50+ Anything But A Cup Ideas

Welcome to our ultimate list of 50+ "Anything But A Cup" ideas, perfect for adding a unique twist to your next party! Whether you're hosting an "Anything But A Cup" themed event or just looking for some fun and creative drinking vessel alternatives, we've got you covered. Our extensive collection includes quirky and unconventional items that will make your gathering unforgettable. From using a shoe or a flower pot to a toy boat or a helmet, these inventive ideas will spark laughter and conversation among your guests. Dive into our list and get inspired to think outside the cup with these hilarious and innovative "Anything But A Cup" ideas. Perfect for parties, gatherings, and social events, these creative alternatives will ensure your party stands out. Let's make your next event the talk of the town with our fun and imaginative suggestions!


What is an anything but a cup party?

An "Anything But a Cup" party is a themed social event where guests are encouraged to drink their beverages out of creative, unconventional containers—essentially anything except a standard cup, glass, or mug. The idea is to have fun and showcase creativity, resulting in a lively and humorous atmosphere as participants use various objects as makeshift drinking vessels.

The rules are simple:

  1. No traditional cups, glasses, or mugs are allowed.
  2. Guests must bring or use an item that can hold a drink but is not typically used for that purpose.
  3. The more creative and unexpected the item, the better.

Common choices might include items like watering cans, toy trucks, teapots, and other unusual objects. The challenge is to find something functional yet amusing, and part of the fun is seeing what others bring and how they manage to drink from their chosen item. These parties often lead to a lot of laughter and memorable moments as people navigate the quirks of their unconventional "cups."

How to decorate an anything but a cup party?

For an "Anything But a Cup" party, decorating can be just as creative and unconventional as the drinking vessels themselves! Here are some decoration ideas to set the mood:

  1. Themed Décor: Consider decorating based on a specific theme related to the chosen drinking vessels or the overall atmosphere of the party. For example, if guests are using beach-related items, decorate with seashells, sand, and beach towels.

  2. Unconventional Centerpieces: Instead of traditional floral arrangements, use quirky centerpieces made from items like toy cars, inflatable pool toys, or mini replicas of famous landmarks.

  3. DIY Signs: Create playful signs or banners with humorous messages related to the theme of the party, such as "Drink Creatively" or "Think Outside the Cup."

  4. Novelty Lighting: Set the mood with novelty lighting, such as string lights shaped like tropical fruits, paper lanterns, or colorful LED bulbs.

  5. Themed Tableware: Use unconventional items as tableware, such as miniature shovels for serving snacks, or small plastic buckets as chip bowls.

  6. Creative Table Settings: Set each place setting with a unique item for guests to drink from, and incorporate fun and colorful napkins, placemats, and utensils.

  7. Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth area with props related to the party theme, such as oversized sunglasses, funny hats, and signs with witty sayings.

  8. DIY Drink Stations: Create themed drink stations where guests can refill their unconventional drinking vessels. Use colorful pitchers, dispensers, and buckets filled with ice to keep beverages cold.

  9. Wall Art: Hang artwork or posters that reflect the party theme, or create your own DIY wall art using unconventional materials like recycled items or found objects.

  10. Interactive Displays: Set up interactive displays or games related to the party theme, such as a "Build Your Own Drink" station with a variety of mixers and garnishes.

Remember, the key is to embrace creativity and have fun with the decorations, just like you would with the drinking vessels themselves!

50+ Fun ideas as an alternative for the classic cups

Here are 50 humorous ideas for things you can use instead of a cup:

1) A bottle of shampoo

2) Ketchup bottle

3) A blood bag

4) A purse

5) A plastic glove

6) A tea kettle

7) A cleaning Spray Bottle

8) A baby bottle

9) A watering can

10) A rubber boot

11) A hollowed-out fruit (like a pineapple)

12) A gas can

13) A shoe

14) A lightbulb

15) A fishbowl

16) A vase

17) A teapot

18) A hat

19) A garden gnome

20) A brush

21) A traffic cone

22) A small bucket

23) A cereal bowl

24) A ladle

25) A soap dish

26) A paint can

27) A watering can

28) A dick shaped bottle

29) A flower pot

30) A helmet

31) A baseball glove

32) A wine bottle

33) A small garbage can

34) A toy boat

35) A dog bowl

36) A mason jar

37) A Camera Lense

38) A popcorn bucket

39) A piggy bank

40) A paint roller tray

41) A trophy

42) A boot

43) A blender jar

44) A magician's hat

45) A dumbell

46) A washbasin

47) A sand pail

48) A dustpan

49) A decorative lantern

50) A small suitcase

51) A basketball cut in half

52) A large bell

53) A mixing bowl

54) A cookie jar

These creative alternatives can add a fun twist to any event or challenge!

More Anything But ...

The "Anything But" theme can be applied to various aspects of a party or event, not just drinking vessels. Here are some alternative ideas:

  1. Anything But Clothes: Guests create outfits using unconventional materials such as duct tape, aluminum foil, bubble wrap, or playing cards.

  2. Anything But a Plate: Guests bring creative alternatives to plates for serving food, such as frisbees, cutting boards, or mini sleds.

  3. Anything But a Chair: Instead of traditional chairs, guests use unconventional seating options like bean bags, inflatable furniture, or large cushions.

These alternative themes can add a fun and creative twist to any party or event, encouraging guests to think outside the box and embrace their creativity!


We hope our list of 50+ "Anything But A Cup" ideas has inspired you to add a creative and entertaining twist to your next event. Remember, the key to a successful "Anything But A Cup" party is embracing the unexpected and having fun with it. Whether you choose a whimsical watering can or a quirky traffic cone, the possibilities are endless, and the laughter is guaranteed.

Ready to Get Creative?

Transform your party experience with these innovative Anything But A Cup ideas! Let your imagination run wild and make your event truly memorable.