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Crafty Coffee: DIY Tissue Dispenser

DIY Travel Tissues: The Ultimate Guide to Making Your Own On-the-Go Tissue Dispenser

Are you tired of bulky tissue boxes taking up valuable space in your bag or car? Do you want a convenient and discreet way to carry tissues with you wherever you go? Look no further! This DIY project will show you how to transform a simple coffee cup into a portable tissue dispenser that is perfect for travel, your car, your desk, or anywhere you need a quick tissue.

This project is incredibly easy, affordable, and requires minimal materials. You can create a stylish and functional tissue dispenser in just a few minutes, using items you probably already have around your house. Say goodbye to crumpled tissues at the bottom of your bag and hello to a neat and accessible solution.

A white napkin pokes out from the lid of a Caribou Coffee cup.

Inspired by companies like WeGo, which offer facial tissues in take-away coffee cups, this DIY version allows you to customize your tissue dispenser and save money. Instead of buying pre-made versions, you can use your favorite tissues and create a personalized dispenser that perfectly fits your needs.

Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide on how to make your own DIY travel tissue dispenser!

What You Need to Create Your DIY Tissue Dispenser

Before you begin, gather the following materials:

Scissors and another tool on a white napkin near a cup and its lid.

  • A Cleaned Coffee Cup and Lid: Choose a small to-go coffee cup with a lid that fits securely. A cup that is approximately 4 ½” high with a 3 ½” top diameter works well. Make sure the cup is thoroughly cleaned and dry before you start.
  • A Straight Edge Utility Knife: This will be used to carefully cut a hole in the cup’s lid. Ensure the blade is sharp for a clean and precise cut. Safety first, always cut away from yourself.
  • A Pair of Scissors: You’ll need scissors to cut your stack of tissues in half. Opt for a pair with sharp blades for a clean cut.
  • Your Favorite Tissues: Gather a stack of your preferred tissues, approximately ½ inch thick. It’s important to take the stack from your box of tissues in one clump, rather than grabbing them one at a time. This helps maintain the interlocked structure needed for dispensing. Choose soft, absorbent tissues for maximum comfort.

Step-by-Step Guide: Creating Your Portable Tissue Dispenser

Follow these simple steps to create your own DIY travel tissue dispenser:

  1. Cut a Hole in the Lid:

    Using your straight edge utility knife, carefully cut a hole in the center of the cup’s lid. The hole should be large enough for a tissue to be easily pulled through, but not so large that the tissues fall out. A diameter of about 1 inch is usually sufficient. Be cautious when using the utility knife and always cut on a stable surface, away from your body.

    A person is cutting the white lid of a cup on a counter.
    A white lid sitting on a black surface.

  2. Cut the Tissues in Half:

    Take your stack of tissues and, using your scissors, carefully cut it in half. This will make the tissues the right size to fit inside the coffee cup. Ensure the cut is as straight as possible for even dispensing.

    Hands are cutting several pieces of tissue with scissors.

  3. Interlock the Tissues:

    This is a crucial step to ensure the tissues “pop” out as expected. Place one pile of tissues on top of the other, weaving the top fold of the top tissue stack into the bottom fold of the bottom tissue stack. This interlocking method creates a chain reaction, allowing you to pull out one tissue at a time without pulling out the entire stack. Don’t worry if it sounds complicated; it’s easier than it seems. Just focus on connecting the folds between the two stacks.

    Two brown sheets of paper towel are sitting on a black surface.

  4. Fold and Stuff the Tissues:

    Fold your newly interlocked stack of tissues in half and then in half again, creating a small, compact bundle. Stuff the folded tissues (cut edge down) into your clean coffee cup. Make sure they fit snugly but not too tightly, as this could hinder the dispensing process.

    Coffee filters are arranged in a cup on a black surface.

  5. Thread the Tissue Through the Lid:

    Gently pull up the top tissue slightly to create a small “tail.” Carefully thread this tail through the hole you cut in the lid. Once the tail is through, fix the lid securely onto the top of the cup. Your DIY travel tissue dispenser is now complete!

    Paper towels are coming out the lid of a cup.

Why Make Multiple Tissue Dispensers?

The beauty of this DIY project is that it’s so quick and easy that you can make several of these portable tissue dispensers in one go. Here are a few reasons why you should consider making multiple:

  • Car Cup Holders: These tissue dispensers fit perfectly in car cup holders, making them ideal for road trips, commutes, or simply keeping your car clean and tidy.
  • Desk Companion: Keep one on your desk at work or at home for easy access to tissues during allergy season, colds, or just for general cleanliness.
  • Travel Essential: Pack one in your suitcase or carry-on bag for convenient access to tissues while traveling. They’re perfect for airplanes, trains, buses, or exploring new places.
  • Gifts for Friends and Family: These DIY tissue dispensers make thoughtful and practical gifts for friends and family. Personalize them with different tissue types or decorate the cups for a unique touch.

A cup with Caribou coffee on it has a tissue hanging out of the top.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Tissue Dispenser

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your DIY travel tissue dispensers are a success:

  • Choose the Right Tissues: Experiment with different types of tissues to find the ones that work best for you. Softer tissues are more comfortable, while stronger tissues are more durable.
  • Decorate Your Cups: Personalize your tissue dispensers by decorating the coffee cups with paint, stickers, or decorative paper. This is a great way to add a personal touch and make them more visually appealing.
  • Secure the Lid: If you find that the lid is not staying securely on the cup, use a small piece of tape to hold it in place.
  • Refill as Needed: Keep an eye on the tissue level in your dispensers and refill them as needed. This ensures you always have a supply of tissues on hand.

Conclusion: Stay Prepared with Your DIY Travel Tissues

With this simple DIY project, you can create your own portable tissue dispensers that are perfect for travel, your car, your desk, or anywhere you need a quick tissue. This is a fun, affordable, and practical way to stay prepared and organized. So, gather your materials, follow the steps, and start making your own DIY travel tissues today! Enjoy the convenience and peace of mind that comes with having a tissue dispenser always within reach.