Planning a get-together can be quite a task, yet finding a unique party theme often makes all the difference. Imagine a party where everyone brings their drink in something totally unexpected, something that really gets people talking. That's exactly what an "anything but a cup" party is all about, and honestly, it's a fantastic way to spark some real fun. You see, it's a chance for everyone to show off their cleverness, bringing along a container that's, well, anything but a typical drinking vessel.

So, perhaps you've heard about these parties, or maybe you just got an invitation and your mind is drawing a blank. It's a common spot to be in, truly. People often wonder, "What on earth do I bring that isn't a cup?" This kind of party, sometimes called an ABC party, is all about letting your imagination run wild with wacky beverage containers. It’s pretty much the perfect opportunity to make a big splash with your drink holder.

We're here to help you out, actually. This article is your ultimate spot for over 50 "anything but a cup ideas," perfect for giving your next party a truly unique feel. Whether you're throwing an "anything but a cup" themed event yourself or just looking for some funny ideas to bring along, we've got you covered. These ideas, we think, are some of the funniest and easiest options out there, and they won't cost you much money, if anything at all. It's time, you know, to ditch those plain red solo cups for something much more memorable.

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Table of Contents

• What is an "Anything But a Cup" Party?
• Why an ABC Party is a Must-Try
• Kitchen Chaos: Unexpected Drink Holders
  • Cookware and Bakeware Wonders
  • Utensil and Gadget Genius
• Household Heroes: Everyday Items Transformed
  • Bathroom Beverage Basics
  • Garage and Garden Gems
• Playful Props and Novelty Nods
  • Toy Story Sips
  • Sporty Sips and Musical Mugs
• Natural and Eco-Friendly Choices
• DIY Daring: Craft Your Own Container
• Making Your ABC Idea a Hit
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Ready to Get Creative?

What is an "Anything But a Cup" Party?

An "anything but a cup" party, as a matter of fact, is a themed gathering where guests are asked to bring their drinks in something that isn't a traditional cup. It's a simple concept, yet it opens up a whole world of funny and creative possibilities. Think about it: instead of a regular glass, someone might show up with a coconut shell, or even a Windex spray bottle, as mentioned in our notes. It’s really about stepping outside the box and having a good laugh together.

Why an ABC Party is a Must-Try

These parties are, well, very popular for a reason. They spark conversations, and they make for some truly funny memories. Imagine the photos you'll take! Our notes mention that these "anything but a cup ideas" are sure to be a hit at your next party. Whether you're hoping to win a school competition for the most creative container or just want to create a funny memory at a bachelorette party, this theme is a winner. It's a unique twist that gets everyone involved and laughing, which is pretty much what a great party is all about.

Kitchen Chaos: Unexpected Drink Holders

Your kitchen, believe it or not, is a treasure trove of "anything but a cup ideas." You probably have a ton of items lying around that could be perfect. These are often some of the easiest and funniest choices, and they usually won't cost you anything extra. So, you know, take a good look around your own home first.

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Cookware and Bakeware Wonders

• Saucepan or Pot: A small saucepan, or even a larger cooking pot, can be a really funny choice. It's big, it's clunky, and it's definitely not a cup. Just make sure it's clean, obviously.

• Measuring Cup (Giant One): While it's technically a "cup," a really big measuring cup, perhaps a four-cup one, breaks the spirit of the rule in a funny way. It's just a little bit too much for a single drink, which makes it amusing.

• Bundt Cake Pan: The hole in the middle of a Bundt cake pan makes for a very awkward, yet hilarious, drinking experience. It’s a challenge, honestly, and that’s part of the fun.

• Wok: A wok is huge, so it’s great for someone who plans to drink a lot, or perhaps share. It's an unexpected choice, and quite a visual statement, you know.

• Turkey Baster: This one is for the brave! Drinking through a turkey baster is messy and ridiculous, which makes it incredibly funny. It's a true commitment to the theme, in a way.

• Colander: Drinking from a colander means your drink will leak everywhere, which is part of the joke. It's not practical, but it's certainly memorable, and quite a bit silly.

• Tea Kettle: A classic, really. Drinking from the spout of a tea kettle is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s a bit old-fashioned, but in a charmingly quirky way.

• Blender Pitcher: If you're bringing a blended drink, why not just bring the whole blender pitcher? It's convenient, and it fits the theme perfectly. Plus, it's pretty much ready to go.

• Gravy Boat: A gravy boat has a nice pour spout, making it surprisingly functional, yet still very funny. It's a touch of unexpected elegance, sort of.

• Cookie Jar: A large cookie jar could hold a lot of liquid, and it's a cute, homey choice. People might even expect cookies, which is a funny twist.

Utensil and Gadget Genius

• Ladle: A big ladle is like a giant spoon, and it’s perfect for taking big sips. It’s simple, yet effective, and pretty much everyone has one.

• Slotted Spoon: Similar to a colander, a slotted spoon will make for a very drippy drink. It’s all about the absurdity, honestly.

• Whisk: Trying to drink through a whisk is a challenge, and the messier, the funnier. It’s a bit of a performance piece, really.

• Funnel: A funnel is actually quite practical for pouring, but drinking directly from it is just silly. It's a clever way to get your drink down, perhaps too clever.

• Ice Cube Tray: You could fill each slot with a different shot, or just try to drink from one large section. It's a bit fiddly, but very creative.

• Spatula (with a deep bowl): Some spatulas have a deep enough bowl to hold a small amount of liquid. It's a bit of a stretch, but certainly not a cup.

• Grater: Like the colander, a grater will let your drink escape, but it’s the effort that counts. It's a very funny visual, too.

Household Heroes: Everyday Items Transformed

Beyond the kitchen, your house is full of ordinary things that can become extraordinary "anything but a cup ideas." These items often create the biggest laughs because they are so out of place. It’s about looking at things differently, you know.

Bathroom Beverage Basics

• Windex Spray Bottle: This is a classic "anything but a cup" idea mentioned in our notes. Just make sure it’s completely clean and perhaps label it clearly so no one gets confused! It's very funny, though.

• Soap Dispenser (Pump Bottle): Clean it out thoroughly, and you can pump your drink directly into your mouth. It's a bit silly, but quite ingenious, really.

• Toilet Plunger (New, Clean): This is for the truly daring. A brand new, clean plunger can be used as a stand for a small shot glass, or if you're really brave, as a very large, awkward holder. It's definitely a statement piece, you know.

• Shampoo Bottle: Again, clean it out well. The squeeze top makes for a funny way to dispense your drink. It’s a bit unexpected, and people will definitely do a double-take.

• Toothbrush Holder: If it's big enough, a toothbrush holder can serve as a small, personal drink container. It's a bit small, perhaps, but it works.

Garage and Garden Gems

• Watering Can: A watering can is a popular choice because it’s easy to drink from the spout and it looks quite funny. It's a bit charming, in a way.

• Gas Can (Clean, New): A brand new, thoroughly cleaned gas can is a bold choice. It’s big, it’s red, and it’s definitely not a cup. This one gets a lot of attention, obviously.

• Paint Can (New, Clean): Similar to a gas can, a new paint can makes for a very industrial, yet funny, drink holder. You could even decorate it, perhaps.

• Flower Pot: A clean flower pot, especially a small terracotta one, can be a rustic and charming option. Just make sure there’s no drainage hole, or plug it up!

• Dustpan: A dustpan is wide and shallow, making it a bit tricky to drink from, but that's where the humor comes in. It's a very unexpected item, too.

• Garden Gnome (with a hollow base): If you have a hollow garden gnome, you could potentially fill it up. It’s a very whimsical and funny choice, honestly.

• Bird Feeder: Some bird feeders have trays or reservoirs that could hold a drink. It’s a bit unusual, and quite a conversation starter.

Playful Props and Novelty Nods

Sometimes the best "anything but a cup ideas" come from things meant for play or just for fun. These items often bring a smile to people's faces even before you take a sip. They are truly meant to entertain, you know.

Toy Story Sips

• Toy Bucket or Sand Pail: A child's toy bucket or sand pail is a simple, yet effective, funny choice. It brings back childhood memories, and it’s quite big.

• Baby Bottle (Giant): A novelty giant baby bottle is hilarious. It’s playful and unexpected, and people will definitely notice it. You could even add a pacifier, perhaps.

• Water Gun (Clean): Fill a large, clean water gun with your drink and squirt it directly into your mouth. It’s interactive and very funny, a real crowd-pleaser.

• Doll Head (Hollow): This one is a bit creepy, which makes it even funnier for some. If you find a hollow doll head, it’s certainly unique. It’s a very memorable choice, you know.

• Toy Truck/Car (with a bed): A toy dump truck or similar vehicle with a bed can hold a small amount of liquid. It’s a bit fiddly, but very creative.

• Building Block (Hollow): Some large building blocks are hollow and can hold a drink. It’s a very nerdy, yet charming, option.

• Rubber Duck (Large, Hollow): A giant rubber duck with a hole for drinking is just plain silly. It’s very much about the visual humor, honestly.

Sporty Sips and Musical Mugs

• Football Helmet (Clean): A clean football helmet, especially if it has a hollow space, can be a very sporty and funny choice. It's a big statement, too.

• Bowling Pin (Hollow): If you can find a hollow bowling pin, it’s a very unique and athletic choice. It’s not something you see every day, that’s for sure.

• Trophy (Hollow): An old, hollow trophy is perfect for feeling like a winner while you drink. It’s a bit ironic, and quite funny.

• Instrument Case (Small, Clean): A small, clean instrument case, like for a harmonica or flute, could hold a very small drink. It’s a bit niche, but very creative.

• Drum (Small, Toy): A small toy drum could potentially hold a drink, though it might be a bit unstable. It’s a very playful choice, you know.

Natural and Eco-Friendly Choices

For those who want to be a bit more earthy or just appreciate natural forms, there are some great "anything but a cup ideas" straight from nature. These can be really charming and unique. Our notes specifically mention a coconut shell, which is a fantastic example.

• Coconut Shell: This is a classic for a reason. A hollowed-out coconut shell is natural, tropical, and very cool. It’s surprisingly comfortable to hold, too.

• Gourd (Hollowed): A dried, hollowed-out gourd can make a rustic and unique drinking vessel. It's a very natural choice, and quite artistic, really.

• Large Seashell: A really big, clean conch shell could potentially hold a drink. It’s beautiful and unexpected, and very much a conversation piece.

• Bamboo Section: A thick section of bamboo, hollowed out, is a very natural and eco-friendly option. It's simple, yet very effective.

• Pineapple (Hollowed): Like the coconut, a hollowed-out pineapple is a fun, tropical choice. It smells great, too, and is very visually appealing.

DIY Daring: Craft Your Own Container

If you're feeling really creative, you could make your own "anything but a cup" container. This shows a lot of effort and can be incredibly rewarding. Our notes suggest that some of these ideas won't cost you too much, or anything at all, especially if you get crafty. It's a bit of a challenge, perhaps, but a fun one.

• Cardboard Box (Lined): Take a small cardboard box, like a cereal box, and line it with a clean plastic bag. It’s simple, customizable, and very funny. You could decorate it, you know.

• PVC Pipe Section (Sealed): A section of clean PVC pipe, sealed at one end, can be a very industrial-looking drink holder. It’s surprisingly sturdy, too.

• Old Boot (Clean, Lined): For a truly wild idea, clean out an old rubber boot and line it with a food-safe bag. It’s definitely memorable, and quite gross in a funny way.

• Stuffed Animal (Hollowed): If you're willing to sacrifice a stuffed animal, you could hollow out a section and insert a small bag for your drink. It’s a very quirky and unexpected choice.

• Balloon (Giant, with Straw): A very large, thick balloon could hold a drink, with a straw inserted. It's a bit unstable, but very colorful and fun.

• Jellyfish (Fake, with tube): Imagine a clear, fake jellyfish with a hidden tube for drinking. It’s very creative and a bit bizarre, which is perfect for the theme.

• Miniature Bathtub: You can often find novelty miniature bathtubs. These are just the right size for a drink and are incredibly cute. It’s a very charming choice, honestly.

• Fish Bowl (Small): A small, clean fish bowl is a classic. It’s clear, so everyone can see your drink, and it’s very much not a cup. It’s a bit fragile, perhaps, so be careful.

• Vase (Unique Shape): Find a vase with an interesting, non-traditional shape. It’s an elegant, yet funny, option. There are so many kinds, you know.

• Cereal Box (Sealed): Empty a cereal box, seal the top, and cut a hole for drinking. It's a simple, readily available item that makes for a funny container. It’s pretty much a staple of many homes.

• Traffic Cone (Miniature): A small, clean miniature traffic cone is a very eye-catching and funny choice. It's bright orange, and very much out of place.

• Gumball Machine (Miniature): If you have a miniature gumball machine, you could fill the bottom with your drink. It's a very nostalgic and playful option.

• Dog Bowl (Clean): A clean dog bowl is simple, yet effective. It's a bit silly, and quite a bit larger than a regular cup.

• Bird Cage (with small liner): A small, clean bird cage with a liner could hold a drink. It's a very unique and intricate choice, honestly.

• Washing Machine Drum (Toy): A toy washing machine drum, if it can hold liquid, is a very funny and unexpected item. It's a bit of a novelty, you know.

• Helmet (Construction, Bicycle): A clean construction or bicycle helmet can be a very funny and practical choice. It's a bit clunky, but it works.

• Shoe (Clean, Lined): Similar to the boot, a clean shoe lined with plastic is a bold, hilarious choice. It's definitely going to get a reaction.

• Rubber Glove (Filled): A clean rubber glove, filled with a drink and tied off, makes for a very squishy, odd container. It’s a bit messy, but very funny.

• Hot Water Bottle: A clean hot water bottle can hold a lot of liquid, and it's a very unexpected item to drink from. It’s a bit comforting, in a strange way.

• Paint Roller Tray: A clean paint roller tray is wide and shallow, making for a very awkward, yet funny, drinking experience. It’s a bit of a challenge, too.

• Slinky (Stretched over a bag): This is a very creative idea. Stretch a Slinky over a plastic bag filled with your drink. It's visually interesting and very unique.

• Hollowed-out Book: A book with a hollowed-out section can hide a small drink. It's a very clever and subtle choice, honestly.

• Fish Tank (Miniature): A very small, clean fish tank can hold a drink. It's like having your own personal aquarium, but for your beverage.

• Flower Vase (Tall, Thin): A tall, thin flower vase is definitely not a cup, and it can hold a good amount of liquid. It's elegant, yet funny.

• Coconut Shell: Yes, this one again, it’s just that good! A classic for a reason. It’s natural, tropical, and very cool. Learn more about anything but a cup parties on our site.

• Windex Spray Bottle: Another classic that is always a hit. Just remember to clean it out thoroughly! This page has even more party ideas.

• Bong (Clean, New): A new, clean bong (without any previous use, obviously) can be a very funny and unexpected container. It's a bit edgy, but definitely fits the theme.

• Cereal Dispenser: A clean cereal dispenser can hold a good amount of liquid, and the spout makes it easy to pour. It's very practical, in a silly way.

• Shovel (Small, Clean): A small, clean garden shovel can hold a drink, though it might be a bit awkward. It's a very rustic choice, you know.

• Iron (Hollowed, Clean): An old, hollowed-out iron can be a very unique and heavy container. It’s a bit industrial, and very unexpected.

• Toy Watering Can: A child's toy watering can is cute and functional, and definitely not a cup. It's a very innocent, yet funny, choice.

• Paint Bucket (Small, Clean): A small, clean paint bucket is a simple, yet effective choice. It's very much a utility item, not a drink holder.

• Toy Tea Pot: A child's toy tea pot is adorable and functional, perfect for a smaller drink. It's a very charming choice, honestly.

• Syringe (Giant, Novelty): A large, novelty syringe is a very funny and dramatic way to drink. It's a bit theatrical, you know.

• Fire Extinguisher (Novelty, Non-Functional): A non-functional, novelty fire extinguisher can be a very bold and memorable container. It’s a real conversation starter.

• Washing Up Bowl: A clean washing up bowl is large and very much not a cup. It's a bit cumbersome, but very funny.

• Rubber Boot (Clean, Lined): Yes, another mention of the boot! It's just that iconic for these parties. A clean, rubber boot, lined with a food-safe bag, is a truly wild and memorable choice. It's very much about making a big impression, you know.

Making Your ABC Idea a Hit

To really make your "anything but a cup" idea shine, consider a few things. Our notes suggest these are the funniest and easiest ideas that won't cost you too much. First, think about the size of your container. Will it hold enough drink for the party? Second, consider how easy it will be to actually drink from it. Sometimes the harder it is, the funnier it becomes! Also, think about portability. Can you carry it around