60+ Anything But a Cup Ideas

Looking for hilarious and memorable Anything But a Cup ideas for your next party? You’re in the right place. This popular theme challenges everyone to bring something to drink out of that isn’t a typical cup, mug, glass, or bottle. It’s fun, creative, and makes for great photos and inside jokes long after the night ends.

Below, you’ll find over 60 creative ideas organized by vibe, funny, practical, weird, cute, sporty, and more; so you can show up prepared and unforgettable.

What Is an “Anything But a Cup” Item?

Simple: instead of drinking from a cup, you drink from something unconventional. It can be practical, chaotic, tiny, huge, or just plain ridiculous; as long as it’s safe and not made for drinking.

Quick Tips for Choosing the Perfect Item

• Make sure it can hold liquid (test ahead)
• Bring a backup straw (highly recommended)
• Avoid items with electronics or batteries
• Clean it first (some need a bleach bath… you know who you are)
• Lean into the comedy or creativity—that’s the whole point

Funny & Chaotic Ideas

If your goal is to make everyone laugh, start here:

• Dog bowl
• Watering can
• Spray bottle (on stream mode)
• Baby bottle
• Traffic cone
• Soap dispenser (empty & washed)
• Empty ketchup or mustard bottle
• Measuring cup
• Old protein shaker without the lid
• Mini bucket
• Toilet brush holder (cleaned, obviously)
• Plastic pumpkin bucket (Halloween-style)
• Garden trowel (deep ones work best)
• Squirt gun (reload at your own risk)
• Mop bucket (for the bold)

Household Objects That Actually Work

Practical enough to survive the night:

• Mason jar without the lid
• Tupperware container
• Flower vase
• Shampoo or conditioner bottle (cleaned)
• Blender pitcher
• Food storage container
• Soap dish with deep sides
• Measuring beaker
• Tea kettle
• French press
• Rice cooker bowl
• Pyrex measuring cup
• Ice cream container
• Coffee pot carafe
• Thermos without the lid

Cute & Aesthetic Picks

For people who want cute pics, not chaos:

• Teapot
• Small watering can
• Ceramic plant pot
• Mini cooler cup
• Hollowed-out coconut
• Clean seashell (big clam style)
• Tiny paint can
• Candle jar (cleaned)
• Milk carton aesthetic container
• Plastic toy tea set cup
• Hollow bamboo cup
• Smoothie bowl

Nerdy & Pop Culture Ideas

For gamers, movie buffs, and meme lords:

• Potion bottle (Elden Ring, Skyrim, Zelda vibes)
• Poké Ball container (DIY hollow plastic ball)
• Toy lightsaber handle (plug the bottom)
• Drained energy drink can cut open
• Lego container
• Plastic skull (Halloween decor)
• Minecraft potion bottle replica
• Cartoon cereal bowl
• Retro popcorn bucket
• Stormtrooper helmet mug substitute
• Super Soaker tank
• Popcorn tin from Christmas

Sporty & Fitness-Inspired Ideas

Look like you just got out of practice:

• Gatorade bottle with the top cut off
• Baseball helmet snack bowl
• Bicycle water bottle without the lid
• Football or soccer ball cut in half (lined inside)
• Old protein powder scoop
• Sports shaker without the lid
• Ski or snowboard boot liner (cleaned & lined)
• Whiffle ball cup (requires a straw)
• Bowling pin vase
• Yoga water bottle cap removed

Auto & Tool Shop Items

For people who love grease and gadgets:

• Funnel (small to medium)
• Clean oil drain pan (line it)
• Gas can (washed & dried—do not use real gas cans)
• Tool bucket
• PVC pipe with end caps
• Paint roller pan
• Silicone caulk tube (cleaned)
• Shop vacuum tank (remove interior & clean)
• Small tire inner tube section (lined cup)
• Metal hardware bucket

Food & Drink Containers

Easy, affordable, and surprisingly effective:

• Soup can (smooth edge)
• Empty Nutella jar
• Pickle jar
• Large yogurt tub
• McDonald’s fry container (double-layered works best)
• Takeout container
• Tin can with handle
• Coconut water carton (lid off)
• Sriracha bottle (cleaned)
• Tostitos cheese jar
• Soda syrup jug (washed)
• Olive jar
• Whipped cream container

DIY & Crafty Options

Perfect for creative personalities:

• Paint can (unused or fully cleaned)
• Paint bucket
• Chalk storage container
• Plastic craft organizer box
• Glitter shaker bottle (washed)
• Fabric softener bottle (cleaned & cut)
• Ceramic planter
• Beaded bowl
• Resin mold container
• Clay cup you made yourself

Safety & Cleanup Reminders

A few sensible guidelines so the night doesn’t get too wild:

• Do not use containers that held chemicals, gasoline, or toxic fluids
• Smooth edges only (no sharp metal cans)
• If it leaks, line with plastic wrap or a sandwich bag
• Bring a straw for oddly-shaped containers
• Clean your item before the party (please!)

Final Sip: Have Fun with It!

The best Anything But a Cup items are the ones that spark conversation, make people laugh, and survive the night. Whether you show up with a tiny toy watering can or a full-size rice cooker bowl, remember—the whole point is creativity and fun.

Pick something weird, clean it well, and go make memories. Cheers!