Are you searching for ideas for old socks? Not sure what to do with a sock missing its better half? Don’t want to throw the sock away just yet? Here are some alternative uses for old socks. These ideas might save you a little money, and prevent the socks from going to the landfill sooner.
Alternative Uses for Old Socks #1: Popsicle Holder
Do you give your children Flavor-Ice popsicles? (Hey, they are cheap and not too high in calories!) If so, you’ve probably noticed they can make your child’s hands very cold. Covering the popsicle with a sock can help. If you give your child these cold treats occasionally, this is a great way to protect their little hands.
Alternative Uses for Old Socks #2: Heating Pad
A second fantastic way to recycle old socks is to make a heating pad. This is fairly simple and works great. This can be used for applying heat to sore muscles, breastfeeding and more. For directions, read “How to Make a Microwaveable Heating Pad” and “How to Make a Heating Pad with a Sock and Rice.”
Alternative Uses for Old Socks #3: Potpourri Bags / Balls
This one is probably better for thinner socks. If you would like to keep your drawers, closets and other areas smelling nice, consider making potpourri bags. Just purchase some potpourri at a craft store, fill the sock with it, then tie it securely. You can put these in any place you would like it to smell nice.
Alternative Uses for Old Socks #4: Sock Snowmen Craft
Another cute idea is to make sock snowmen. This is a fun winter craft and is great for kids and teens. You can find the directions to sock snowmen in the article “Eco-Friendly Snowman Crafts for Christmas.”
Alternative Uses for Old Socks #5: Dog Toy
Old socks can become great toys for dogs as well. You will need 2-5 old sock for this one. Just tie them all together, in any way you wish. You can make it like a long rope, or cut them and make them into a little ragged mop-like toy. If your dog enjoys playing tug-of-war, this is a great inexpensive toy.
Alternative Uses for Old Socks #6: Mittens
Does your child have a habit of losing mittens or gloves? Old socks can make great replacements. This are great when playing in the backyard with the snow. (I probably wouldn’t recommend sending your child to school wearing old socks on their hands, however, it can work.) If the socks are longer socks, it might keep their hands and arms ever warmer than mittens.
Alternative Uses for Old Socks #7: Sock Puppet
A very common way to recycle old socks is to make sock puppets. These can be fun and very entertaining to kids. For some ideas, please read “”How to Make Terrific and Interesting Sock Puppets.” and “Make Easy Sock Puppets With Your Kids.”
Alternative Uses for Old Socks #8: Dusting Cloth
Back when cloth diapers were the norm, they would be recycled into dusting clothes. Since most families don’t use cloth diapers, old socks can make great dust cloths today. They are great for dusting shelves, figuring, baseboards, etc.
Alternative Uses for Old Socks #9: Potholder
Another idea is to create potholders. Basically, you will need to cut the socks into strips and then weave them together. If you need directions, search on Yahoo for “potholder sock craft.”
Alternative Uses for Old Socks #10: Knee Pads for Babies
This is for long, adult tube socks. If your baby is learning to crawl, and you have mostly hard floors, you can make knee pads for him or her. Just cut out the toes of the socks. Then put them on his/her legs, over the knees. He/she may not want to wear them though.
These are just ten ideas for recycling old socks. For some more tips, check out message boards on frugal living. Read “Frugal Living Forums and Message Boards for Frugal Moms” for some advice. You might also take a look at “How to Save Money on Your Grocery Bill: Best Articles on Saving Cash.” Another article to check out is “Alternative Uses for Plastic Newspaper Bags.” Happy Recycling!
