32 Fun Things to Do With Seashells (That Don’t Cost a Dime!)

Seashells! Those little pockets of ocean magic scattered along the shore. We all love collecting them, but what do you do with them once you get home besides, you know, admire them from afar? Well, ditch the tourist trap trinkets and get ready to unleash your inner beach bum because seashells are your ticket to a world of free, creative FUN! 

We’ve got 32 ideas to turn those seaside souvenirs into stunning decorations, playful games, and even educational adventures – all without breaking the bank. Lets get rolling with fun things to do with seashells.

Shell Yeah! Turning Beach Loot into Coastal Cuties! ✨

Let’s be real, seashells are basically the ultimate beach souvenir. But let’s face it, those ‘tropical paradise’ picture frames and plastic shark keychains aren’t exactly inspiring. This time, ditch the tourist trap junk and turn your seashells into something awesome (and free!) We’re talking about turning your beach loot into some seriously cool stuff.

Fun Things To do With Seashells #1

Sort your shells by size, hold them up to your lips and blow! You might be surprised at the funky tunes you can create. Think seashell orchestra – next beach trip talent show, anyone?

#2 Mobile Magic: Channel your inner child (and adult, let’s be honest) 

String up all those cool shells you collected, big and small, on some fishing line. Hang it up and BAM! Instant beachy vibes for your room. Bonus points for seashell mobiles that make awesome ocean sounds when the wind blows (because who doesn’t love that?).

#3 Miniature Mermaid World: Because who doesn’t want a tiny underwater world on their desk? 

Grab a jar, fill it with some sand and your smaller seashells. Pop in a cute little air plant (or some fake greenery if you’re like me and forget to water things) and voila! Instant conversation starter and beachy escape, all in a tiny jar.

#4 Beach Babe Bling: Time to get crafty (with a little help from a grown-up if you need it)

Drill tiny holes in your shells (adult supervision, please!), string them together, and boom! You’ve got yourself a one-of-a-kind seashell necklace. The perfect way to show off your beach bum status, even if you’re nowhere near the ocean. ‍♀️

#5 Shell Stamping: Get To know your inner artist! 

Feeling like Picasso? Not quite? No worries! Seashells can be your new paintbrushes. Dip them in paint and use them like stamps to create unique designs on paper or fabric. Get creative with different shell shapes and colors – the possibilities are endless!

#6 Seashell Mosaic: Feeling fancy? 

Turn your seashells into a masterpiece! Glue them onto a picture frame, flower pot, or even a plain old cardboard box to create a beautiful, textured mosaic. This is a great activity for both kids and adults, and you can personalize it to your own style. Channel your inner artist and let your seashell masterpieces come to life!

#7 Shell Theater: Lights, camera, seashells!

Remember those epic puppet shows you put on as a kid? Well, seashells are about to take your childhood nostalgia to a whole new level! Use your larger shells as a stage for puppet shows with small figurines or finger puppets. Put on a play for your friends and family, or just have fun creating your own stories with the shells as characters. The seashell theater is open – let the performances begin!

#8 Shell Skits: Shells can be more than just pretty decorations!

Who says seashells can’t be actors? Put on a skit or performance using the shells as props or even costumes! Let their shapes and sizes inspire your story and see where your imagination takes you. Will your seashell be a valiant knight, a mischievous mermaid, or maybe even a grumpy old sea captain? There are no limits, so get creative and have some shell-abrating fun!

#9 Seashell Percussion: Get ready to rock!

Calling all music lovers! Seashells can be your ticket to a world of rhythmic fun. Fill empty shells with dried beans or rice to create your own homemade percussion instruments. Grab a spoon or a stick and get drumming! Who needs fancy bongos when you’ve got the natural wonders of the sea at your fingertips? Form a seashell band and get ready to jam out!

#10 Seashell Shakers: Shake it up!

Seashells aren’t just for show, they’re for shaking it up too! Decorate small tins or boxes with your seashells – unleash your inner artist with glitter, paint, markers, the world is your oyster (or seashell)! – then fill them with rice or beads. Now you’ve got your very own seashell shakers for your next dance party. The beach may be miles away, but with these DIY shakers, you can bring the party vibes right to your living room.

#11 Seashell Matching Game: Memory Lane with a Beach Twist!

Remember those classic memory games? Get ready for a shell-ebration edition! Paint pairs of shells with identical designs and get ready for a fun and challenging memory game. This is a great activity for kids and adults alike, and it helps improve memory and concentration. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to revisit all those happy beach memories while you play. So gather your seashells, put your thinking cap on, and see if you can match all the pairs!

#12 Shell Tic-Tac-Toe: Beach Trip Boredom Buster!

Let’s be honest, sometimes beach days can have a lull. But fear not, seashells are here to save the day (or rather, the afternoon)! Draw a tic-tac-toe board on sand or paper and use your seashells as playing pieces. Who needs fancy game boards when you’ve got the beach at your fingertips (or at least some seashells from your last beach trip)? This is a quick and easy game that’s perfect for all ages, and it’s a surefire way to keep everyone entertained until the next wave of beach fun arrives.

#13 Seashell Treasure Hunt: Ahoy Mateys!

Calling all adventurers! Transform your home or backyard into a treasure island with a seashell twist. Hide small shells around the house or garden and let the kids loose on a treasure hunt! You can even make a treasure map for an extra dose of excitement. This is a great way to get kids up and moving while using their imaginations. Who knows, maybe they’ll unearth some hidden gems (or seashells) along the way!

#14 Seashell Nature Study: Dive Deep into the Ocean World!

Seashells are more than just pretty souvenirs, they’re little capsules of ocean life! Use your beach loot as a jumping-off point for a fun and educational nature study. Research the different types of shells you collected, learn about the creatures that lived in them, and discover the fascinating world beneath the waves. The internet is your oyster (see what we did there?) when it comes to information, so grab your magnifying glass and get ready to explore the wonders of the ocean world, all from the comfort of your home.

#15 Shell Picture Frames: Because Memories Deserve a Coastal Touch!

Let’s face it, those store-bought picture frames can be a bit, well, boring. Why not add a touch of the seashore to your favorite photos with some seashell magic? Decorate plain picture frames with your seashells – glue them on whole, crush them for a mosaic effect, or get creative with a mix of techniques. Now you’ve got personalized picture frames that are as unique as the memories they hold.

#16 Seashell Coasters: Putting the “Seas” in Coasters!

Tired of those boring drink rings on your furniture? Seashells can be the perfect solution – and a stylish one at that! Use flat shells as natural coasters to add a beachy touch to your coffee table. For extra pizzazz, paint the shells with waterproof designs or decoupage them with pretty sea-themed papers. Now your drinks can rest in style, with a constant reminder of your sunny beach days.

#17 Shell Soap Dishes: Nature’s Little Washroom Luxury!

Empty, cleaned shells with a flat surface can be transformed into unique and eco-friendly soap dishes. They’ll add a touch of coastal charm to your bathroom sink and keep your soap dry and handy. Plus, they’re a conversation starter – who knew seashells could be so multi-talented?

#18 Seashell Wind Chimes: Listen to the Ocean Breeze!

Bring the soothing sounds of the ocean right to your doorstep with DIY seashell wind chimes. String various sized shells together on fishing line and hang them from a branch or patio overhang. As the wind blows, the shells will gently clink and chime, creating a calming and nostalgic melody. Close your eyes and take a deep breath – you can practically smell the salty air!

#19 Shell Candles: Light Up Your Life with the Sea!

Seashells can add a beautiful and natural touch to your candle holders. Place a tealight candle inside a large, cleaned shell to create a warm and inviting glow. For an extra beachy touch, sprinkle some sand around the base of the shell and add a few tiny seashells for decoration. Now you’ve got a unique and eco-friendly candle holder that will set the mood for a relaxing evening.

#20 Shell Jewelry: Wear Your Beach Vibes!

Calling all crafty fashionistas! With a little adult supervision (for drilling tiny holes), you can transform your seashells into stunning jewelry. String them together on colorful thread or cord to create one-of-a-kind necklaces and bracelets. You can even add other beachy elements like beads or charms for an extra personalized touch. Now you can wear your love for the ocean wherever you go!

#21 Shell Bookmarks: Mark Your Place in Style!

Keep your place in your favorite beach read with a seashell bookmark! Glue a small shell onto a piece of colorful felt or cardboard. For an extra touch, personalize it with glitter, paint, or even a tiny seashell charm. Now you’ve got a unique and beach-themed bookmark that will make reading even more enjoyable.

#22 Seashell Buttons: A Seaside Statement!

Seashells can add a touch of the ocean to your wardrobe in unexpected ways! Use strong glue to attach a small magnet to the back of a shell for a one-of-a-kind button for your clothes. These unique buttons will add a touch of personality and coastal flair to any outfit.

#23 Shell Ornaments: Deck the Halls (or Tree) with Seashells!

Don’t let the seashell fun stop at summer! Seashells can also be used to create beautiful and unique holiday ornaments. Decorate your Christmas tree with seashells in their natural state, paint them with festive colors, or even glue them onto pre-made ornament balls. You can also create shell garlands or mobiles to add a touch of the seashore to your holiday décor.

#24 Seashell Bath Salts: Soak Away Your Worries in Seaside Luxury!

Craving a spa day with a beachy twist? Whip up a batch of DIY seashell bath salts! Crush clean shells (with adult supervision!) and mix them with Epsom salts for a luxurious and beachy bath experience. You can even add a few drops of essential oils like lavender or rosemary for an extra dose of relaxation. Light some candles, put on some calming music, and soak away your worries in a tub filled with your homemade seashell bath salts.

#25 Shell Seed Planters: Grow a Little Piece of the Beach!

Turn your seashells into charming little planters for succulents or herbs. Fill large shells with well-draining soil and plant your chosen greenery. These miniature beach gardens are perfect for windowsills, desks, or anywhere you need a touch of coastal charm. Just remember to water them carefully, and soon you’ll have a little piece of the beach thriving right inside your home!

#26 Shell Pet Feeders: Feed Your Finny Friends in Style!

For those with aquatic pets like goldfish or hermit crabs, seashells can be repurposed as unique and eco-friendly feeders. Use larger, stable shells to create natural feeding dishes for your fin-tastic friends. Just make sure the shells are the appropriate size and cleaned thoroughly before use. Now your little underwater buddies can dine in style!

#27 Shell Fairy Houses: Let Your Imagination Sail Away!

Calling all fairies and nature enthusiasts! Create a whimsical miniature world with seashells as the building blocks. Gather various sized shells, sticks, leaves, and other natural materials. Use your imagination to construct a charming fairy house, complete with tiny doors, windows, and a pathway made of pebbles. This is a fun and creative activity for kids and adults alike, and it’s a surefire way to spark some magical storytelling.

#28 Seashell Picture Frames: Because Memories Deserve a Coastal Touch!

We all love seashell picture frames, but why stop there? For a more dramatic effect, use a large clamshell as a natural picture frame. Simply clean and dry the clamshell, and then place a photo inside, leaving the hinge open for easy viewing. This unique frame will add a touch of coastal elegance to any cherished memory.

#29 Shell Mobiles: A Touch of the Beach for Any Room (Part 2)!

Don’t limit your seashell mobiles to just the beach! Create a more whimsical version by incorporating other natural elements. String seashells together with colorful beads, feathers, or dried flowers. Hang your mobile from the ceiling in your bedroom, living room, or even your porch for a touch of the seashore in any space.

#30 Seashell Wind Spinners: Catch the Breeze and Your Eye!

Channel your inner artist and create a dazzling seashell wind spinner. Paint seashells in bright colors or decorate them with glitter and sequins. String them together on a dowel rod and then mount the rod on a stake for your garden. As the wind blows, the seashells will spin and shimmer, creating a mesmerizing display of color and movement.

#31 Seashell Windsock: Sniff Out the Wind with Style!

Not only can seashells create beautiful sounds, but they can also be wind direction detectives! Cut a piece of fabric into a long cone shape and decorate it with seashells, paint, or fabric markers. Attach the cone to a hoop made of wire or a sturdy twig. Hang your seashell windsock outside and watch it dance in the breeze, indicating which way the wind is blowing. This is a fun and educational activity for kids, and it adds a touch of whimsy to your yard.

#32 Seashell Terrarium Necklace: Wear Your Tiny Beach World!

For the ultimate beach lover, create a miniature terrarium necklace that you can wear anywhere! Find a small, clear, pendant and fill it with a tiny bit of sand and a few miniature seashells. You can even add a speck of dried seaweed or a tiny artificial plant for a touch of greenery. This unique necklace is a conversation starter and a constant reminder of your love for the ocean.

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So there you have it! 32 fun and creative ways to turn your seashells into beautiful decorations, playful games, and even educational adventures. The possibilities are endless, so unleash your inner beach bum and get crafting! Remember, the next time you hit the beach, skip the plastic trinkets and fill your pockets with these little pockets of ocean magic. They’re your ticket to a world of free, creative FUN!