60 Clever Ways to Repurpose Office Supplies

Any desk can be a standing desk when you add this adjustable workstation. There's room for your monitor or laptop on the upper shelf, and keyboard on the lower shelf, plus you can pick from a variety of colors to best fit your office.

Ergonomic and adjustable, this desk has a contemporary and minimalist look that works for any modern office. The shallow shelf below the desktop is great for pens and notebooks to jot down your best ideas.

This desk comes with different tabletop space and color options to maximize your workspace. The monitor stand, storage cubicle, and two side drawers offer plenty of room to store your desktop knick knacks, without cluttering up the room.

Have the best of both worlds with a standing desk that you can lower when you'd rather sit. The bamboo is durable and sustainable (not to mention it looks amazing), and the height adjustment is smooth enough that nothing will fall off.

If you live somewhere small, or you don't enjoy staying in the same place all day, try a standing desk that you can take with you around your home thank to its wheels.

The cool thing about this desk is that the lower portion sits flat or tilts upward so that you can type at an angle that works best for your wrists. It also comes with cord hooks underneath the desk for helpful organization.

Since this option is a tripod, you can fold it up and store it behind a door or under your bed. This works great for anyone who needs a desk but doesn't have room to keep a permanent one in their space.

Not only does this pick let you sit or stand, but it also comes with its own bookshelf so you can keep your favorite books nearby.

This sitting and standing desk hybrid works like a TV tray, so when you feel like sitting, you can work from your bed or the couch. Yes, please!

If you have a large sitting desk, opt for a smaller laptop stand that you can use whenever you feel like it. That way you can stand during work hours, without committing to a whole other desk.

Don't worry if you've never worked from a rolling desk before — two of the wheels lock so that you don't have to worry about accidentally pushing the desk around.

When you get a tabletop that attaches the wall, and stools that fit right underneath, you don't have to worry about taking up tons of floor space. Making it a wrap-around desk that sits in the corner also maximizes space in your room. (via A Beautiful Mess)

This basically looks like a desk on top of another desk on stilts. And it kind of is. This is great because it doubles your table space. The craziest thing about this setup? The monitor risers are just upside down plate holders! (via Ikea Hackers)

Standing Desk Accessory

If you already have a regular desk in your workspace, DIY a desk accessory instead of a whole new workspace. That way, you can alternate between standing and sitting when you need to. We love that this one prevents you from leaning over and has a lower keypad area, which will help if you have circulation issues in your hands.

TV Cabinet + Galant Legs Desk

Another Ikea hack, this take pairs the base of a desk with a super low TV cabinet. The results? Fashion and function. If your desk is in the middle of a room like this one is, just don't forget that the desk is wide open — you don't want to push your stuff out the back! (via Spacekat on Github)

Need a really shallow desk for a small space? This hacker took a cabinet door and attached it to the wall. It's wide enough that you can fit your planner, laptop, and desk supplies, but it doesn't stick out too far into your room. Small space win! (via Ikea Hackers)

Why not elevate your entire workspace? We love the vibe of this craft room, work room, get-everything-done room. Just look at all that under-the-desk storage! If you organize the space into different sections for your different activities, it won't be as confusing as you might think. (via Paper and Ink)

Of course you can also turn a tabletop into an extra large shelf right on your wall. If you have the space for it, why not! We love the lower level shelving, most likely made from a TV stand or small dresser, which will give you extra drawer space too. (via Jason Garber on Flickr)

And last, a slightly more advanced take on the standing desk, created by an architect. The desk unfolds into an angled drafting table, doubles as a pretty portable bar, and looks darn good. If you're pretty handy with woodwork and want something that's a bit of a challenge, this is a great project for you. (via Barrett Morgan Design)

You Have Too Many Papers

Figure Out A Filing System

If you've got way too many paper piles, consider a DIY filing system that will keep things organized and clear up the space where the papers were taking up. Plus, if you go through the papers, you can probably throw more of them away than you realize.

DIY Ottoman Filing System

This filing system is cute and colorful, and it's multi-purpose. Use the ottoman as extra seating or a footstool when you need it.

Colorful File Organizer

Add some painted caps to a pot lid organizer and you've got one of the easiest DIY file organizers ever!

Go Digital Where You Can

Maybe your bank offers virtual credit card statements, or you don't need a subscription to that magazine because you only check their site anyway. Switching what you can to digital will save you space and help the planet at the same time. And if you're already feeling like your digital space is filling up, you can declutter your digital life too!

You've Got Stuff From All Over The House

Marie Kondo It Up

If you constantly find yourself dealing with mugs, books, or laundry on your desk, trust us, we've been there. Take some advice from the KonMari method and make sure that every single thing you own has a specific place.

Clip On Desk Organizers

When you don't have much space left at your workstation, move your storage off-desk. Grip clips are the secret to making your pencils and tape look like they're floating.

Zip Lock Container Organizers

This DIY is great because Ziploc containers (or other Tupperware) are something that a lot of us already have.

Label Everything

It can be difficult to keep things organized if you don't remember where things go. Consider making labels or color coding your organization so you never forget what's supposed to go in a particular spot.

Washi Tape Cord Labels

Whether you're organizing cords or just trying to keep track of which notebook is which, Washi tape is a great way to create a cute label for less.

You're Also Using Your Desk As A Vanity

Divide By Category

It can be tricky to separate all your necessities when you're using your desk for multiple purposes. That's where dividing your supplies can come in handy. If your desk has drawers, use half for makeup and keep folders and office supplies in the other half. Or if you only have a desktop, keep your beauty and office supplies on different ends.

DIY Vanity Kit

This finished product is so cute, you won't believe it's a DIY! This is great because it has room for tall objects and short, wide ones, both containing and grouping your items.

Marbled Jewelry Trays

You know those tiny rings you're always worried you'll lose? Yeah, this is the place for those.

You're Feeling Cluttered

Find Them A New Home

Ladder Shelf

Keep your knickknacks nearby with a shelf that you can put right beside your desk. We love that you can paint it to match your space.

Gold Dipped Baskets

Great for blankets, magazines, craft supplies, and more, these baskets are cute and easy to make.

Hang Things On The Wall

If your office doesn't have room for more furniture, find a way to display your photos and trinkets on your wall above your desk or in another part of the room that won't take up floorspace.

Accessory Organzier

This multi-purpose shelf is great for organizing and keeping things off your desk. You'll never lose your keys again!

Stylish DIY Shelf

Organizing never looked this cute, and it's totally customizable based on what kind of storage you need.

Tips For Finding Thrifted Gift Ideas

I’d say keeping an open mind about your potential finds before venturing off to your local secondhand store is super important for executing these thrifted gift ideas.

If you’re shopping for a candle holder to gift with something too specific in mind, you may find yourself in an endless and unsuccessful search for the “perfect” piece. Instead, be open to combing through the knick-knack shelves and clothing racks – you never know what you may find!

Use the 10 thrifted gift ideas ahead to directly guide your gift-making journey, or let each one inspire you to find your own gift!

1. Use thrifted jars to put homemade jam, spice mixes, or snacks in.

Mason jars and other kitchen-y vessels are some of the most common items at the thrift. Pick up several this season, clean them off, then use them for holding homemade food goods to gift! You could even use some to put plant cuttings in.

2. Fill up thrifted vessels like mugs, vases, and bowls to pour candles in.

Making your own candles is actually super easy once you have the materials. Just melt some candle wax with some (or no) fragrance over a fixed wick that you've placed in a thrifted container. Everyone loves a cozy lil' candle!

3. Thrift and gift a pre-loved jewelry box alongside a new or handcrafted jewelry piece.

This thrifted gift idea will really impress, especially if you're able to find a unique jewelry box, or one in your giftee's personal style. As far as jewelry goes, you could make your own beaded necklace or earring set, or check out our favorite statement earringsfor inspiration.

4. Add matches and a striker to a small vessel for a unique match holder.

A box of 300 matches goes for about $10 online, and a dozen striker stickers are about $6. Get the most out of your dollar by thrifting a ton of small vessels (like a shot glass or shallow teacup dish), adding the matches and strikers to them, then gifting out multiple to friends and coworkers.

5. Thrift a velvet garment to cut into strips for handmade bows.

You can transform a $2 shirt into countless bows )for making hair clips and/or gift toppers) by following a simple bow-making tutorial. Sometimes you can even find unused gift bags and boxes in between the aisles to save on wrapping.

6. Thrift cookie tins for all the holiday treats you’ll make (and gift) this season.

Cookie tins and food storage containers are always hiding out at the thrift store. Snag a few and wash them thoroughly before stuffing them full of sweet treats (I always go with puppy chow/muddy buddies) to share! You can also use cookie tins and plastic containers as complete gift wrapping for anything small.

7. Find some candlestick holders or candelabras, clean them off, then gift them with a few candlesticks.

'Tis the era of candlesticks. Candelabras are hot right now, and you're bound to find some on the thrift store shelves. Add them to cart, clean them off, then gift them with a pair of candlesticks tied with a ribbon bow for a cute touch.

8. Thrift a picture frame and use it to hold a collage, a painting, or a photo that’s special to the recipient.

It's not hard to find old picture frames or prints that are still intact. Framing a photo you have of a favorite memory with your gift recipient or a place they love could really hit home and win their heart over! This example with pressed leaves and flowers is adorable, too.

9. If your giftee is a fashionista, scour the thrift store racks for some cool and unique pre-loved garments.

You could even package a few as a ‘style bundle.’ Bonus points if they’re winter-friendly! Just make sure you give everything a good wash before gifting them.

10. Use thrifted bottles to put homemade infused liquors in.

Just add any flavor combination you’d like (lemon + vodka, jalapeño + tequila, candy cane + vodka, coffee grounds + vodka) to some clean, thrifted, and airtight glass bottles – the more elegant the better – and let it steep for up to a month for a single-batch spirit.