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The other day I was wandering through Goodwill, honestly just killing time before a dentist appointment, when I spotted this old, scratched-up tray buried under a pile of mismatched dishes. It had faded sunflowers, chipped paint, and smelled faintly of someone’s attic. And I grabbed it without a second thought.
Why? Because I’ve learned never to underestimate a good tray.
You might think I’m being dramatic, but these things are DIY goldmines. Whether they’re wooden, plastic, metal, or a total mystery material from the ’70s, they’ve got potential. Real, “ooh, where did you get that?” kind of potential.
Why You’ll Fall for These Forgotten Trays
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They’re dirt cheap. Like, “I-can’t-even-buy-a-coffee-for-that” cheap.
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Perfect for when you need a creative fix but don’t wanna commit to a big project.
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They’re wildly useful — and way prettier once you give them a little love.
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Great for gifting. People love something handmade and thoughtful.
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It feels good. Like, genuinely good to reuse something instead of tossing more into the world.
Wait—Why Trays?
Trays are like the blank notebooks of the thrift world. Totally unassuming at first… until you realize they can be anything.
And those old TV dinner trays? Oh honey. They’re a whole vibe. Retro legs, kitschy patterns, and memories of Sunday night meatloaf in front of “Murder, She Wrote.” I get excited every time I find one.
Also, shopping at Goodwill means your dollars are helping people in your community. Plus, it’s just way more fun than wandering the aisles of a big box store.
10 Brilliant (and Easy!) Ways to Reuse Goodwill Trays
1. Hang It Up Like Art
No, seriously. Paint it. Decoupage it. Write something funny like “Don’t touch my snacks.” Add a picture hanger on the back and pop it on the wall. Suddenly it’s quirky and cool instead of forgotten junk.
2. Make Your Coffee Table Look Like You Have Your Life Together
Paint it, add some handles, maybe distress the edges a bit. Use it for coasters, a candle, the remote you keep losing… Boom. Fancy.
3. Create a Jewelry Drop Zone That Feels Fancy
Line it with velvet or felt, glue in some dividers, and suddenly your tangled mess of earrings looks like something out of a boutique.
4. Give Your Plants a Lift
Attach some short legs or an old stool base underneath, paint it a fun color, and let your plant babies perch like the stars they are.
5. Make a Serving Tray That’s Actually Cute
Add some mosaic tiles, or just use Mod Podge and pretty paper. Great for brunch, lazy Sunday pancakes, or serving drinks at girls’ night.
6. Tidy That Desk (Finally)
Use cups, jars, or dividers inside the tray for pens, sticky notes, that random chapstick… and maybe finally get rid of those 12 dead batteries rolling around in the drawer.
7. Bathroom Organizer That’s Not Ugly
Group your lotion, soap, cotton balls—whatever—on a tray you made look cute. It keeps things tidy and makes it feel a little more like a spa (even if the spa is…your tiny guest bathroom with bad lighting).
8. Pet Bowl Situation, Upgraded
Cut holes for the bowls (if you’re handy), or just use the tray to catch spills. Paint it fun, add your pup’s name in vinyl letters, and you’ve got a stylish little feeding station.
9. Photo Display That’s Not Basic
Use clips, string, or glue to hold Polaroids, postcards, or kid art. Great for a memory wall, dorm room, or that awkward corner of the hallway you’ve never known what to do with.
10. Bored Kid? Try a DIY Activity Tray
Add chalkboard paint, or magnets, or little fidget elements like zippers and buttons. It’s like a mini play center—and it keeps the mess contained. Kind of.
But Where Do You Store Them All?
If you’re making trays for different rooms or seasons (yes, I have a “fall tray”), stack them with a dish towel or parchment in between to avoid scratches. Keep them flat and away from humidity if they’ve been painted or sealed.
And when it comes to cleaning: a quick wipe-down does the trick. Avoid soaking unless you want your hard work to warp into a sad pancake.
Okay, Now Go Get One
Next time you’re standing in Goodwill, scanning the shelves between a broken toaster and 12 copies of the same Danielle Steel novel, look for the trays. Even the ugly ones. Especially the ugly ones.
They’re not just trays. They’re blank slates, waiting for a second chance—and maybe a splash of mustard yellow paint.
So grab one. Or five. Then tell me what you made, because I love seeing what other people dream up. Let’s keep giving things new life—one tray at a time.
Got a favorite tray makeover idea? Drop it in the comments—I’ll bring the coffee.