First Aid Kit Toolbox Makeover for Home or Travel

My thrift store metal toolbox didn’t sell in my Etsy shop.  It was pretty dinged and scratched up, so I wasn’t surprised.

So rather than donate it, I decided to turn it into a first aid kit toolbox.

Would you believe, after raising four kids, we have never had a real first aid kit?  We just had random supplies in two bathrooms.

We had to search through drawers and cabinets whenever someone got an injury.

Better late than never, right?

Most people would upcycle a metal toolbox like this into a planter.  I seriously considered doing just that.

But the lid would have to be open to see the plants inside, so that cute handle wouldn’t show.

Plus, I didn’t know where I would put it now that we downsized to a smaller farmhouse table.  So I couldn’t use it as a table centerpiece.

Instead, I came up with a better plan.

First, the army green color needed to go away, so I spray-painted just the outside white.

I was fully expecting it would need several coats to cover the green, but this Paint and Primer spray paint did the job with just one coat.

After letting it dry overnight, it was time to make it look like a real first aid kit.

For that, I made a stencil with cross and first aid wording.

Securing the stencil with painter’s tape would protect the new paint on the box.

The key to stenciling is to pounce straight up and down and tamp off most of the paint on a cloth.

Using red acrylic paint made it pop against the white.

The cross I did on both sides of the handle.

Time to fill it up with all the supplies.

I started with some basics: a variety of Band-Aid-style bandages, gauze, antibiotic ointment, medical tape, scissors, tweezers, and a cold compress, as well as disposable gloves.

So much fit inside!

And that was it!  My metal first aid kit toolbox had everything needed for life’s little emergencies!

Thrift Store Vintage Toolbox Turned First Aid Kit

It’s all stored in a very compact, sturdy case now that doesn’t take up much space.  I can even take it with us when we travel.

If we do any camping, boating, hiking,  long-trip car traveling, etc., it’s perfect to have everything needed to deal with minor injuries.

If you enjoyed this upcycling idea, then you might also be interested in these as well!

Glass Jars Repurposed & Upcycled

Market Basket Upcycled

Dog Bone DIY Treats Storage Jar

Vaya con Dios,

Angie

PIN IT!