Empty yogurt containers, from Oui glass jars to sturdy Kite Hill plastic tubs, can be upcycled. Turn them into holiday decor, spring planters, desk organizers, and decorative storage with only hot glue, ribbon, jute, or Mod Podge (affiliate). Follow along and check out my DIY step-by-step projects to help you get inspired to recycle instead of sending them to the landfill.
I'll update this post as I do additional DIY projects with yogurt containers. I also included a link to the original post so you can make them too.
Below, every yogurt container DIY is grouped by season so you can grab the right container for the project you want to try.
Check Amazon to see the sizes I used.
Kite Hill Yogurt (affiliate) - 16 oz
Oui Yogurt (affiliate) - 5 oz
Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Jump to:
- Key Takeaways
- Cozy Christmas & Holiday Yogurt Container Crafts
- Fresh Spring Yogurt Container Ideas
- Cozy Fall Yogurt Container Upcycles
- Year-Round Oui Jar Projects
- Upcycled Napkin Decoupage OUI Glass Yogurt Jar
- Things I used for these projects
- Year-Round Kite Hill Container Projects
- What to Store Inside Your Oui and Kite Hill Containers
- Frequently asked questions
Key Takeaways
- You can upcycle yogurt containers into various crafts like holiday decor, planters, and storage.
- The article features DIY yogurt container projects organized by season and container type.
- Projects include turning yogurt jars into gnomes or flower pots and using plastic tubs for desk organizers.
- Each project includes a list of required materials and crafting instructions.
- The article encourages creativity and recycling, inviting readers to share their own yogurt container projects.
Cozy Christmas & Holiday Yogurt Container Crafts
Yogurt jars practically beg to become gnomes once the holidays roll around; something about that little rounded shape just says, "put a hat on me." These projects turn plain glass and plastic containers (affiliate) into Christmas decor and party favors you'll want to bring out every year. Click the title below to get to the original step-by-step posts.
Toilet Paper Roll Christmas Craft DIY Project
A cleaned yogurt container holds a bundle of upright, vinyl-wrapped cardboard tubes, then gets hidden under a white sock and topped with faux flowers for a festive centerpiece.
How to Upcycle a Glass Yogurt Jar into a Gnome Storage Container
A cardstock cone hat, fuzzy sock, cotton-ball beard, and wooden nose turn a glass jar into an adorable gnome that's perfect for holding party favors or small treats.
DIY Glass Yogurt Jar Sock Gnome Storage Bin
Glitter sheets and a sock-hat gnome topper give this glass jar a sparklier holiday look. This is great for displaying on a mantel or gifting filled with treats.
Fresh Spring Yogurt Container Ideas
Nothing says "spring cleaning is paying off" quite like turning last week's yogurt tub into something blooming on your windowsill. Click the title below to get to the original step-by-step post.
How to Repurpose a Yogurt Container into a Decorative Flower Pot
Wood rectangle pieces glued around the sides and a checkered ribbon bow turn a plain plastic tub into a springtime flower pot. This is a sweet, nearly-free way to bring a little life to a windowsill or entryway.
Cozy Fall Yogurt Container Upcycles
When the pumpkin spice comes out, so does the jute rope. This is an easy way to turn a bigger tub into something you'll actually use at your desk. Click the title below to get to the original step-by-step post.
Upcycle Large Yogurt Container Idea
Jute rope and beige ribbon dress up a large (affiliate) Kite Hill tub into a stylish desk organizer.
Year-Round Oui Jar Projects
I can never bring myself to just recycle Oui jars. The little glass jar is basically begging to become something pretty. These projects work any time of year, no season required. Click the title below to get to the original step-by-step posts.
A Fun Oui Jar with Jute DIY Project
Natural jute rope and paper flowers turn an empty Oui jar into a rustic, boho-style storage container.
How to Make Oui Yogurt Decorative Jars
Acrylic paint, a Cricut stencil, and a protective varnish transform Oui jars into decorative containers. I made a batch of 12 as party favors for my daughter's graduation.
Upcycled Napkin Decoupage OUI Glass Yogurt Jar
A favorite decorative napkin (affiliate), some Mod Podge (affiliate), and a bit of rhinestone trim give an Oui jar a completely custom look.
Things I used for these projects
(affiliate)
Year-Round Kite Hill Container Projects
Kite Hill tubs are sturdier and roomier than the glass jars, which makes them my go-to when I actually need to hold some weight. They have two sizes. I used the smaller size.
Yogurt Container Craft Project with Ribbon and Pearls
Cream ribbon, pearl strips, and a few flower gems dress up a Kite Hill tub into an elegant storage bin. Great for a bathroom vanity or home office.
What to Store Inside Your Oui and Kite Hill Containers
Decorated jars are cute, but they're not done until they do a job. Sorry, that's the organizer in me talking.=) Below is how I used mine. I divided it up by containers, so you know exactly what to fill yours with once the glue dries.
What to Put in Your Decorated Oui Jars
Oui jars are small, so they're best for the little things that usually end up loose in a drawer:
- Cotton balls, cotton swabs, or makeup sponges on the bathroom counter
- Hair ties, bobby pins, and small hair clips
- Paper clips, push pins, or rubber bands (affiliate) on a desk
- Loose buttons, safety pins, or spare sewing notions
- Bath salts, lotion bars, or a few pieces of jewelry (affiliate), if you're gifting the jar
- Small candies or mints as a hostess or party-favor jar, which is exactly how I used my painted graduation jars
What to Put in Your Decorated Kite Hill Tubs
Kite Hill tubs are roomier and sturdier, so they can hold more weight and bulkier items:
- Pens, scissors (affiliate), tape, and other everyday desk supplies
- Craft odds and ends like yarn scraps, ribbon spools, paintbrushes (affiliate), stamps
- Clothespins, dryer sheets, or lint roller (affiliate) sheets in the laundry room (affiliate)
- Crayons, markers, or small building toys in a kid's room
- Twist ties, bag clips, and rubber bands (affiliate) in the pantry (affiliate)
- Makeup brushes, hair accessories, or skincare tools (affiliate) on a bathroom vanity like the ribbon-and-pearl bin above
Safety Tip: these are craft projects, not food storage. Skip using either for anything wet, greasy, or meant to be eaten. The glue, paint, and decorative finishes aren't food-safe (affiliate) or dishwasher-friendly.
Frequently asked questions
Wash it in warm, soapy water, then let it air-dry completely. For Oui jars, soak the jar for 10-15 minutes to help the label peel off. Then use a little rubbing alcohol to remove any sticky residue.
A low-temperature hot glue gun works well for both and is gentler on glass, which can crack under high heat.
For anything painted or decoupaged, like the Oui jar projects, Mod Podge or craft glue is a better choice than hot glue for a smooth, lasting finish.
Any clean, empty yogurt container will work. Oui and Kite Hill are the two I use most, so they show up most often here.
Glass jars (like Oui) are best for decoupage, paint, and anything decorative, while sturdier plastic tubs (like Kite Hill) hold up better as organizers and storage bins.
Soak the jar in warm water for a few minutes to loosen the label. Then peel it off. Use a bit of rubbing alcohol or even coconut oil on a paper towel to lift any sticky glue.
Most of the no-heat projects, like the ribbon-and-pearl storage bin or the jute-wrapped jars, are great for kids to help with.
Anything using a hot glue gun is better handled by an adult or with close supervision, especially with glass jars.
Most of these come together in under an hour, with a few (like the painted and varnished Oui jars) needing extra drying time between steps.
None of them require more than a few dollars in supplies, which makes them an easy weekend project.
Have a yogurt container project of your own? I'd love to see it; leave a comment or tag me so I can add it to this list. Feel free to check out any of these projects. Happy organizing and crafting!
Plastic and Glass Yogurt Jars DIY projects
