Metal cans can be used for a variety of simple projects for kids. Have them glue on hardware to create tin can robots or decorate the exterior of the can and punch holes in the bottom to create a mini planter for herbs or flowers. Once the can is decorated, whether you use paper, stickers or paints, it can be used to hold pencils on a desk or small craft items at an art table.
Use egg cartons to create bugs of all kinds. Have them paint and decorate a single cup to resemble a spider or lady bug, three in a row to create an ant, or several to make a caterpillar. Put one cup on top of another and paint it yellow for a chick, or black and white for a penguin. Egg cartons can also be used to plant seeds in the spring.
Create little puppets out of plastic spoons with construction paper legs, arms and hair. Kids can also paint a spoon green and glue on black fabric to create a witch, or use different colors and shapes to create snowmen, cats, dogs or turkeys. Have them paint the handle green and the bowl a bright color to resemble a tulip. For a tasty craft, dip the bowl of the spoon in melted chocolate and let harden to stir into coffee or hot cocoa.
Kids can use plastic bottles to create a planter if they cut the top off and decorate the outside with paint, stickers and glitter. The bottles could also be a scoop for pet food, a vase or, with the top still on, a watering can for plants. They can also use a cut-off bottle for an herb planter, a small terrarium or as a container for holding loose change. Cut the plastic into fish, butterfly or flower shapes for kids to paint and use as ornaments.