Kids Who Cooked Up Some Pretty Nifty Life Hacks
Sometimes the best ideas come from the most unusual places. All of the kids on this list know the value of working smarter, not harder. Their brains work in strange and mysterious ways, and through their genius, they managed to come up with some life hacks that might save us all a bit of extra time and effort.
Keep reading to see some kids who really have it all figured out. We are seriously impressed with each and every one of them.
Watch Shows Hands-Free
![nutrition_nut_kerry Instagram kid under cardboard box watching phone](https://www.dadpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/nutrition_nut_kerry-Instagram-23699.jpeg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=192&left=0&zoom=1)
This kid figured out that if he cut a hole in a box and put his phone on top of that hole, he could create his own private mini cinema.
A Room Fit For A Cat
![tressea Reddit cat bed made out of cardboard box](https://www.dadpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/tressea-Reddit-82032.jpg?width=800&height=533)
Here's another cardboard box hack. This kid figured out how to turn a cardboard box into a lovely hideaway for his cat. Pinkie's loving her new digs. She looks so comfy in there.
Tic Tac Toe
![tory_leigh Instagram tic tac toe with pinecones, leaves, and twigs](https://www.dadpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/tory_leigh-Instagram-70331.jpeg?width=800&height=799)
This kid designed his own tic tac toe game using nothing but twigs, leaves, and pine cones. This is a new level of innovation, and we are totally here for it.
A Delicious Caprese Salad
![troisfils Instagram mini caprese salads](https://www.dadpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/troisfils-Instagram-16879.jpeg?width=800&height=795)
This kid seems to be a chef in the making. She figured out how to make little Caprese salads on skewers, and they honestly look super delicious. I might just make this for lunch today...
A Multi-Terrain Vehicle
![lynxatron Instagram toy car with water wings on tires](https://www.dadpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/lynxatron-Instagram-50502.jpeg?width=800&height=804)
Okay, we're not sure if this hack is actually going to work, but this kid is definitely thinking in the right direction. Putting water wings on a truck might just get it to float.
No More Mess
![justanaturalmom Reddit pet food bowl taped to floor](https://www.dadpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/justanaturalmom-Reddit-13542.jpeg?width=800&height=533)
This kid was getting tired of his dog spilling food everywhere every time he ate, so he came up with this contraption to help his dog stay a little bit neater.
A Tiny Head
![Mademoiselle_Va Reddit dinosaur toy with small head and big body](https://www.dadpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Mademoiselle_Va-Reddit-10225.jpeg?width=800&height=533)
This kid got one of those dinosaur toys that grows when you put it in water. Only, he didn't have a container big enough for the whole toy, so the dinosaur's body grew while his head stayed small. Sometimes a happy accident is also a life hack in disguise—this is so much cooler than if he'd done it right.
A Phone Stand
![IMgur phone stand made out of cardboard tube](https://www.dadpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMgur-46932.jpg?width=800&height=768)
This kid figured out a way to make a phone stand using an empty paper towel roll and two paper cups. It looks like it's actually functioning. We're super impressed.
A More Comfortable Swing
![heidi_leanne84 Instagram kid on swing with plastic stool over the seat](https://www.dadpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/heidi_leanne84-Instagram-62021.jpeg?width=800&height=797)
This girl was getting fed up with her swing digging into her legs every time she used it, so she got creative and brought in some extra support in the form of a plastic stool.
Two Top Bunks
![deadtreefallingdown INstagram kids on double bunk bed](https://www.dadpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/deadtreefallingdown-INstagram-57124.jpeg?width=800&height=533)
These kids got bunk beds, but naturally, they couldn't decide on who got to sleep on the top bunk. That's why their dad modified the beds and created this double top bunk.
A Recycled Drum Set
![demetrifontinatos Instagram kid drumming on containers](https://www.dadpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/demetrifontinatos-Instagram-87715.jpeg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=38&left=0&zoom=1)
This kid found a bunch of cylindrical containers and tubs around his house and used them to make his very own drum set. He's pretty good at staying on beat.
A Snack Necklace
![cassinnova Instagram girl with lanyard through plastic bag of snacks](https://www.dadpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/cassinnova-Instagram-38487.jpeg?width=800&height=799)
This girl wanted to have her snacks with her on the go, but she didn't want to carry them around. That's why she came up with this snack necklace idea.
The Best View
![firstmomsclub Instagram kid watching ipad under glass table](https://www.dadpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/firstmomsclub-Instagram-39298.jpeg?width=800&height=875)
This kid must have collaborated with that other kid who watched things on his phone from under a cardboard box. This glass table solution seems like the next evolution of that idea.
A Snack Opener
![@justin.d.wolff Instagram wipe plastic opening added to cheetoss bag](https://www.dadpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/@justin.d.wolff-Instagram-69134.jpeg?width=800&height=799)
This kid took the top of a wipe dispenser and put it into a bag of Cheetos for easy snack access. That's a great way to keep your hand from getting super cheesy (although some cheese dust on your fingers is inevitable).
A Gift For Mom
![ashleyrehermanphotography Instagram present wrapped in duct tape](https://www.dadpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/ashleyrehermanphotography-Instagram-36203.jpeg?width=800&height=868)
This kid wrapped a Christmas gift from her mom using duct tape. It's a lot easier than fussing with wrapping paper, but it's also a lot harder to open.
A Card Stand
![@hissyfit_inc Instagram girl using hairbrush as a card stand](https://www.dadpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/@hissyfit_inc-Instagram-56579.jpeg?width=800&height=533)
This girl figured out how she could use a hairbrush to hold all of her Uno cards for her. Why didn't I think of this? Who wants to have a handful of cards all the time?
A Makeshift Salt Shaker
![@brwcarnymom Instagram plastic pod container turned into a salt shaker](https://www.dadpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/@brwcarnymom-Instagram-92177.jpeg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=5&left=0&zoom=1)
This kid found a way to turn a plastic pod into a salt shaker. He basically just poked holes in the lid and put salt inside of it. Still, it's nice to see that he's thinking outside of the box.
Six Feet Apart
![@goldi_rocks Instagram kid holding a hula hoop with pool noodles attached to it](https://www.dadpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/@goldi_rocks-Instagram-14459.jpeg?width=800&height=533)
During the dumpster fire known as 2020, we were all told to stand six feet apart at all times. That's why this kid invented a contraption that would help him stay away from other people.
How To Eat Snacks In The Pool
![@fratbathroom Twitter kid in swimming pool eating snacks out of boat toy](https://www.dadpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/@fratbathroom-Twitter-28056.jpg?width=800&height=648)
This kid figured out a way that he could eat snacks while he's swimming. He just put all of his snacks in a toy boat. Aren't you supposed to wait a bit before going back in the water after you eat, though?
A Lego Kindle Holder
![carvergirlofthepnw Instagram kindle holder made out of lego](https://www.dadpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/carvergirlofthepnw-Instagram-13605.jpeg?width=800&height=533)
This kid put her creative mind to work and came up with this Lego Kindle holder design for her mom. This thing might actually come in handy. I might have to make myself something similar.
They Made Their Own Pool
![ladysushichef Instagram kids make pool in back of truck](https://www.dadpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/ladysushichef-Instagram-94146.jpeg?width=800&height=825)
It was super hot outside, so these kids decided to make their own swimming pool by putting a tarp down in the bed of a truck and filling it with water.
Homemade Tongs
![mandeesuch Instagram tongs made with two forks and a binder clip](https://www.dadpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/mandeesuch-Instagram-22433.jpg?width=800&height=747)
This kid was able to make her own tongs using two forks, a binder clip, and some duct tape. It may not be the most elegant utensil in the world, but hey, it works.
A Freeze Pop Hand Warmer
![@bradleyscreations78 Reddit fabric wrapped around freezie](https://www.dadpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/@bradleyscreations78-Reddit-52070.jpeg?width=800&height=878)
Freeze pops are delicious, but your hands can get pretty cold while you're eating them. That's why this kid came up with a hand warmer that you can put around your frozen treats.
Eat Your Snack On The Go
![@becomingthebestyouwithjulie Instagram kid walking dog with cup on his belt](https://www.dadpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/@becomingthebestyouwithjulie-Instagram-38887.jpeg?width=800&height=928)
This kid loves walking his dog, but he also likes eating snacks while he's out on a walk. When his hands are occupied with a dog leash, he puts a cup of snacks around his waist so he can still eat whenever he gets hungry.
A Play-Doh Hack
![gennyjav Instagram play doh as doll's dress](https://www.dadpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/gennyjav-Instagram-58176.jpeg?width=800&height=801)
Don't have a bunch of clothes for your dolls? No problem. You can just use Play-Doh. This girl made a beautiful blue dress for her Ariel doll using the squishy stuff.
Secret Snacking
![@valeriehahn Twitter cheese stick in lip balm tube](https://www.dadpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/@valeriehahn-Twitter-43303.jpeg?width=800&height=533)
This girl wanted to be able to eat cheese in class without being noticed, so she stuck her cheese stick into an empty lip balm tube. She must get some weird looks when she takes a bite out of her "lip balm."
No More Spoon Slippage
![@redraccoonyt Instagram spoon taped to clothespin on side of bowl](https://www.dadpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/@redraccoonyt-Instagram-76632.jpeg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=60&left=0&zoom=1.27795527157)
This kid stuck her spoon to a clothespin and then clipped that clothespin onto the side of her cereal bowl so she wouldn't keep losing her spoon in the milk.
Two Cones Are Cleaner Than One
![@creative.elly Instagram girl eating two ice cream cones joined together](https://www.dadpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/@creative.elly-Instagram-82058.jpeg?width=800&height=533)
This girl figured out that most ice cream shops will give you a second cone for free if you ask for one, and then you can eat your ice cream like a cone sandwich.
A Pet Rock
![@me_myworld_joy Instagram pet rock](https://www.dadpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/@me_myworld_joy-Instagram-33486.jpeg?width=800&height=762)
This kid made his very own pet rock by making a face on a pebble with some glue. If your mom won't get you a dog, you have to make your own fun.
Here's Looking At You, Ice Cream
![@drheatherchiero Instagram face in ice cream](https://www.dadpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/@drheatherchiero-Instagram-62156.jpeg?width=800&height=533)
This kid wanted to make her tub of ice cream a little bit more fun, so she scooped a face out of it. Ice cream is already pretty cool, but this kid made it even cooler.