Old calendars aren’t trash — they’re creative gold waiting to be reused | If you like pretty things like me, chances are that last year you were gifted an absolutely gorgeous wall calendar. I do every year. As an avid recycled crafter, I consider them too good to go. And, if you’re wondering what to do with old calendars, let me share my ideas on how to repurpose them that I've developed and tried out over the years.
For sure, don’t toss them in the recycling bin just yet.
Old calendars are one of the most underrated supplies for recycled paper crafts, offering beautiful images and sturdy paper that can be reused in dozens of creative ways. From eco-friendly gift wrap to home decor and kids’ crafts, last year’s calendar can become something entirely new. Let me show you.
Index
- Why You Shouldn’t Throw Away Old Calendars
- Supplies You’ll Need
- 25 Creative Ideas for What to Do With Old Calendars
- Calendar Crafts for Kids
- Home Decor & Seasonal Projects
- Gift & Packaging Ideas
- FAQs About Old Calendars & Recycling
Why You Shouldn’t Throw Away Old Calendars
If you’re wondering what to do with old calendars, the answer is simple: don’t throw them away. Most calendars are printed on high-quality, durable paper with beautiful images that can be reused in dozens of creative ways.
Discarding them wastes valuable crafting material and adds unnecessary paper to landfills. Reusing last year’s calendars is an easy step toward sustainable living and eco-friendly crafting.
What Makes Old Calendars Perfect for Paper Crafts?
Old calendars are ideal for recycled crafts because they offer:
- Thick, sturdy paper that doesn’t tear easily
- Large-format images perfect for cutting and framing
- Glossy and matte finishes for different craft styles
- Blank backs that work well for writing, folding, or gluing.
- Beautiful imagery that suit your taste.
Whether you enjoy paper crafts, collage, journaling, or home decor DIYs, calendars are one of the most versatile recycled materials you can use.
Supplies You’ll Need for Repurposing Calendars
Most projects require only basic tools:
- Scissors or craft knife
- Glue stick or craft glue
- Ruler
- Hole punch
- Twine, ribbon, or washi tape
- Mod Podge (optional, for sealing)
This makes calendar crafts budget-friendly and beginner-friendly.
25 Creative Ideas for What to Do With Old Calendars
To get your own creative juices going, here are 25 ideas to get you inspired:
Functional & Storage Crafts
- Drawer liners
- Magazine holders
- Paper storage boxes
- Recipe cards and recipe card boxes
- Re-dated perpetual calendars, illustrated
Image Credit: Asley from ‘Under the Sycamore'
Gift & Packaging Ideas
- Use calendar pages as eco-friendly gift wrap
- Make handmade gift tags
- Create envelopes from calendar paper
- Craft paper bows and toppers
- Design recycled greeting cards
Paper Crafts & Organization
- Handmade journals or notebooks
- Scrapbook backgrounds
- Planner dividers
- DIY bookmarks
- Vision boards
Home Decor Ideas
- Frame calendar images as wall art
- Create a seasonal gallery wall
- Make paper wall banners
- Cut images into minimalist posters
- Create paper lanterns or luminaries
Crafts for Kids
- Paper dolls
- Collage art
- Learning flashcards
- Storytelling prompts using images
- Origami animals practice paper.
Calendar Crafts for Kids & Learning
If you’re asking what to do with old calendars for kids, they’re perfect for creative learning. Children can use calendar pages for:
- Cutting and gluing practice
- Color recognition
- Creative storytelling
- Eco-awareness activities
Old calendars are free, plentiful, and safe — ideal for classrooms and homeschool projects.
Home Decor & Seasonal Projects
Calendar images often follow the seasons, making them perfect for:
- Spring: floral collages, Easter baskets
- Summer: travel-themed wall art
- Autumn: leaf and harvest decor
- Winter: Christmas gift wrap, ornaments, advent calendars
This makes it easy to reuse calendar pages all year long.
Eco-Friendly Gift & Packaging Ideas
Using old calendars for wrapping and packaging adds a handmade, thoughtful touch to gifts. Each package becomes unique, stylish, and sustainable — perfect for eco-conscious gifting.
FAQs: What to Do With Old Calendars
Can old calendars be recycled?
Yes, most calendars are recyclable, but reusing them first is more eco-friendly than recycling.
What kind of calendars are best for crafts?
Wall calendars with large images and thicker paper work best, especially art, flower, and photography calendars.
Can I sell crafts made from old calendars?
If the images are copyrighted, avoid selling them directly. Abstract designs, altered artwork, or personal-use crafts are safest.
How should I store old calendar pages?
Store them flat in folders or portfolios, sorted by theme, season, or color for easy access.
Final Thoughts: The Best Answer to “What to Do With Old Calendars”
Now you know exactly what to do with old calendars — turn them into beautiful, useful, and sustainable crafts. From recycled paper projects to home decor and kids’ activities, old calendars are a creative resource hiding in plain sight.
Before you throw last year away, give it a second life through crafting.
