Drinking cups are a serious problem during the summer months when kids are home from school. They’re a minor problem year round, but the dirty cups grow exponentially when kids are home. When company comes, the problem increases – not only due to the greater number of dirty cups, but some guests feel it’s their duty to continually clear the counter of drinking glasses, even when you thought you’d found the perfect hiding spot to return to for your glass.
We’ve tried using magic marker to personalize plastic cups with names for continued use throughout the day, but you run out, or they get bent, or you don’t have any on hand when company shows up or you just want to do the environment a favor and not create more plastic in the landfill.
Easy Cup Labeling Solution
A few days ago, there were several grandchildren visiting at my mom’s house, and every cup and glass in the house was dirty. Grandma stood there in a funk, wondering what to do. Then the light came on and she recalled she had some leftover rubber bracelets from a previous craft. She grabbed those bracelets, let each grandchild choose their own bracelet, then she slipped them onto the cups! Voila – problem solved. Everyone has their own cup to use and reuse throughout the day. No more taking out cup after cup every time you want a drink. If you’re in a rush, you can place the cups in the dishwasher without removing, but it might be a good idea to remove them so they last longer.
Often, children have their favorite cup, and just when they ask for it, it’s in the dishwasher. Rubber bracelets solve that issue too – especially if the bracelet is one they’ve selected themselves.
Michael Bradley says
Genius! And re-pinned. 🙂
Brandi Taylor says
Awesome idea and with 3 kids, I need a good system! ty for sharing
Heather says
This is a really good idea! We go through every cup in the house some days and it sure is a pain since we don’t have a dishwasher.
Stephanie Saffell-Wilkinson says
No matter what I try nothing works, I’ve even boxed up and taken 1/2 cups away, I’ve bought different color cups or everyone. Not sure this would work but maybe…
Rachel says
Awesome idea! My girls are always getting new glasses because they can’t remember which one was theirs
Larita High says
This is genius and will save so many cups from not having to be washed!!
Larita says
This is awesome and will save so many cups from not having to be washed!!
Stephanie Wu says
Genius idea – reminds me of a Pinterest solution! Will try at my next party.
Joy says
Such a good use for all of those old rubber bracelets we have!
Karen C says
This is a GREAT idea! I am so gonna do this!thanks for sharing!
Dani says
Super idea, we always have an enormous amount of cups laying around.
Debra F says
What an awesome idea. We used the magic marker and plastic cups but they don’t last. If the kids get to pick out their own rubber bracelets to put on the cups — they are bound to remember them and be able to find them even in a crowd of glasses.
Gina Taylor says
Thats a really great Idea!! I’ll defiantly have to remember that come the holidays! Thanks!!
Christine A. says
We use rubber bands all the time to close up chips and crackers, so this is a natural progression of easy and DONE!!!