When you've spent quite a few bucks on your MP3 player or smartphone, the last thing you need is an overpriced accessory that you can easily make yourself. Plenty of individuals on the Internet have showcased a multitude of creative uses for common household items that can quickly prop your device. Some of these DIY items can take more time than others, so we've collected popular stand ideas from around the web that won't require a lot of your time.

That’s right, any stand ideas that require superglue, drilling, etc, are off this list because we wanted easy projects that can be readily repeated in the future if needed. Many of the ones we did stick with for this list will include items that you most likely already have. You might even find some of these items in your room, left gathering dust in a corner. Find out how to make good use of and recycle old household objects.

MiniDV Tape Case (Can Carry Earbuds, Too!)

If you have a MiniDV tape case lying around, simply remove the cardboard lining the case, and flip it over. This is perhaps one of the simpler docks you can get for almost free.

ipod stand

Observant readers might notice that the case dimensions might not fit the smartphone or MP3 player in landscape mode. Fear not, as a wise YouTube user has shown how relatively easy it is to adjust the case.

Paper Clip Stand

Take a regular paper clip (if you have a plastic-coated one, even better), straighten it out, and bend it so it'll look like this.

make an ipod stand

The full instructions are on this short video.

Business Card Stand

This design requires you to maneuver some scissors around a lined business card. It doesn’t get much easier than that.

make an ipod stand

The hack author has provided careful instructions up on Instructables so be sure to check out that page for more information.

make an ipod stand

Plastic Membership/Old Credit Card Stand

Finally, you’ll be able to recycle all those membership cards you’ve accumulated over the years. A few bends will make a simple plastic card an excellent stand for your device.

make an iphone stand

If you’ve got expired credit cards, you can also do this after completely marking or scratching off your information. For more instructions, go to this Instructables post.

Freebie Plastic Card Stand

You know those fake and less rigid plastic cards mailed by credit card companies that you usually toss without thinking twice? Next time you get one, don’t throw it out as you might be able to construct a simple stand for your iPod.

make an iphone stand

The trick is to cut the plastic card in 3 equal parts, make incisions as detailed by the instructional video and interlock them together. It’s quite a good way to recycle things, if you ask me.

Binder Clip Stand

Using two binder clips, you can make a nice and easy stand that will be just as portable as most other designs on this list.

make an iphone stand

Lego Block Stand (Allows You To Plug Earbuds)

The classic toy can make a lot of structures, including a good stand for your iPod. If you want to follow a specific design, this one might be a good start as it provides a way for you to plug your earbuds.

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There are plenty more models on the web. Here’s an interesting one that allows you to prop your iPod in many angles and in both landscape and portrait modes securely.

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Here's another model that was designed by a clever kid.

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For full instructions, be sure to check out the original video.

Fancy Paper Stand

Here’s one that might look better than other DIY solutions. If you have special resume paper or any kind of thicker paper, even cardboard, you can try this template provided by French designer Dessine moi un objet's blog.

ipod stand

This is perhaps one of the more elegant DIY stands that doesn’t look too DIY so the few minutes cutting out the paper will be well worth it. Check out the instructional video here.

Now that you’ve seen a few imaginative designs, tell us about what you use. Have you come up with some creative, environmentally-friendly stands for your iPod/iPhone/smartphone? Let us know in the comments!

Image Credit: Christos Georghiou