Anything but a cup party ideas: woman holding a coconut while posing for a picture

Think fast: If you couldn’t use a cup, glass, bottle, or mug, what would you drink from? A boot? A blender? Maybe a trophy? That’s exactly the challenge at an “Anything But a Cup” party. The wildly entertaining trend has taken over college campuses, tailgates, birthdays, and holiday parties everywhere.

At its core, this theme party flips the idea of a BYOB, ABC party, or Borg party on its head. Guests are asked to leave their cups at home and sip from the most creative cup alternative they can find. It’s quirky, competitive, and guaranteed to be a conversation starter. The weirder your drinking vessel, the better.

If you’re looking for a fun way to level up your next gathering, our list of “Anything But a Cup” party ideas will help you bring the laughs, the creativity, and a few unexpected containers to the table. Plus, if you’re the one hosting, we’ll provide some party-planning tips.

What Is an “Anything But a Cup” Party?

Anything but a cup party ideas: Cheerful Cups Invitation

Design: Signature Greenvelope | Cheerful Cups Invitation

An “Anything But a Cup” party is exactly what it sounds like — guests can bring any beverage container they want, just not a traditional drinking vessel. The more unusual the cup alternative, the better.

It’s a light-hearted party theme that encourages creativity, humor, and a little friendly competition. You’ll see everything from flower vases and squirt guns to teapots and toy dump trucks. These parties are especially popular for birthdays, college students, themed events, or any gathering where your guest list loves a good laugh.

The best part? No two containers are ever the same if you think outside of the box.

The Rules of the Game

The setup is simple, but a few guidelines help keep the party fun and safe:

  • Avoid cups, mugs, glasses, mason jars, thermoses, or water bottles: Think outside the drinkware aisle.
  • Pick a functional container: If you can’t actually drink from it, it’s a prop, not a cup!
  • Choose something unexpected: The surprise factor wins major points.
  • Add a competitive twist: Set up voting for “Most Creative,” “Funniest Cup,” or “Most Likely to Spill.”
  • Drink any beverage: Fill it with soda, a summer cocktail, or a cozy fall mocktail — whatever you’re in the mood for!
  • Keep it safe: Avoid anything sharp, broken, difficult to clean, or that once held harmful chemicals.
  • Helpful tip: Add a plastic bag inside your container if there are any holes.

Whether it’s for prizes or just showing off, it’s all about the creativity (and the laughs).

37 “Anything But a Cup” Party Ideas for Drink Containers

Need ideas to get started? Here’s a roundup of wild, witty, and weird drink containers, broken down by vibe.

Fun Ideas

These are the ones that make everyone do a double take:

  • Traffic cone: Turn it upside down, and plug the hole.
  • Gas can: Use one that’s brand new or lined — no fuel fumes, please.
  • Blood bag: Use a straw through the IV tube.
  • Dog bowl: Get bonus points if you lap up your drink.
  • Syringe: Buy a large plastic one meant for sipping shots.
  • Bubble container: Go jumbo for max effect.
  • Handbag: Easily keep your ID and beverage of choice on hand.

Household and Repurposed Items

Turn your everyday kitchen and cleaning tools into creative cups:

  • Coffee pot or teapot: Fill it with an espresso martini for a themed drink.
  • Windex or spray bottle: Make sure it’s completely cleaned, or buy an empty bottle to use.
  • Soap dispenser: Ensure it’s fully rinsed, then fill it with juice or soda.
  • Pickle jar: Clean it out, or use the brine as a mixer. 
  • Condiment bottle: Use an empty ketchup, mustard, or even mayo container.
  • Milk carton: Bring along a side of cookies. 
  • Flower vase: Commit to the idea by attaching DIY faux flowers to a drinking straw.
  • Sunscreen bottle: Make sure it’s emptied and thoroughly washed.
  • Watering can: Stay watered and hydrated all night.

Toys and Kid Items

These items can be nostalgic, silly, and surprisingly useful:

  • Sand pail: Earn bonus points if you drink with a toy shovel.
  • Baby bottle: Reuse your child’s outgrown bottle.
  • Squirt gun: Sip it, or shoot it.
  • Sippy cup: Enjoy the built-in spill protection for the wildest of dance floors.
  • Bubble wand container: Make sure to rinse it well so you don’t get a soapy aftertaste.
  • Hummingbird feeder: Pick this container for something a little sweet, a little confusing, and perfect for small sips and big laughs.
  • Toy dump truck: Don’t forget to dump responsibly.
  • Piggy bank: Give a toast to liquid assets.

Creative DIY or Crafty Containers

Got a glue gun or fruit bowl? These ideas are for you:

  • Watermelon half: Carve it out like a bowl (and pick a beverage that goes well with a tinge of watermelon flavor).
  • Trophy: Drink like a champion.
  • Drinking horn: Add a strap for extra flair.
  • Fish bowl: Clean it out (or buy a new one), and drink out of it with a straw.
  • Helmet: Follow the mantra: safety first, hydration second.
  • Coconut: Get tropical with a beach-inspired drink, like a pina colada or fruity daiquiri.
  • Pool noodle: Do double-duty with a combination flotation device and hydration assistant. 

Holiday-Themed Vessels

Need a container to add a festive twist to a seasonal party? Try one of these:

  • Christmas ornament: Get one of the big, fillable kind.
  • Stocking: Make sure to line it first!
  • Cornucopia: Give thanks for the fun party idea.
  • Pumpkin: Be sure to scoop out the guts, but don’t carve it.
  • Party hat: Carry two: one for your drink and one for snacks.
  • Santa boot: Enjoy some extra cheer in every sip.

Tips for Throwing a Great “Anything But a Cup” Party

The best parties start with great planning, and a little creativity goes a long way with this theme. Remember, it’s all about having fun and thinking outside the … cup.

From choosing your party theme to prepping prizes for the big day, here are some easy ways to plan a celebration everyone will remember.

Choose a Party Theme

Palm Springs Pool Invitation

Design: Carmia Jordaan | Palm Springs Pool Invitation

Take your next party up a notch by adding the “Anything But a Cup” idea to your festivity, even as an addition to another theme or type of party. 

Hot out and want to chill by the pool? Ask guests to bring something beachy to sip from on your pool party invitation, like sunscreen bottles or sand pails. 

Hosting a Halloween party? Make it spooky by drinking from cauldrons, skull mugs, or plastic pumpkins. 

Throwing a holiday party for friends? Encourage ornament cups or even gift-wrapped boxes. Matching the drink containers to your party’s vibe adds a whole new layer of fun and makes the photos even better.

Don’t have a party planned yet? No problem! An “Anything But a Cup” party is the reason to throw a get-together. All you need are good friends, a few wacky drink containers, and a sense of humor.

Plan Prizes and Gather Backup Containers

Sweet Scallops Invitation

Design: Signature Greenvelope | Sweet Scallops Invitation

At the party, keep the momentum going with a judging station or mini “cupwalk,” where guests show off their wild containers. Create light-hearted categories like:

  • Most Original
  • Most Likely to Spill
  • Best DIY

Simple certificates or plastic trophies make for fun, low-pressure prizes.

It’s also a good idea to have a few quirky backup containers on hand for anyone who forgets. Things like an extra flower vase, a ketchup bottle, or a novelty toy can help guests join in without missing a beat.

Send Out Invitations

Brew Bash Invitation

Design: Jessica Williams | Brew Bash Invitation

It’s time to get your digital invitation ready! Be sure it clearly explains the theme and idea of your “Anything But a Cup” party. Include a few examples or visuals to help guests understand the fun and creativity expected, so they come prepared to impress!

Digital invitations offer some great benefits that make planning easier:

  • Convenience: Easily create, customize, and send invitations from your phone or computer — no trips to the post office needed.
  • Instant delivery: Your guests receive the invite right away via text or email, making it perfect for last-minute plans.
  • Easy RSVP tracking: Track responses in real time, so you can keep tabs on who’s coming without chasing down replies.
  • Eco-friendly: Save paper and reduce waste by going digital, all while still sharing beautiful, stylish designs.

If you want to add an extra touch, embed photos, custom verbiage, or even links to your party playlist or inspiration boards!

Remember, the clearer and more visually engaging your invitation, the better your guests will understand the playful spirit of the party.

Time to Get Sippin’

An “Anything But a Cup” party is one of the easiest ways to add humor and creativity to your next get-together. With just one rule — no regular cups — you open the door to endless laughs, unexpected drink containers, and unforgettable moments.

Whether you go all out with a DIY container, grab something from your recycling bin on the way out the door, or head to the nearest party supplies store, the fun is in the effort. It’s a fun party that encourages everyone to get a little weird, a little playful, and a lot creative.

If you’re the one hosting the party, check out our Stationers blog for more planning tips, theme ideas, and invitation inspiration.