Last Updated on October 30, 2025
Empty medicine bottles might seem useless, but their small size and sturdy design make them perfect for organization, storage, and creative DIY hacks.
Here are 12 genius ways to repurpose medicine bottles instead of tossing them.
1. Store Spare Change for Parking Meters
The problem: Loose coins clutter your car or purse.
The medicine bottle fix:
- Fill an empty medicine bottle with quarters or spare change.
- Keep it in your car's cup holder or glove box for easy access.
The result: A compact, spill-proof way to store parking meter change.
(Source: Budgeting Experts)
2. Make a Travel Sewing Kit
The problem: Small sewing supplies get lost in bags or drawers.
The medicine bottle fix:
- Store needles, buttons, and mini spools of thread inside.
- Add a few safety pins and a folded piece of fabric.
The result: A portable, emergency sewing kit.
(Source: Good Housekeeping)
3. Keep Earbuds or Chargers Tangle-Free
The problem: Earbuds get tangled in pockets or bags.
The medicine bottle fix:
- Wrap earbud cords or small charging cables neatly inside.
- Snap the lid shut for easy storage.
The result: A mess-free way to carry earbuds.
(Source: Tech Organization Blog)
4. Turn It Into a DIY First Aid Kit
The problem: Bandages and medication get lost at the bottom of bags.
The medicine bottle fix:
- Fill a bottle with band-aids, aspirin, alcohol wipes, and mini tweezers.
- Keep one in your car, purse, or travel bag.
The result: A pocket-sized first aid kit for on-the-go emergencies.
(Source: American Red Cross)
5. Store Bobby Pins or Hair Ties
The problem: Bobby pins and hair ties disappear too easily.
The medicine bottle fix:
- Fill a bottle with bobby pins, hair ties, or clips.
- Keep it in your purse or gym bag for quick fixes.
The result: A compact, organized hair accessory holder.
(Source: Martha Stewart Home)
6. Keep Toothpicks Clean and Portable
The problem: Loose toothpicks are unhygienic and get lost in drawers.
The medicine bottle fix:
- Store toothpicks inside a clean, dry medicine bottle.
- Keep one in the car, lunch bag, or picnic basket.
The result: A sanitary, portable way to store toothpicks.
(Source: Food Safety Experts)
7. Make a Waterproof Match Holder
The problem: Matches get ruined by water when camping or hiking.
The medicine bottle fix:
- Fill a bottle with strike-anywhere matches.
- Glue a small piece of sandpaper to the lid for easy striking.
The result: A waterproof match container for camping or emergencies.
(Source: Outdoor Survival Blog)
8. Turn It Into a Travel Spice Container
The problem: Packing full-sized spice jars for camping or travel is impractical.
The medicine bottle fix:
- Fill each bottle with a different spice or seasoning.
- Label the lids for easy identification.
The result: A lightweight, mess-free spice organizer.
(Source: Bon Appétit)
9. Store Small Screws, Nails, or Wall Anchors
The problem: Tiny hardware gets lost in toolboxes or junk drawers.
The medicine bottle fix:
- Keep small screws, nails, or anchors separated and labeled.
- Store them in a toolbox or garage shelf.
The result: A neatly organized way to store tiny hardware.
(Source: DIY Home Repair Experts)
10. Keep Vitamins or Medications Organized for Travel
The problem: Carrying full-sized pill bottles is bulky and inconvenient.
The medicine bottle fix:
- Fill a medicine bottle with just the amount of pills needed for a trip.
- Label it clearly to avoid confusion.
The result: A compact, travel-friendly pill organizer.
(Source: Health & Travel Experts)
11. Use It as a Mini Piggy Bank for Kids
The problem: Loose coins end up all over the house.
The medicine bottle fix:
- Cut a small slot in the lid for coins.
- Let kids use it to collect spare change.
The result: A tiny piggy bank that teaches kids about saving.
(Source: Financial Literacy Experts)
12. Create a DIY Seed Storage Container
The problem: Garden seeds spill easily or get mixed up.
The medicine bottle fix:
- Store leftover seeds inside clean, dry medicine bottles.
- Label each bottle with the plant name and date.
The result: A moisture-proof way to keep garden seeds fresh.
(Source: Gardening Experts)
Why You Should Save Your Medicine Bottles
Medicine bottles are small but incredibly useful for storage, organization, and travel hacks.
- Waterproof and compact
- Perfect for DIY organization projects
- Great for camping, travel, and household storage
What's your favorite way to reuse medicine bottles? Drop a comment-I'd love to hear!
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Meet Corinne
Hi! I'm Corinne, a busy mom of four and the creator of Wondermom Wannabe. I love helping moms find easy solutions to keep their homes beautiful and organized, without the overwhelm. Wondermom Wannabe is where I share my best tips for everything from gardening to homemaking, to make your life easier. Learn more about me here.