You don’t see many DIY projects here at Cup of Tea. Why? Because I’m just not that kind of girl. I’m not a DIY’er, crafter, creator…. nada.
But I am lazy. And when it occurred to me that Elizabeth might like a sandbox, I just couldn’t muster the energy to scour Craigslist for a used one. And I really didn’t like the idea of staring out my kitchen window, looking at a bright blue sandbox for the next few years.
Plus, I wasn’t 100% confident Elizabeth would actually LIKE one.
Thus, my super easy DIY sandbox.
All for $4.
Here’s what I did! I just grabbed an underbed storage container I had lying around, plus a bag of play sand I picked up at Home Depot, which was just under $4!
Super simple, right?
Even though I had a plan, Elizabeth still needed to have an important meeting around the possibility of a sandbox.
So, anyway, I dumped the sand into the storage container, added a few sand toys we had on hand already, and let Elizabeth go wild!
It may seem hocky, but the storage container was smart for a few reasons:
- It was a cheap container! I already had one on hand, BUT if you needed to buy one brand new, it’s a lot cheaper than buying a sandbox.
- The storage container only needed one bag of sand. A regular-sized sandbox needs quite a few more.
- I can easily lift and move around the bin, even filled with sand and toys.
- There is a lid! It keeps bugs, leaves and neighborhood cats away. Not to mention the sand stays dry.
I have a second container that I may use as a makeshift water table…. TBD.
If you’re tight on space, tight on cash, or aren’t confident your kiddo will even like a sandbox, try this cheap-o DIY version!
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You’re so clever! This would even be a good “cool aunt” thing to have at my house for my niece to play in. Cause I sure don’t want a big old sandbox in my back yard either. We have about 15 outdoor cats on our street! 🙂 Thanks for the idea!
Yeah, sandboxes are never cute. And the lid for the bin would keep those cats at bay! I didn’t want our neighborhood creatures to enjoy the sandbox either.
This is so smart.A friend of mine bought one of those kiddie pools and did the same thing, but honestly, I like your idea better.
A kiddie pool would be a good idea too! But I do like that the bin can be transported easily around the yard, just in case you want to have a sand party in the driveway vs the back yard 😉
This is such a great idea!!!
Thank you!! I thought so, too!
I can’t wait to do this with Kane!
It was so easy!
Great idea, Kate! Love it!
I love this!! And I LOL’d at your “But I am lazy” comment. I don’t think I’d ever use that word to describe your cute self. This sandbox idea is genius. I love the idea of having sand for Olive to play with, BUT I do not want a giant sand box nor do I have room for one. I love the snap on lid and the fact that it’s portable. I’m on the hunt for the sand and the perfect container. I’m thinking it might even be fun to put one of those heavy duty table cloths underneath it on the patio so you don’t end up with sand everywhere?? We shall see 🙂
Genius!!! Love the idea of the table cloth! Even using it when the box is in the grass is great, so you can just shake the sand back INTO the box. Love it!
I love this idea. I would have never thought to do this. I know Raylan will love it 🙂
It was easy!! And I’m sure he’ll love it!
Great idea! Especially love that you used a container with a top. Is it crazy that I actually want to do this so they can play with it INSIDE sometimes?!
Whitney from Polkadotty Place mentioned getting a wipeable table cloth to sit it in for the deck or porch, so that could work too for inside!
Such a clever fun idea that is SO much better than a sand box and so much cheaper than a sand table. LOVE it!
Thank you!!
Love this idea!! I think maybe next summer my little one will be old enough for this- and I love that it is easily moved out of the way.
Yep! So easy to move around!!
Ha! Love the title, too! 🙂
Great idea! You have me thinking now… It’s nice that it has a lid too for storage.
Why have I never thought of this? This is absolutely amazing!!!! I’m definitely doing making this little sandbox for my kids this summer. It can’t be as messy, right? 😉 -Jessica, Sweet Little Ones
It’s so not messy 😉 At least it’s easy!!