Got an old clipboard lying around that’s not getting used? Think twice (or actually, more than that, based on the list below) before you put it in a donation bin:

1. Use it as a “frame” for displaying art– most basic, flat clipboards have a built-in hole on them, either as part of the clip or as part of a built-in clipboard hanger located at the top. So they’re perfect for hanging on the wall and used as a unconventional, upcycled “frame” for displaying art—like small art prints and photos that you haven’t gotten around to framing, or that you wouldn’t take time to find a frame for but that are still worthy of displaying! Using decoupage, you could even create a dedicated “frame space” on the clipboard made out of images of leaves, flowers, or the actual image of a frame.
2. Make the clipboard the art piece— paint on it or create decoupage art all over it, and hang it on the wall.
3. Decorate it and give it as a unique gift to someone who might use a clipboard regularly—like a nurse, sports coach, Scout leader, teacher, event organizer…some ideas for decorating it are to cut out different kinds of large printed letters and use to decoupage their name on it; keep the front plain or decoupage a “corner collage” so they still have space to use it as a writing base, and decorate all over the back of it; print or copy photos of the recipient and use them in decoupaging the clipboard.
4. Paint the clipboard with chalkboard paint (available at craft and hardware stores), hang it up and use it as a mini chalkboard/noteboard; on some, a small pack of chalk could easily be stored on top of the clip.
5. If you have a laundry room where family members use the washing machine but forget to move their clothes to the dryer, or need reminders to take their clothes out of the dryer: decorate a clipboard, hang it on the front of the laundry room door, and put a bunch of old photos of family members under the clip—tell them that whenever they’ve got stuff in the washer or dryer, to put their photo front and center on the clipboard as a reminder.
6. Use it as part of Santa-themed decoupage holiday art (i.e. “My Santa Wish List” or “Santa’s Naughty/Nice List” )
7. Clipboards make great lap desks, especially for kids in cars—help them personalize around the front edges with decoupage and/or decorate the back
8. Create a portable game board out of the clipboard using supplies like paint, decoupaged paper, washi tape or colored Duck Tape–  Tic-Tac-Toe? Mini Checkers? Bingo? Keep game pieces in a drawstring bag or zippered plastic bag and store on the board using the clip when not in use.

Which idea is your favorite? Got any other ideas for reusing a clipboard? Let me know in the comments!