Planning a party where everyone sips from anything but a regular cup? This quirky trend is a surefire way to add a fun twist to any gathering! The idea is simple: come with a creative, unconventional drinking vessel that’s anything but a cup. The result? A laugh-filled, memorable party that’s perfect for photos, competition, and bonding over some seriously inventive drinkware.
But where do you start with finding an “anything but a cup” idea that will stand out from the crowd? Whether you want something funny, functional, or downright crazy, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into 25 imaginative ideas that’ll make your next party one for the books!
1. Flower Pot
Want to bring a little “nature” to the party? A flower pot is an excellent option! You can choose one with flowers for added effect or keep it simple with just the pot. Make sure it’s clean, or better yet, buy a new one so you don’t end up tasting soil with your drink.
Flower pots are perfect because they come in all sizes. You can get a small pot for a dainty drink or go all out with a larger one if you’re feeling brave. It’s a conversation starter and adds a rustic, outdoorsy vibe to your beverage of choice.
2. Watering Can
Keeping with the garden theme, a watering can is both functional and funny. Simply fill it up and let guests “pour” their drink into their mouth, just as you would water a plant. The spout makes it unique and quite the party piece.
Watering cans are great because they hold a large amount of liquid, meaning fewer refills. Plus, if you have a flair for drama, you can make it look like you’re about to water the plants instead of sipping your drink!
3. Mason Jar
Okay, this one’s on the safer side, but mason jars are still outside of the “cup” category. It’s perfect if you’re looking for something practical and photogenic. Add a fun straw or a little umbrella, and you’ve got yourself a cute and easy drinking vessel.
Mason jars are sturdy, easy to handle, and come in a variety of sizes. They also have a cozy, DIY vibe that suits backyard parties and get-togethers. Sometimes, simple is still just as fun!
4. Teapot
Pour yourself a drink with a side of elegance! A teapot can be a classy, unique option for an “anything but a cup” party. Pick one with a fun pattern or a vintage vibe, and you’ll be the sophisticated sipper of the party.
With a teapot, you can even share your drink with others by pouring into their unique “cups.” Plus, the handle makes it easy to carry around and keeps things stylishly quirky.
5. Plastic Bag
This one’s as unconventional as it gets. Take a clean, resealable plastic bag, fill it up, and use a straw to sip. It’s not the most elegant, but it’s sure to get some laughs!
Plastic bags are super lightweight and hold a good amount of liquid. They’re also inexpensive and disposable, so you won’t need to worry about cleanup. Just make sure you keep a firm grip to avoid any spills!
6. Hollowed-Out Fruit (Like a Pineapple or Watermelon)
Nothing screams tropical party vibes like sipping straight from a piece of fruit. A hollowed-out pineapple or watermelon not only holds your drink but adds a touch of natural flavor too!
These fruity cups are both eco-friendly and aesthetically pleasing. They’re perfect for summer parties and add a colorful twist to your “anything but a cup” vessel. Just be ready for others to want a taste!
7. Baby Bottle
Channel your inner child by bringing a baby bottle to the party. It’s quirky, funny, and bound to get a reaction from friends. Make sure to pop in a bigger hole for easier sipping, or embrace the slow drink method!
Baby bottles are light, portable, and totally unique. Just be prepared for a few playful jokes about regressing to babyhood—it’s all in good fun!
8. Fish Bowl
If you’re ready for a large drink and some curious stares, a fish bowl might be the perfect choice. Clean it out well, fill it with your favorite drink, and sip away. It’s big, bold, and definitely a conversation starter.
The fish bowl’s wide opening also lets you add plenty of ice or fruit slices to keep your drink cool and delicious. Just remember to hold on tight—no one wants a spill of that size!
9. Soap Dispenser (Unused!)
Hear us out: a clean, unused soap dispenser makes a surprisingly fun drink container! Fill it up with your beverage, then use the pump to “dispense” drinks into your mouth or into another fun container.
A soap dispenser brings some interactive fun to the party and will surely have people talking. It’s also compact, so you can carry it around without much trouble.
10. Dog Bowl
For the pet lovers or the pranksters, a clean dog bowl is a hilarious choice. It’s totally unexpected and adds a silly twist to your drinking game. Just make sure it’s washed and exclusively for party use.
Dog bowls are low-maintenance and hold a lot of liquid, making them ideal for longer sipping sessions. Plus, the photo ops are unbeatable!
11. Syringe (Without the Needle)
Inject some fun into the party with a large, needle-free syringe! It’s a unique and playful option that’ll have you sipping like a scientist. Just pull the syringe up, fill it with your drink, and push to sip.
Syringes give a lab-like vibe and can be used for small shots or continuous sipping. It’s ideal for anyone looking for a quirky, low-spill option that’s easy to refill.
12. Sports Water Bottle (With Straw)
Sometimes, practical and unexpected collide, like with a sports water bottle. While it’s meant for hydration, these bottles make it easy to sip and carry. A sports bottle might just be the most comfortable option for long parties.
These bottles are also spill-resistant and typically hold a good amount of liquid. So, if you want convenience with a twist, this could be your go-to choice.
13. Kitchen Measuring Cup
Bring out your inner chef with a kitchen measuring cup as your party “cup.” Not only does it show off your love for cooking, but it’s also a durable, easy-to-handle option.
A measuring cup is perfect for anyone who wants to mix their drink quantities precisely. Plus, the clear glass design lets everyone see what you’re sipping on!
14. Traffic Cone (Clean and Modified)
For a more outlandish look, find a clean, unused traffic cone and get creative! Line it with plastic, add a lid, and sip through a straw from this hilarious, oversized vessel.
Traffic cones definitely stand out and are sure to turn heads. They’re perfect for those who want something attention-grabbing and fun.
15. Thermos
A thermos might be the coziest and most practical option yet. Fill it with a warm or cold drink and let the insulation do the work, keeping your beverage at the perfect temperature all night.
Thermoses are spill-proof and come in various sizes, so you can bring as much or as little drink as you’d like. Plus, the handle makes it easy to carry around.
16. Flower Vase
Why not repurpose a flower vase for your next party drink? With their elegant shape and transparent glass, vases add a classy touch to any beverage.
Vases come in different sizes, so you can adjust based on your drink preference. Just make sure it’s clean and ready to hold a drink instead of flowers!
17. Conch Shell (Large and Cleaned)
Bring a bit of the beach with you by sipping from a cleaned conch shell. It’s eco-friendly and adds an island vibe to the party.
Sipping from a conch shell is unique, and the natural shape makes it easier to hold than you might think. It’s perfect for tropical or beach-themed gatherings.
18. Mini Water Cooler Jug
Turn your party drink into a hydration station with a mini water cooler jug. It’s functional, funny, and sure to make people think you’re in it for the long haul!
Mini water cooler jugs hold a lot, so be prepared to share or sip slowly. It’s quirky and ideal for big drinkers who love a laugh.
19. Coconut Shell
Keep it natural with a coconut shell as your party cup. It’s tropical, sustainable, and can even add a bit of coconut flavor to your drink.
Coconut shells are lightweight, easy to hold, and perfect for summery cocktails. It’s a classic choice for anyone looking for island vibes.
20. Pringles Can
Once emptied and cleaned, a Pringles can makes for a sturdy and unique drinking container. Plus, the cylinder shape keeps your drink compact and easy to carry.
Pringles cans are fun, practical, and definitely different. It’s a lightweight, humorous option that everyone will appreciate.
21. Bird Feeder (Cleaned and Lined)
Here’s a creative one: a bird feeder! Clean and line it to make it suitable for drinking, and you’ve got a nature-inspired vessel.
Bird feeders offer a rustic touch and are perfect for outdoor parties. Plus, it’s eco-friendly when you’re done!
22. Kiddie Pool (For Group Sipping)
If you’re at a big party, bring a kiddie pool and fill it with a communal drink
for everyone to dip their vessels into.
It’s a bit unconventional, but it’s a fun way to share drinks and make the party even more memorable.
23. Fire Helmet (With Liner)
Want to be the life of the party? A fire helmet (cleaned and lined) is both bold and totally unexpected.
It’s a great option for themed parties, adding a bit of “rescue” fun to the event. Just make sure it’s leak-proof!
24. Shampoo Bottle (Unused)
A cleaned, empty shampoo bottle (without residue!) can be a fun twist. Just make sure no one mistakes it for the real thing.
It’s a funny, unusual way to sip, and it’s sure to turn heads. Choose a fun shape or color for extra laughs.
25. Plant Water Mister
The plant mister adds a unique spray effect, letting you “mist” your drink into your mouth. It’s both funny and a bit fancy.
It’s ideal for anyone who wants something interactive and fun. Plus, it’s portable and easy to refill!
Conclusion
These “anything but a cup” ideas will bring plenty of laughs, unique photos, and unforgettable memories to your next party. So grab your favorite unconventional container, get creative, and get ready for the ultimate “anything but a cup” experience. Cheers to thinking outside the cup!