๐ 11 Empty Pill Bottle Crafts
๐ ๏ธ The Ultimate Maker's Toolkit
I've tested thousands of craft tools over the years. Whether you are quilting, crafting, or building mixed-media art, these are the top 5 absolute non-negotiable tools I personally recommend to guarantee professional results.
๐ชก SINGER Heavy Duty 4452 Sewing Machine
The sewing community highly recommends this as the ultimate "bulletproof" entry-level machine. Its heavy metal frame powerfully pushes through thick denim and heavy quilt layers that would instantly jam a standard plastic machine.
โ๏ธ Fiskars 8" Orange-Handled Scissors
Never settle for dull dollar-store blades. Wirecutter repeatedly names Fiskars the absolute best all-purpose craft scissor due to its legendary precision-ground blades and an ergonomic grip that prevents hand-cramping.
๐ฅ Gorilla Dual Temp Hot Glue Gun
Named Wirecutter's top choice because it literally does the work of two tools. It features dual-temperature settings offering low heat for delicate florals and blistering high heat for heavy wood adhesion repairs.
๐๏ธ Mod Podge Waterbase Gloss Sealer
The absolute undisputed champion of decoupage and paper crafts. Experts rely exclusively on this exact water-based formula because it glues, seals, and finishes beautifully without yellowing or flaking over time.
๐จ Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint (2 oz)
The quintessential, incredibly inexpensive craft paint. Woodworkers and hobby painters swear by its smooth flow and matte finish, providing massive value and remarkably thick color coverage on rough surfaces.
Okay, so your medicine cabinet looks like a tiny plastic graveyard, right
All those empty pill bottles just sitting there, silently judging your recycling habits.
Well, hold up a sec. Don’t just toss those little orange (or blue, or clear) guys.
We’re about to turn them into something actually cool, because wasting good plastic is, like, so last season.

1. On-The-Go Toiletries
- Best For: Weekend getaways, gym bags, minimalist packers.
- Vibe: Resourceful chic, always prepared.
- Why it works: They’re leak-proof and perfectly sized for TSA compliance (usually).
Seriously, stop buying those overpriced mini shampoos. Just decant your favorite conditioner, face wash, or even hand sanitizer into a clean pill bottle.
Label them with a cute permanent marker or some snazzy washi tape so you don’t accidentally wash your hair with mouthwash.
These little guys are surprisingly sturdy and save you major bucks in the long run.
Pro Tip: Use a small funnel or a plastic syringe (without the needle, obviously) for a mess-free transfer. Your bathroom counter will thank you.
2. Emergency Stitch Kits
- Best For: Fashion emergencies, office drawers, college students.
- Vibe: Handy, thoughtful, problem-solver.
- Why it works: Keeps tiny sewing essentials organized and ready for action.
Ever lose a button five minutes before a big meeting? We’ve all been there, friend.
Pop in a few safety pins, a couple of needles, a small length of black and white thread, and maybe a tiny spare button.
These are perfect for your desk, glove compartment, or even clipped inside your purse for those inevitable wardrobe malfunctions.
Pro Tip: Cut a small circle of felt and push your needles into it to keep them secure and prevent rattling. Genius, right?
3. Camping Spice Shakers
- Best For: Outdoor adventurers, tiny apartment dwellers, picnic enthusiasts.
- Vibe: Gourmet glamping, organized culinary wizard.
- Why it works: Lightweight, waterproof, and keeps your spices fresh on the go.
Because who wants bland campfire chili? Fill these bad boys with your go-to spices like garlic powder, paprika, or a custom BBQ rub.
The child-proof lids are actually a bonus here, keeping moisture out and your spices from spilling all over your backpack.
You can label them with a permanent marker or even print tiny labels for a super polished look.
Pro Tip: If the opening is too small for pouring, drill a few tiny holes in the lid for a shaker effect. Just don’t tell the pharmaceutical companies you’re doing it.
4. Tangle-Free Earbud Holders
- Best For: Commuters, gym rats, anyone who hates untangling wires.
- Vibe: Streamlined, minimalist, tech-savvy.
- Why it works: Protects earbuds from damage and keeps them neatly coiled.
The struggle is real when your earbuds turn into a knotted mess at the bottom of your bag. Wind them up carefully and tuck them into a clean pill bottle.
This not only keeps them from tangling, but also protects them from getting crushed by your keys or rogue snacks.
Plus, the bright orange color makes them super easy to spot in a chaotic tote bag.
Pro Tip: For extra protection, line the inside with a small piece of foam or cotton ball to prevent the earbuds from jostling around too much. Happy listening.
5. Pocket Matchstick Carriers
- Best For: Campers, emergency kits, candle lovers.
- Vibe: Prepared, rustic, fire-starter extraordinaire.
- Why it works: Keeps matches dry and provides a convenient strike surface.
Forget soggy matches. Fill a bottle with waterproof matches and glue a piece of sandpaper (or the strike strip from a matchbox) to the outside of the lid.
Boom! Instant, portable, and totally discreet fire-starting kit. Perfect for lighting candles during a power outage or getting that campfire roaring.
Just make sure you choose a sturdy bottle that won’t easily crack.
Pro Tip: Use a strong adhesive like super glue or E6000 to attach the strike strip securely. You don’t want it falling off when you need it most.
6. Secret Money Stash
- Best For: Travel, emergency funds, parking meter emergencies.
- Vibe: Discreet, clever, always has a backup plan.
- Why it works: It’s unassuming and keeps your spare cash safe and dry.
Need a place to keep a few emergency dollars or quarters for laundry? A pill bottle is surprisingly inconspicuous.
Roll up a $20 bill or fill it with your loose change. Nobody will think to look inside a “medication” bottle for your secret stash.
It’s also great for keeping coins from rattling around your car console.
Pro Tip: Wrap the bill in a small piece of paper that looks like a prescription label for an extra layer of camouflage. Just don’t forget what’s actually inside.
7. Tiny Seed Storage
- Best For: Gardeners, urban farmers, anyone with a green thumb.
- Vibe: Sustainable, organized, nurturing.
- Why it works: Protects delicate seeds from moisture, pests, and getting crushed.
Those tiny seed packets always seem to get lost or ripped, don’t they? Transfer your precious flower seeds or herb seeds into clean pill bottles.
They’re airtight, protecting your seeds from humidity and extending their viability. Plus, they look super cute lined up on a shelf.
Label them clearly with the seed type and planting date for optimal gardening success.
Pro Tip: Add a tiny pinch of silica gel desiccant (the little packets that come in new shoes) to absorb any residual moisture and keep seeds extra dry.
8. Hair Accessory Keeper
- Best For: Anyone with long hair, gym bags, bathroom drawers.
- Vibe: Tidy, practical, ready for any hair emergency.
- Why it works: Keeps small hair items from disappearing into the abyss.
Where do all the bobby pins and hair ties go? It’s one of life’s great mysteries. Solve it by giving them a designated home in a pill bottle.
Keep one in your purse, one in your gym bag, and one in your desk drawer. No more frantically searching for a hair tie when you need one most.
These are especially great for kids’ tiny hair clips and elastics too.
Pro Tip: Decorate the outside with glitter glue or nail polish to make it a cute accessory rather than just a plain bottle. Fun and functional.
9. Small Battery Organizer
- Best For: Tech enthusiasts, remote control hoarders, gadget lovers.
- Vibe: Organized, practical, safety-conscious.
- Why it works: Prevents small batteries from rolling around and potentially shorting.
Those little AA and AAA batteries can be a pain to store. Pop them into a pill bottle to keep them contained and prevent them from touching other metal objects, which can be a fire hazard.
It’s also super easy to label the bottle with the battery type so you grab the right ones every time.
No more digging through junk drawers for that elusive AAA.
Pro Tip: Store batteries with the positive and negative terminals facing the same direction to prevent accidental contact and drain. Safety first, always.
10. Geocaching Cache
- Best For: Geocachers, treasure hunters, outdoor adventurers.
- Vibe: Mysterious, adventurous, hidden gem.
- Why it works: They are small, waterproof, and blend into natural environments.
If you’re into geocaching, you know finding good, small, waterproof containers is key. Empty pill bottles are practically made for it.
Tuck in a tiny logbook and a pencil, then hide it in plain sight (or not-so-plain sight) for fellow enthusiasts to discover.
Their durable plastic and secure lids make them ideal for enduring the elements.
Pro Tip: Paint the bottle green or brown to help it blend into its natural surroundings, making your cache a true hidden treasure. Happy hunting.
11. Craft Supply Sorters
- Best For: Crafters, DIY enthusiasts, anyone with tiny bits and bobs.
- Vibe: Organized creativity, tidy workspace.
- Why it works: Keeps small craft items separated and prevents spills.
Beads, sequins, tiny buttons, glitter, googly eyes โ oh my! These little craft supplies have a knack for getting everywhere.
Use pill bottles to sort them by color, size, or type. The clear ones are especially great so you can see exactly what’s inside.
Stack them up, label them, and say goodbye to chaotic craft sessions.
Pro Tip: Create a small carrying case by gluing several bottles together into a block, or attach them with Velcro to a piece of cardboard for an instant, portable craft kit.
Our Top Recommended Finds
Ready to get crafting? Here are a few must-haves to make your pill bottle projects even smoother:
- A good set of permanent markers: For labeling, decorating, and generally making things look less like, well, pill bottles. Think Sharpies in various colors.
- Washi tape or decorative stickers: Instantly elevates the aesthetic. You can find tons of fun patterns online or at your local craft store.
- A reliable craft adhesive: Like E6000 or a strong super glue. Essential for attaching things like sandpaper, labels, or even other bottles.
Which of these will you try first?
See? Who knew those little plastic containers had so much untapped potential? You’re not just decluttering; you’re basically a DIY eco-warrior now.
So, which of these clever empty pill bottle crafts are you diving into first? Let us know in the comments below!