Weird reuse it idea

**Kimberlina** · 08-23-2006, 03:17 PM

This might seem weird, but I *think* I read it somewhere else. Maybe I made it up, but I don't think so.

I realized last week that those semi-premium ice cream containers (the waxed or plasticized cardboard ones with the lid that comes all the way off) would be a cute way to wrap a gift. (I may have read somewhere to do this and fill one with ice cream toppings etc. as a theme gift.0 So I have an empty and cleaned Sara Lee strawberry cheesecake ice cream container ready for a little gift for MIL for Christmas- she loves cheesecake so it will be a funny way to wrap a present for her.

But it is sitting there and I am wondering what else they can be used for, besides the obvious like storing crayons.

Do you think they coud be reuse for storing food in the freezer? I'm thinking something that would pretty well fill the container without much air, then you could seal the top better with press and seal or foil or something.

I don't really know if it would work well, but I think it would be interesting to try it with something inexpensive (so it wouldn't be a huge loss) and see how it turns out.

**inneedofhope** · 08-23-2006, 03:53 PM

I would just be wary of any seepage that may have happened with the ice cream, but if you are certain your container has no residue, you could use it for anything. Maybe line it with plastic wrap for extra protection.

**kabin63** · 08-23-2006, 06:33 PM

maybe use as a bird feeder? Was just wondering if the wax would melt off with something very warm in them.

BTW, I like the theme gift idea. sounds real cute.

**baxjul** · 08-23-2006, 07:32 PM

I have one that I keep my decaf coffee in the freezer in! Works great!

**KWLinda** · 08-23-2006, 09:21 PM

What a great idea for a gift package, one I'll definitely put to use.

**LastDragonfly** · 08-23-2006, 10:58 PM

Kimberly,
I called my dad and asked. He has just retired from the ICE CREAM ( Lucerne)plant in Bellvue WA as the Cheif Engineer. Ed said, "Yes!" you can refreeze food. And he actually thought you had a "cute" idea.

**Kimberlina** · 08-24-2006, 07:29 AM

Cool, Misti, thanks!

I'd imagine he is probably sick of ice cream. When I was a kid and I worked for Friendly's- I couldn't STAND ice cream then!!! lol Wish I had that problem now!

**staceyy** · 08-24-2006, 09:41 AM

I use the plastic ice cream tubs with lids for freezing soups etc. and I also use them for storing homemade mixes such as biscuit and cake mixes. I imagine they could also be used for storing cookies or snacks in your cuboards.

**YankeeMom** · 08-24-2006, 09:48 AM

I buy the big plastic buckets o' ice cream for the kids (lasts longer & it's cheaper - less than $5 for 1 gallon plus 1 pint). I use those for storing flour, sugar, broth & bones from a whole chicken.

If you are afraid of seepage, why not line the container with cheap/non freezer plastic storage bags. Sort of like putting a trash bag in a trash can.

Great idea!

**DonnainME** · 07-07-2008, 10:07 PM

Great ideas. I will have to use them next time we empty an ice cream container. Hmmm - maybe I should go try to do that now - you know - in the name of frugality. LOL