Most people throw these away. 10 smart ways to reuse old eyeglass cases
Eyeglass cases are one of those items that quietly pile up over time. Every time you get a new pair of glasses or sunglasses, another case comes with it. They’re sturdy, compact, and well-made, yet most people toss them into a drawer or throw them away without a second thought. That’s a shame, because eyeglass cases are incredibly versatile and can be reused in clever, practical ways around the home and on the go.
Whether they’re hard-shell or soft zippered cases, these little containers are designed to protect delicate items. With a bit of imagination, they can serve countless purposes far beyond holding glasses. Here are 10 smart and surprisingly useful ways to reuse old eyeglass cases instead of throwing them away.
- Travel jewelry organizer
An eyeglass case makes an excellent jewelry holder for travel. Rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets stay protected and tangle-free inside the padded interior. Hard cases are especially good for preventing items from being crushed in a suitcase. You can even add a small piece of felt or fabric to separate pieces and keep them from scratching each other.
- Mini sewing kit
Old eyeglass cases are the perfect size for a compact sewing kit. Store needles, thread spools, safety pins, buttons, and a small pair of scissors inside. Keep one in your car, purse, or desk drawer so you’re always prepared for a quick clothing fix.
- Pencil or art supply case
Eyeglass cases work beautifully for holding pens, pencils, markers, or small art tools. Kids can use them for school supplies, and adults can keep one in a bag for quick notes or sketching. They’re sturdy enough to prevent pens from breaking or leaking.
- First aid essentials
Create a small first aid kit using an eyeglass case. Bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and blister pads fit perfectly inside. This is especially useful for hiking, travel, or keeping in a glove compartment for emergencies.
- Makeup and beauty storage
Use an eyeglass case to store makeup items like mascara, eyeliner, lip balm, or brushes. It keeps everything clean, contained, and easy to find inside a purse or travel bag. Hard cases are ideal for protecting makeup from being crushed.
- Phone or charger holder
Eyeglass cases are great for storing charging cables, earbuds, USB drives, or small electronics. No more tangled cords at the bottom of a bag. Some cases are even long enough to hold a compact power bank, making them a tidy tech organizer.
- Coin and cash stash
Turn an eyeglass case into a secure coin purse or emergency cash holder. It’s harder to lose than loose change and sturdier than a wallet pocket. This is also a clever way to discreetly store money when traveling.
- Craft supply container
If you enjoy crafting, eyeglass cases are perfect for beads, buttons, needles, ribbons, or small tools. Their slim shape makes them easy to stack or store in drawers without cluttering your space.
- Snack container for kids
Cleaned eyeglass cases can hold small snacks like crackers, nuts, or dried fruit. They’re sturdy enough to protect snacks from being crushed in backpacks and lunch bags. This works especially well with hard cases that snap shut securely.
- Emergency kit for your car or bag
Create a personal emergency kit using an eyeglass case. Include items like a small flashlight, matches, a whistle, pain relievers, or allergy medication. It’s compact, durable, and easy to grab when you need it.
Why reusing eyeglass cases makes sense
Reusing old eyeglass cases is not only practical but also environmentally friendly. These cases are designed to last, and repurposing them reduces waste while saving money on storage solutions. Instead of buying new containers, you’re giving new life to something you already own.
With a little creativity, eyeglass cases can become some of the most useful organizers in your home, car, or bag. The next time you’re tempted to throw one away, remember that it might just be the perfect solution for something you didn’t even realize you needed.