, who wouldn’t be lulled into spending a fortune on presents and stocking stuffers?

Before you lift your credit card though, think about heading to a different shopping destination: Your closet. Do you have an old coat you no longer wear? If so, here are five ways to recycle it into cute stocking stuffers.

1. Button ring

We got this idea from Lorelei’s Blog: Inside the Studio. Check out their excellent button ring tutorial.

2. Button bobby pin

These hair accessories couldn’t be easier to make. Do make sure though that you use the right tools: Plain old pins won’t cut it, so read Lenny da Vinci’s step by step instructions for one-of-a-kind button bobby pins.

3. Fabric frame

By this point you’ve successfully de-buttoned your old coat; now it’s time to upcycle the fabric body. We like How Stuff Works’ directions for turning that fabric into a picture frame.

4. Wrist cuffs

Now put the rest of your coat’s fabric to work by making a slew of wrist cuffs. Cut Out + Keep offers a 4-step process for transforming scrap fabric into chunky bracelets.

5. Tea clutch

If you’re feeling really inspired, use your coat’s remaining fabric body and inner lining to make this sharp tea clutch. The Object Project recommends materials like tweed and satin (perhaps what your old coat was made out of to begin with), but feel free to substitute two different fabrics. Whip out your scissors, and read their tea clutch how-to.

For more easy homemade gift ideas, click here.

By Tolly Moseley, Planet Green

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Carole R.

4:23PM PST on Dec 11, 2011

Thank you for the post. Interesting.

send a green star

Michele W.

11:19AM PST on Dec 11, 2011

Thank you

Lin M.

10:36AM PST on Dec 11, 2011

Rather donate the coat to some one who needs one.

Jo A.

4:41AM PST on Dec 11, 2011

Good ideas! Thanks!

iii q.

5:13PM PST on Nov 18, 2011

cool, but we think a recycle whole coat might be more useful for someone in need of a warm coat! :-) ty

Gwendolyn n.

6:45PM PST on Jan 5, 2011

thanks.

criss S.

11:44AM PST on Nov 29, 2010

Aleksandra W.

2:01PM PST on Nov 18, 2010

Lovely, thanks

Lynn H.

12:48PM PST on Nov 10, 2010

I loved these ideas. I wish there were pictures for each ones. The first link I followed the pictures didn't work on my computer. Ah well, I get the idea even if I have to use my own imagination on what it would look like!

Jane R.

7:17PM PDT on Oct 6, 2010

Great ideas.