This article, entitled Upcycled Laptop Desk & Food Tray! comes from Amanda Hearn at The Eco-Friendly Family.

I may not be the craftiest person ever, but when I saw this Melissa & Doug wooden tray just laying on the playroom floor I knew it needed to have a higher purpose. My first thought was “oooh, I could use that to serve my husband breakfast in bed” and then I reconsidered. I could be served breakfast in bed! As cool as that would be, the idea of putting work into it for a single purpose didn’t quite get me running to the craft cabinet, that’s when I realized it could also double as a sweet “desk” from which I could blog, work and watch my kids as they play in the living room. Perfect!

Here’s what I used:

• Melissa & Doug Tray (mine happened to come with a musical instrument set, but others have them too!)


• Sand paper (to smooth edges and sand of the M&D logo)


• Paint or Stain


• Pillow to create a soft side for your new lap desk! – or (optional) DIY your own using an old wooden puzzle base, some fabric, stuffing and a staple gun! (as seen below)

Sand any rough spots and paint away! This project is so simple but can take a little time to allow the paint to dry between coatings. Feel free to end it off with a protective clear layer if you’re feeling super ambitious. I wasn’t, but I did anyhow. Then sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

I love my new desk and it didn’t cost me a penny to make it – and some items that were about to be discarded were put to good use!

For more information and great stories like this one please visit The Eco-Friendly Family