We have lots of little manipulatives and I LOVE when they come with a storage container of some sort. However, not all do. Plus, we tend to make some of our own manipulatives and I have to create my own storage. One of my favorite ways to store manipulatives are in recycled containers. Just peel off the labels and wash them out!
Can you tell that the plastic containers shown above once housed mixed nuts (purchased from Costco)? So, if you are in need of some storage for your manipulatives be sure to check your recycling first!
Crown Grid Game
Cathy Dawn Prentice
To those using nut containers… let tm soak in a mild vinegar solution, wash, then rinse and air dry….
Cathy Dawn Prentice
Jenn,see if there is a vending company near you… I used to work for one and the plastic ‘tubs’ we got Jack Link beef jerky in from “Sam’ Club” are great… I keep all my different pasta shapes in the air tight containers..
Eloquacious
I’ve tried recycling that same container and I could never get rid of the smell of the nuts – it drove me… well, you know, nuts. Now I’m using the tub that our Cascade gelpacs come in, and it works great. I keep wanting to wash more dishes so that I can get another container!
Eloquacious
I’ve tried recycling that same container and I could never get rid of the smell of the nuts – it drove me… well, you know, nuts. Now I’m using the tub that our Cascade gelpacs come in, and it works great. I keep wanting to wash more dishes so that I can get another container!
Lori
I like the kids play with them in their kitchen set!
JDaniel4's Mom
I love containers like this! I will have to keep my eyes out for them and hope they are filled with yummy things we like to eat.
Jessica
Great idea! I always hate to throw perfectly good containers away. I even hate to put them in the recycle bin. Lol. 🙂
Brandy
I’ve been doing this with other things. I reuse jars (spaghetti, jelly, salsa, etc.) to house other things around the house like rice, q-tips, the magnetic fridge letters, etc. I wish I had the kind of containers you have.
Ticia
We’ve been using the dishwasher detergent that comes in little poches. More expensive, downside, nice sturdy box, plus side, letting my kids be able to load the dishwasher all by themselves, hug plus side.
Itsy Bitsy Learners
I personally love the tubs from the Chinese Takeaway to store my preschool craft items, and the containers from prepackaged deli meat:)
Mama Mandy
That’s great! I have done that a bit but now have a good excuse to buy mixed nuts at Sams. Thanks for sharing!
Learning Through Play
Great idea!! I have some big peanut butter jars in the recycling right now that I could use for some manipulatives!! Thanks for sharing!