Turn Empty Coffee Pods Into Game Pieces

Hobbies / Games By Spencer McCoy

Step 1: Gather your supplies.

Start by drinking some coffee. You may want to do this step, not the kids. Clean and save pods. You can also collect pipe-cleaners, puff-balls, ribbons, paint, etc. 

• For eco-hack ideas, consider buttons for smiley-face eyes, or use old scrabble letters for a name initial!

Step 2: Add base coat of paint, then decorate!

If using paint, start with a base coat. Once dry, finish decorating with other art supplies. Here are some ideas: 

• Add designs with markers or more paint. 
• Glue on other art pieces such as buttons and puff-balls. 
• Tie on ribbons or fabric strips.

Step 3: Have fun with unique game pieces!

Here are some ways your kids can use them: 

• Use in board games like monopoly — no more arguing about who gets the dog or top hat! 
• Turn a poster-board into a scorecard, and use game pieces to track wins. 
• Use for any challenge including relay race wins, soccer goals, trivia questions, or even completed chores. 
• Use for games such as ring toss or skee-ball. 

To add weight, you can fill each pod with sand and seal shut with clear packing tape.