Buying things in bulk can be a great money saver, as long as it is an item that you like, use and will be used up before it goes bad. There are a couple of condiments that fit this description for me, such as Soy sauce, Teriyaki sauce, Worcestershire sauce (wow, lots of sauces) and vinegar.
When they come in large plastic jugs I can easily re-purpose the containers-there are just a million and one things you can use a plastic jug for. But what can I do with this:
It seems like a great container that can be re-purposed for something fantastic, but my frugal thinker is jammed. I’ve got nothing. Nada. I think the fact that it is made out of metal is causing a brain wave speed bump.
So here it is, a call out to you all. Help me “find a use” for this container!
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Screams “toolbox” to me. Lined with felt with all the sharp edges sanded down and put all of your extra kitchen tools in it, or paintbrushes, or little tiny kitties….or not.
Or put some foam in it first and make small round cut outs, the cover with glue gunned felt, the use for rings, earrings, keys for the safe…etc. All it would need for a fastener would be glue gunned velcro flaps on the front. Put the plug back in first though, don’t wanna lose those little earrings and such.
Would be great also for beading supplies, or a funky sewing kit, cool hammer-screwdriver-drill bit kit, put hinges on the side and use it for a lunch box or picnic box.
Cute flower pot–cut the top off!
BTW, do you know that teriyaki sauce is just sweetened soy sauce plus ginger, etc.? YOu could totally whip up your own… paula deen has a good recipe. Less ‘sauces’ to buy & keep on hand. I always make my own (plus i can make it sugar free).
Great tip, Amanda! I make my own teriyaki sauce all the time. I have a recipe for it on my blog and it’s a bit more frugal because you don’t need Mirin for it, which would be another expense.
Oops sorry! Here’s the link: http://4hatsandfrugal.blogspot.com/2008/06/easy-teriyaki-marinade.html
I’d suggest washing it out thoroughly and using it for your spare change. We had a 3.5oz tea tin which we filled with quarters and it held $92.50. Imagine how much this soy container could hold! You could call it your vacation fund and aim for your next big-0 anniversary or a graduation or something.
It might make a handy little jerry can for long journeys with luggage where you may not have room for a full size one, or maybe for storing two stroke for the lawnmower if you need it.
What about for storing salt, it normally just comes in a huge plastic bag when you buy in bulk doesn’t it, just pour it in with a funnel and throw in a handful of dried peas to keep it free flowing. I always snag that stupid bag when I’m dragging it out from the back of the larder:)
I saw in a magazine this month, large olive oil containers like your soy sauce ones used as planters outdoors. They looked really cool. They had cut off the top and drilled a couple of holes in the bottom, voila, a planter.
You could store birdseed in it and keep it on the porch. Also mix up hummingbird food in it and use it to replenish the feeders (a big deal at our house).
See, I knew you guys would be much more creative than I! Keep those ideas coming.
I’ve seen people cut the tops off and use them to plant indoor herb gardens, as well as – like Mary said – using them outdoors.
I go through those like razy, I never tried to repurpose them but I think you could saw it in half, using the bottom for a planter and add a base to the top part and you have a little portable carrying thingy with a built in handle!
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