Day 17
The Magic Bin
Thrifty Gift Challenge
Make thoughtful gifts using only your imagination and common household items.
Embedded Files
What is a magic bin?
What is a magic bin?
A magic bin is a box or container filled with a variety of items used for making. These can be recyclables, basic craft items, or cardboard. Really, anything goes! Use your imagination to turn trash into treasure!
Grab a plastic container or tub!
A cardboard box or bag works, too!
Step 1: choose the recipient
Step 1: choose the recipient
Who in your life deserves a gift? Do you want to make something decorative or festive? Perhaps, they have a problem that you could help them solve. Brainstorm a list of family and friends, and what you think they may need or want.
Check out the inventions of these mini-makers to help find ideas and inspiration!
Step 2: Fill up the magic bin
Step 2: Fill up the magic bin
The fun thing about this challenge is that just about any materials can work. The sky is the limit! Once you find a container for your Magic Bin, look around the house, and fill it up with treasure.
common household items
common household items
Egg cartons
Toilet paper & paper towel rolls
Recyclables such as coffee cans and plastic bottles/containers
Q-tips & cotton balls
Newspaper & scrapbooking paper
Cardboard (shipping, beverage, and food boxes)
craft materials
craft materials
Pipe cleaners
Pom poms
Craft sticks
Straws
Foam
Fabric scraps & felt
Ribbon, string & yarn
Beads & buttons
Construction paper
Adhesives/Cutting Tools
Adhesives/Cutting Tools
Glue (white, Tacky, or hot)
Tape (clear, duct, or washi)
Brass fasteners
Twisty or Zip ties
Stapler
Scissors
Rubber bands
Paper and binder clips
Hole puncher
STEP 3: ThiNK OutSIDE the Box
STEP 3: ThiNK OutSIDE the Box
Practice spontaneous brainstorming and "thinking outside of the box" to use materials creatively. Challenge yourself to think divergently about the items in the Magic Bin.
What if you were a fairy, or a giant? How would the item be used differently? What could be made if two items were combined?
Use the video to help launch your creativity workout!
STEP 4: Devise a PLan
STEP 4: Devise a PLan
Write down all of your ideas- good, bad and ugly. Sort through them and then select your best ideas and materials. Consider which cutting tools and adhesives you will need.
STEP 4: Make it!
STEP 4: Make it!
Unleash the creative magic and MAKE IT HAPPEN! It may get messy, and you may not succeed on the first try. Take your time and do your best work. It was made with love, so it's the PERFECT gift! Share it with pride!
giveaway time!
giveaway time!
Want to win a signed copy of Miss Makey and the Magic Bin and a Magic Bin Starter Kit? Complete this challenge and Tweet your thrifty gift creation by 11:59pm EST on Thursday, December 17. The winner will be announced on December 18. Be sure to tag @mrsfigmakes & @aauronmaureredu. Use the hashtag #25daysofmaking.
Read aloud by the author
Read aloud by the author
Enjoy a read aloud of Miss Makey and the Magic Bin.
meet the maker!
meet the maker!
Mandi Figlioli enjoyed ten years in an elementary classroom before pursuing a career in administration. As a curriculum specialist and maker education enthusiast, she has gained expertise in the areas of makerspace design and S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Mathematics) integration. Mandi advocates for hands-on, child-centered learning. She also maintains an impressive “trash stash” for her making adventures. Through her book, Miss Makey and the Magic Bin, she hopes to spark curiosity and inspire creativity in classrooms, libraries, and homes across the world.
Website: www.missmakey.com
Twitter: @mrsfigmakes
Instagram: @mrsfigmakes
Facebook: @mrsfigmakes
Email: mandifiglioli@gmail.com
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