Are you looking to put an old hula hoop to good use? Or maybe you’ve seen those inexpensive hoops at the discount stores and wondered if they could serve a purpose beyond the playground. Hula hoops are surprisingly versatile and can be repurposed for all kinds of creative, functional, and decorative projects. From decor to practical garden aids, a simple hula hoop can be transformed into something entirely unexpected. Let’s dive into some clever, unusual ways to breathe new life into those hoops — no spinning skills required!
1. Lilypad pool warmers
Okay, this one is for those with backyard pools. Save on evaporation and heat up your pool with these homemade lily pad warmers! What a great idea to repurpose not just one old hula hoop, but a whoooole bunch.
Stretch black plastic sheeting over each hoop and secure it tightly to create a floating “lilypad”. These homemade warmers help absorb sunlight, warming your pool naturally while adding a fun decorative touch. Just place them on the water’s surface on a sunny day and enjoy the extra warmth as they float around!
2. Giant jellyfish
Be the ball! Or, you could be a giant jellyfish Costumes are great way to incorporate found objects. I guess you’ll have to wait around until someone has a deep sea monsters party (I had one once, no lie). Or you could throw your own bash and be like a jelly. Old hula hoop to the rescue!
Attach flowing strips of fabric or ribbon to the edges of the hoop to mimic jellyfish tentacles, then suspend the hoop over your head with clear straps. For an extra touch, add battery-powered fairy lights to the hoop, making it glow for nighttime events. This costume is sure to make waves at any party or festival!
3. DIY hula hoop cloche to protect veggies
One of my favourite uses for an old hula hoop is to cut it once, and use it in the garden as a cloche (“cloh-sh”) to protect veggies. Awesome as a project with kids or when you visit your mum’s backyard farm.
Secure netting or mesh over the hoop and place it over delicate plants to keep pests out while allowing sunlight and rain to reach them. This quick DIY cloche is lightweight, easy to move, and perfect for nurturing young plants in the garden.
4. Chandelier
Let’s get SHINY. Circles really can be repurposed in every way. Check out this funky DIY chandelier.. You could use an old hula hoop, or heck, even a new one, to create this beautiful light filled centrepiece for your home.
Wrap the hoop in strings of fairy lights, ribbons, or hanging crystals, then suspend it from the ceiling for a magical light fixture. Perfect for outdoor gatherings or adding sparkle to a special indoor event, this hula hoop chandelier brings ambiance and charm to any setting.
5. Giant sculpture
Okay, we’re drawing a long bow here but if you really have:
a) the time or b) the drive
You can create an entire art sculpture made entirely out of… a humble old hula hoop. It’s pretty mesmerising… If you’ve got 1-2000 hoops.
By binding hoops together with zip ties or tape, you can create geometric shapes like orbs or abstract structures. Spray paint them in bright colors or cover them in fabric for a bold outdoor art installation that adds personality to your garden or yard.
6. Dream Catcher
Turn a hula hoop into a dream catcher for a giant. Using yarn, fabric, feathers, and beads, you can transform an ordinary hoop into a beautiful wall hanging with a boho vibe.
Start by wrapping the hoop in your choice of yarn or fabric strips, then weave a crisscross pattern in the center with additional yarn. Add finishing touches like hanging feathers, tassels, or beads to personalise your creation. Great way to add a unique and whimsical touch to any room or backyard, making it a lovely way to bring some charm and positive energy to your space.
Need a new hula hoop or a unique gift like a gift voucher for a hoop class or private lesson?
Got a question? Get in touch.
7. A shower
This is quite possibly one of the best costume ideas I’ve ever seen. I kicked out something less interesting from the list in favour of sharing this shower costume with the world… featuring an old hula hoop.
Attach clear shower curtains or strips of plastic to the edges of the hoop and wear it like a hat with shoulder straps. Decorate the curtain with “soap bubbles” (cotton balls) and add a toy showerhead for the full effect. This costume is perfect for Halloween or a costume party and is sure to get some laughs!
8. Christmas tree
Is it the season yet? Ahem, ahem! Get real DIY with this amazing christmas tree made out of hoops. You can decorate away so that old hula hoop gets covered and transformed into a beautiful butterfly! Weeeeee!
Stack several hoops in decreasing sizes to create a cone shape, securing them with a central rod or pole. Wrap the structure in garlands, tinsel, and lights, and add ornaments for a modern take on holiday decor. This creative “tree” is great for small spaces and is easy to assemble and disassemble each year.
9. Mosquito net
Hot climate? Going travelling? Mosquito nets are super easy to make and in my opinion, one of the best utilities for an old hula hoop.
Attach netting around the perimeter of the hoop, then hang the hoop above your bed or outdoor seating area for a protective barrier against bugs. It’s a functional and charming way to add a whimsical touch to your space while keeping mosquitoes at bay.
10. Kick Croquet
GAME ALERT
Set up a fun game of kick croquet in your yard with hula hoops!
After cutting your hoops in half, arrange them in a pattern, securing them in the ground, and use a soccer ball instead of a mallet and ball. Players “kick” the ball through each hoop for a fresh, energetic twist on the traditional lawn game—perfect for family gatherings or parties!
11. Little dome tent or nook
Forts are becoming popular with adults again! Hooray! Okay, okay, and they’re great for kids. Why notassemble your very own nook.
Bend or connect the hoops to form a half-sphere or dome shape, then drape blankets or fabric over the structure. Decorate with pillows, fairy lights, or rugs to make a magical hideaway for reading or relaxing.
12. A yard garbage bag that stays open
Keep garbage bags open and stable with the help of a hula hoop! This is just plain clever. Best handy use of an old hula hoop goes to the Garbage Bag project.
Simply place a large bag around the hoop’s edge, securing it with clips or ties to keep the opening taut. This DIY holder is great for outdoor events, keeping the bag open for easy cleanup in the yard or garden.
13. Colourful handmade rug
Let’s get crafty! It doesn’t matter if your old hula hoop is mega ugly or covered in ripped old tape. Hide it by using it as the circular structure inside a rug project. Pretty gorgeous eh?
Create a colorful, upcycled rug using a hula hoop as the base. Weave strips of fabric or old t-shirts around the hoop in a circular pattern, creating a soft, unique rug. This hula hoop rug adds a cozy, handmade touch to any room and is a great way to repurpose old fabric scraps!
14. Bow and arrow
WHAT EVEN.
Thank you internet! Never would I have thought to construct a bow and arrow from half an old hula hoop. Or two bows and arrows with one hula hoop. MATHS. It’s playtime.
Cut the hoop to form a curved bow, using string or twine as the “bowstring.” This DIY set is perfect for imaginative outdoor play and can spark all kinds of creative games.
15. Giant bubble maker
Wow this is so coooool. It’s like all my childhood dreams come true. You’re going to need a bubble mixture, a big vessel to hold the mixture in, and an old hula hoop. And some clothes that can get slimey.
Perfect for kids’ parties or summer fun, this DIY bubble maker will keep everyone entertained and make for magical outdoor play.
With a little imagination, those old or inexpensive hula hoops can be transformed into something truly unique and useful, can’t they? What was your favourite up-recycle hoop idea? From stylish home decor to fun outdoor games and DIY costumes, there’s no limit to what you can create with a simple hoop. We hope these ideas inspire you to get crafty, repurpose, and make something magical! If you try out any of these projects, we’d love to see your creations! Be sure to tag @DonnaSparx so we can celebrate your creativity with you. Happy hoop crafting!
