37 Quirky Anything but a Cup Ideas to Liven up Your Party in 2025

Get ready to surprise your friends with your very own creative Anything but a Cup ideas. Anything but a Cup is a unique party theme that is sure to create an unforgettable atmosphere. It will also have your guests talking about all the funny and creative ways they can interpret the theme. So, if you’ve been searching for a party idea that most of your guests haven’t experienced before, consider hosting an Anything but a Cup party. This theme is fun, easy to participate in, and encourages guests to think outside the box.

An Anything but a Cup party is all about creativity, but a little planning goes a long way to make it a success. When it comes to theme parties like this, where guests have to bring an item, it’s important to give them notice in advance. Experts suggest giving guests six weeks' notice, according to an NPR interview, so they have time to put the event in their social calendars and purchase what they need for the party.

Jump to Section

• What Is an Anything but a Cup Party?
• Anything but a Cup Ideas for School
• Anything but a Cup Ideas for Teachers
• Anything but a Cup Ideas for Adults
• Funny Anything but a Cup Ideas
• Anything but a Cup Ideas for Coffee Lovers
• Drink from Anything but a Cup Ideas
• Anything but a Cup FAQs

What Is an Anything but a Cup Party?

Anything but a Cup is a party theme that asks guests to do just as the title suggests: bring drinks in anything but a traditional cup. Guests are challenged to be creative and come up with a vessel they typically wouldn’t drink out of. Anything that can hold liquid or can be made to hold liquid is welcome at the party.

This party theme works for just about any occasion. Schools can make it a fun spirit week challenge, getting students and teachers involved. Workplaces can turn an Anything but a Cup party into a lighthearted team-building event, whether it's for team building activities in Atlanta, team building activities in Boston or team building activities in Chicago during a retreat or bonding day. It also makes for a hilarious addition to a bachelorette or bachelor party. Or maybe you just want an excuse to throw a party with friends and family. No matter when or where you host one, an Anything but a Cup party guarantees plenty of laughs and some seriously creative drink vessels.

Anything but a Cup Ideas for School

1. Soup Can

If you’re looking for quick Anything but a Cup ideas for school, consider using a soup can. You probably already have one in the house, so you can make soup for a meal, clean out the container and then use it to drink your beverage. Just make sure the edges aren’t sharp before you drink from it.

2. Trophy

Trophies are great Anything but a Cup ideas for anyone who’s won an award. Student-athletes who have won championships, debate team and spelling bee winners or even those with perfect attendance will love showing off their prowess by drinking out of a trophy all day. It also fits perfectly into fun graduation party ideas, giving graduates a creative way to celebrate their achievements.

3. Fishbowl

How silly would it be for (fake) fish to be swimming around your drink? Fishbowls make fun Anything but a Cup ideas because they can hold a lot of liquid and you can decorate it like a fish habitat with candy rocks at the bottom and plastic fish floating around.

4. Toy Dump Truck

Most kids have a toy dump truck and it certainly makes for a fun drink holder. Just make sure to clean it thoroughly before using it, especially if it was used to haul dirt. A dump truck might be a better option for older students to avoid spills from the large opening and the tipping feature.

5. Piggy Bank

This is one of the most creative Anything but a Cup ideas for school. Use a piggy bank with a bottom plug to make it easy to pour the drink into, then stick a straw in the coin slot to sip from. Plus, you get to carry around a cute little piggy all day.

6. Tennis Ball Can

A fun option for tennis players is to use an empty tennis ball can. Make it even more fun by creating a drink that matches the color of tennis balls. Other athletes can take inspiration from this idea and use containers related to their sport, like basketball or soccer ball-themed drinking vessels.

Anything but a Cup Ideas for Teachers

7. Apples and Other Fruit

If you’re looking for Anything but a Cup ideas for teachers, an apple is a classic choice. Cut off the top and hollow it out to make a makeshift cup for your drink. You can even add a small hole in the top for a straw. Plus, your drink will even have a bit of apple flavor. You can use any hollowed-out fruit really, like pineapples for piña coladas, watermelons and oranges! Go nuts and hollow out some vegetables too if you're an intrepid drinker. 

8. Empty Lightbulb

If you don’t mind doing a little DIY, lightbulbs make for exciting Anything but a Cup ideas. Just remove the top and any electrical wiring from the inside before cleaning it out and adding your drink. It’s a fun way to represent all of your ‘bright’ students.

9. Pencil Case

Any kind of school supplies also make fun Anything but a Cup ideas for teachers. Pencil cases are an easy option because they’re readily available. A plastic box-style case works like a food container, while a fabric one may need a plastic lining to prevent leaks.

10. Beaker

A science teacher may want to use a beaker for on-theme Anything but a Cup ideas. Since a scientific apparatus is expected, you could also use a graduated cylinder, a conical flask, or a flat-bottomed flask to hold your drink. Bonus points if you mix up a colorful drink to make it look like an experiment.

11. Plastic Bins

Plastic bins are a teacher’s favorite for keeping a classroom organized, and they also make great Anything but a Cup ideas. You can fill up your plastic bins with different drinks and sip from them from a straw. It’ll be even funnier if you place them back in the shelving racks.

12. Binder

Students use binders to keep all of their assignments in place. So, why can’t a teacher use it as their Anything but a Cup vessel? Put the drinks in plastic bags, then store the plastic bags in dividers clipped into the binders. Keep the binder upright while you sip from a straw, so it looks like you’re drinking from inside the binder.

Anything but a Cup Ideas for Adults

13. Squirt Gun

One of the most entertaining Anything but a Cup ideas for adults is using a squirt gun, especially for summer party themes. You can fill it up with your favorite cocktail and have fun squirting it into people’s mouths. It’s a guaranteed party starter, as everyone will want to take a shot from a few feet away.

14. Heart-Shaped Sunglasses

Take a crazy straw to the next level with heart-shaped sunglasses connected to a bag that holds the liquid. These novelty glasses are a fun addition to bachelorette party ideas and bachelor party ideas because they make for fun pictures and add to the party atmosphere.

15. IV Bags

If you're looking for more daring Anything but a Cup ideas, consider using IV bags. You can fill up the IV bag with your favorite cocktail and sip from the attached tubing. It’s even funnier if you have an IV pole to hold the IV bag. This is one of the top Halloween craft ideas if you're dressing up as Dracula. 

16. Windex Bottle

One of the best Anything but a Cup ideas for adults is using a Windex-style spray bottle for your drink. Grab a new, clean bottle and fill it with a blue cocktail for the full effect. You can also use other spray bottles to match different drink colors for a fun twist.

17. Syringe

Syringes are a great option for shots for an Anything but a Cup party. You can purchase novelty ones in bulk to mix up a variety of the best cocktails and pass them around. They’re even more fun when you fill them with brightly colored drinks.

18. Toilet Plunger

Plungers are one of the boldest Anything but a Cup ideas that will definitely turn heads. Sipping from a toilet plunger is a daring choice, but remember you'll have to hold onto it for the whole night. You might want to buy a new one for this party, just to be sure that it’s clean.

Funny Anything but a Cup Ideas

19. Bird Feeder

Birds already eat out of a bird feeder, so why can’t you drink from one? You can either buy a new one or thoroughly clean one you already have. The easiest option is a feeder with a glass or plastic tube — just remove the top and sip from it throughout the party.

20. Traffic Cone

Traffic cones are classic — and always funny — Anything but a Cup ideas. The larger the traffic cone, the funnier the gag will be. Make sure that you plug the hole with layers of plastic wrap or find a novelty traffic cone without a hole at the bottom.

21. Thimble

Extra large things are funny, but so are extra small things. Thimbles make funny Anything but a Cup ideas because they’re so tiny. Plus, they’re a silly way to enjoy shots throughout the night. And if you’re looking for rhyme without reason ideas, consider smashing a cymbal whenever you drink from your thimble and cymbal.

22. Lantern

A handheld lantern will be a funny Anything but a Cup idea, especially if you add an LED candle inside to float on the liquid. If it's a paper lantern, make sure it’s watertight so your drink doesn't leak out. Otherwise, a glass one will do. Then, you can carry it around all night and sip from the top opening. It’s also a great choice if you want a larger drink container.

23. Shampoo Bottle

If you've finished your bottle of shampoo, don’t throw it out just yet. Clean it out thoroughly to ensure there is no more soap and then fill it up with your favorite drink. It’ll be even funnier if you use one with a pump, so you can pump and squirt your drink all night.

24. Pool Float

Pool floats are a little over-the-top, but in the best way. You can use any float for these Anything but a Cup ideas, but they’ll require a little DIY. Cut a small hole in the side to fill it with liquid, then seal it with water-resistant tape. Finally, puncture a small hole for a straw so you can sip all night.

25. Sponge

Unexpected and funny Anything but a Cup ideas are the best. You can bring your drink in a glass container with a sponge inside. After the liquid soaks up, you can squeeze it out into your mouth. It’s an ineffective way to enjoy a drink, which is what makes it so funny. Maybe bring some sanitizer along with you to avoid gulping down some germs from unwashed hands. 

26. Tackle Box

If you like to fish, using a tackle box can be a fun option for an Anything but a Cup idea. You can fill it up with liquid and even try to separate different drinks into each compartment. Make sure it has a handle and carry it carefully. Use a straw to sip up all of your cocktail samples.

Anything but a Cup Ideas for Coffee Lovers

27. Coffee Pot

Many coffee drinkers think they can enjoy an entire pot of coffee. So, why not bring an entire coffee pot? Make a pot of coffee, and instead of pouring it into a cup, drink it straight from the pot.

28. Dog Bowl

A dog bowl is surprisingly similar to a coffee mug, which is why it works for Anything but a Cup ideas for coffee enthusiasts. You’ll want to use a metal or ceramic bowl since plastic shouldn’t be heated up. Just be careful when sipping — its wide lip can make things tricky.

29. Ceramic Flower Pot

Ceramic flower pots are great Anything but a Cup ideas for coffee lovers because the ceramic material can withstand hot liquids. All you have to do is plug up the small drip holes with water-resistant tape.

30. Coffee Tin

If your coffee comes in a tin or plastic tub, like the ubiquitous Folgers Classic Roast, save it for your next Anything but a Cup party. After brewing your coffee, pour it into the tin to act as your makeshift coffee mug. If you're using the plastic tub, you may need a lining or some additional insulation, especially if the plastic is not BPA-free. Coffee tins usually come with a lid, which can help keep your coffee warm.

31. Gas Can

If you want a ton of coffee, consider using a gas can for your Anything but a Cup ideas for coffee. You can purchase a new one and clean it out, so it hasn’t touched gas before you drink it. Then, fill it up and sip your coffee from a nozzle. This is especially great if you made an entire batch of cold brew and want to share it at the party.

32. Candle Jars

Candle jars are a great option for coffee because they’re made to withstand the heat. You can purchase new and unused candle jars, so you don’t have to clean them. Then, simply pour your coffee into the jar. You might want to put a sleeve on it so you can hold the jar. Candle jar cups are also fun holiday party ideas because they give off a cozy feeling, especially if you place an LED tealight inside. 

Drink from Anything but a Cup Ideas

33. Large Mason Jar

A large mason jar is a practical option. In fact, many people use mason jars instead of cups for cocktails at home and at major events like weddings. It’s an everyday Anything but a Cup idea that anyone could use. Plus, they're able to hold plenty of liquid, so they're great for staying hydrated.

34. Growler

Growlers are a great choice for Anything but a Cup ideas since they’re designed to hold liquid and work in any setting. They also come with a convenient handle, making them easy to carry. You can sip from the jug or just drink straight from the container. You may be penalized for lack of originality for this one a growlers are essentially large cups — but they are useful if you need your drink to stay icy. 

35. A Vase

A vase is essentially like a large cup, which makes it a good option for a practical Anything but a Cup idea. You can fill it up and drink it straight from the vase or with a straw. Plus, since it holds plenty of liquid, it’s great for staying hydrated or enjoying extra cocktails at a party.

36. Milk Carton

Drinking a cocktail out of a milk carton is a particularly funny Anything but a Cup idea because you mix the innocence of sipping milk with the very adult act of boozing it up. You can reuse a milk carton from your fridge or purchase a ceramic one to use for the party. Clean it out thoroughly before filling it up with the drink of your choice. A White Russian is probably a great choice because it's a fantastic vodka cocktail made with coffee liqueur and cream or milk. This drink from Anything but a Cup idea will give you an excuse to drink straight from the carton.

37. Teapot

Teapots are classic options for Anything but a Cup ideas. Their handles make them easy to carry around, and they work for both hot and cold drinks. You can sip straight from the spout or pour into other containers to serve guests.

Anything but a Cup FAQs

What Is an Example of Anything but a Cup?

As mentioned, Anything but a Cup is all about using objects that are not made to hold drinkable liquid to sip from. Some popular Anything but a Cup ideas and examples include bottles, jars, teapots and vases. Many people often think outside the box to bring the most creative and unique drinking vessel to the party like candle holders, coffee tins, fish bowls and even vases. 

What Is Anything but a Cup Day for Adults?

Anything but a Cup Day is a themed event where participants bring drinks in containers that aren’t traditional cups. For adults, it’s often a party game, with cocktails served in everything from Windex spray bottles to flower pots and squirt guns. It also makes for a fun theme at bachelor or bachelorette parties. When hosting for adults, you can encourage guests to get even more creative — or even a little risqué.

What To Bring for Anything but a Water Bottle Day?

Most people carry around a water bottle, but on a themed day like this, you’ll pick a more creative vessel for your daily beverage. Think of other drink containers for Anything but a Cup ideas, like a thermos, juice boxes or vintage soda bottles. You also have the option to get more creative or do something funny like drinking your water out of a cooler or aluminum cans.

What Are Things You Can Drink Out Of?

There are plenty of containers you can naturally drink from, like takeout containers, vases, jugs, condiment bottles or even pots and pans. You can also get creative by turning other objects into drinking vessels. Items that are cup-shaped but have holes in them, like flower pots, traffic cones and strainers, can hold liquid if you seal the hole with plastic wrap and tape. There are also plenty of everyday items that can hold liquid but aren’t typically used for drinking, such as squirt guns and cleaning containers. For a more natural option, try hollowing out fruits or vegetables to use as cups.

These Anything but a Cup ideas are sure to be a hit at your next party! Whether you’re aiming to win the competition at school or create a funny memory at a bachelorette party, these creative options will turn heads. With plenty of Anything but a Cup ideas for any type of gathering, just remember to clean your vessel thoroughly and fully commit to the bit!

For even more fun party ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!