Whether your kids have a desk or just do homework at the dining table, keeping the area organized is a must. This kids desk organizer doubles as a portable homework station so they can keep everything in one tidy place.
Disclosure: This blog contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, Keri Houchin earns a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
There have been plenty of times when my kids sat down to do their homework, but couldn’t find an 8 1/2 by 11-inch space on their desks to set a piece of paper. Being organized is a learned skill and most kids need some help.
To keep everything corraled in one spot, I made this kids desk organizer with recycled materials. It uses empty oatmeal containers and a takeout drink holder. Don’t eat that much oatmeal? Check out my breakfast recipes using oats for some inspiration. Then, get the kids excited for back to school by letting them make this cute desk organizer.
This idea is so simple. I really like that it is portable, too. So the kids can take it anywhere in the house. It’s also practical for taking art supplies in the car. I’ve found more than one melted crayon hiding under a seat, so keeping supplies neat while traveling is important.
How to make a kids desk organizer
Supplies
- 4 empty oatmeal containers – Coffee containers would work too, or anything else similarly shaped.
- 1 portable cardboard drink carrier – Ours came from Sonic. I saved it for months, trying to figure out what to do with it. The cardboard is really sturdy.
- duct tape
- scissors
Instructions
Wrap the duct tape around the oatmeal container, one line at a time. Cut eat piece of tape to just overlap. I used four pieces on each container. Carefully smooth out the wrinkles as you go.
If your tape has a pattern, you may want to be more intentional about where you line it up.
Make all four containers identical or choose a different tape design for each one. For this one, I used a mix of bright, kid-friendly colors and patterns, but duct tape comes in tons of designs. You could also use washi tape any other decorative tape.
I left the drink carrier as-is because it is plain. If yours is covered in words and logos, you might want to wrap it with tape too. Then just slide each of the four containers into a drink slot.
Altogether, this took me about half an hour. The hardest part was cutting through the duct tape with my scissors. So sticky…
Variations:
- Make labels for the sides or to cover the lids.
- Put the containers in cubby cubes to hold small toys.
- Match the tape design to your other office supplies.
What’s next? Try these other fun and creative ideas on One Mama’s Daily Drama:
This is a cute idea. I found some cute patterns at Ace Hardware for $3 a roll and they are on sale until August.