1. School Crafts

One of the most fun ways to recycle magazines is to donate them to a pre-school or playgroup for craft sessions. Kids love cutting up magazines and have great fun sticking pictures on backgrounds. Schools and groups need a constant supply of magazines, so it could be a good home for your unwanted magazines.

2. Pass Them on

Once you've read a magazine, you can pass it on to someone else. Then they can do the same. Magazines could do the round of you and your friends. There are also plenty of other places that would be glad to take your old magazines. Take them to a friend in hospital; once your friend has finished reading, they can be left for other patients to pass the time with.

3. Collectors

If you have some copies of rare magazines, they may be of interest to collectors. Research the collectors market to see if it's worth selling your magazines. They'll need to be in good condition. You won't make a fortune but could get a reasonable amount of cash.

4. Decoupage

Why let kids have all the fun? Follow their example and try out the more grown-up craft of decoupage. Combine pretty and practical by covering boxes to keep shoes or odd items in. If you have some old furniture that needs cheering up, decoupage is the ideal way of turning it into a distinctive item that you'll love..

5. Inspiration/Mood Board

Why not create a mood board? Mood boards can be made for many different purposes. Perhaps you're planning to decorate your house, and want ideas for each room. Or maybe you're a seamstress and searching for inspiration. Another reason for making a mood board is to create an image of how you'd like your life to be in the future, which helps you to focus your thoughts on how you're going to achieve your goals.

6. Freecycle

If your magazines aren't of interest to collectors, there are still plenty of people who would gladly take them off your hands. For large quantities, try advertising them on groups like Freecycle. Older magazines may be of interest to writers or researchers. More up-to-date editions will appeal to anyone looking for reading material. Plus you may also get teachers wanting them for crafts.

7. Recycling Bin

Failing all else, pop your magazines in the recycling bin. You should never throw magazines away, as it's wasteful and environmentally damaging for them to end up in landfill. If you can't find a better use for them, then at least recycling conserves resources and avoids leaving them to rot. So be green and recycle your magazines at the end of their useful life.

If you love buying magazines, you could quickly end up with a pile of copies you've read. Try one or more of these useful ways to get the most out of your magazines. Other people can enjoy them, or you can find a creative purpose for them. Have you come up with any amazingly inventive ways to use your old magazines?