#1 - Sock Puppets

The first and most obvious use for the recently divorced sock, to become a sock puppet! Making sock puppets is a really good way to keep the kids quiet for a while – and it's also good fun. I'm sure all of us have made a few of these in class when we were younger. It's also a good idea to note that different types of socks can make different types of sock puppets. If you have some old wool walking socks lying around for example, you could make one into a grizzly bear sock puppet.

#2 - Cleaning/Dust Rag

Want to do a small amount of dusting which doesn't require a proper duster? Well, you could dirty up a perfectly good towel or material wipe – or, you could just use some old socks to do it! It won't matter if the old, single sock becomes un-wearable! That's why you're using it in the first place.

#3 - Neck Warmer

Take an old sock, pour rice in until it's fairly plump, tie it off at one end and microwave for a minute or two. Tell us that doesn't feel good. Some thick old walking hiking socks are great for this, much more comfortable than an old thin sock which will probably just split anyway.

#4 - Packaging

Moving is a pain. Especially when you load all your valuables into flat-pack boxes only to find that there's not enough paper and bubble wrap to keep everything safe! Remember the mystic-mountain of old socks you refused to chuck? Instead, you decided to wait until the matching sock for each of these turned up. Well now it's their time to shine, old socks are great to use for packaging delicate goods!

#5 - Fix Leaking Soft Toys

If you or your child has a leaking soft-toy; or one that with age the stuffing has flattened – why not commence open-fluff surgery? Package old socks/old sock cuttings inside. Voila – good as new (except for the missing eye)! Again, thin socks aren't so good for this. Use some holey old walk socks if you can!

#6 - Cover for an iPod

Like your fancy new iPod? Dislike scratches? Make an iPod cover out of an old sock or two. You can use multiple socks, cutting out and applying coloured patches for a vibrant-retro effect. But remember to wash the socks first. No one likes to listen to music that smells like feet.

#7 - Cat Toy

Fill a sock with catnip, ball it up, roll it just pat your cute little cat and watch with morbid fascination as the harmless little paws become deluxe sock shredding machines. Does the cat know the sock isn't alive? Perhaps you'd prefer not to know! Really entertaining and certainly good exercise for your moggy.

#8 - Dog Toy

If you can turn something into a cat toy, you can probably turn it into a dog toy too. Find two old or odd socks and tie them together in the middle. Optionally pack both socks with a few other old socks to make the toy doughier in texture. Play tug with mans' best friend! It really is that simple. Use some old trekker socks if at all possible – thin socks won't last long in the fangs of Fido!

#9 - Insect Attractor

Soak your old sock in old wine and sugar-water, or anything else sweet you have to hand (syrup and honey slathering also works). Hang the sock outside on a hook or on your washing line, preferably near a bright light. Watch all the night life insects (such as moths) flock to your tasty treat!


#10 - Footwear padding

I know; that's what the sock was doing before – right? If you have some boots or shoes that are slightly too big, layer up your existing socks with some old ones you wouldn't usually wear for added comfort.