They also make great vases. Put in the flowers. Pen and pencil holders can be made as well. I even store paper clips in them and other office supplies. Use the same things as for the planter or use construction paper, cloth or even a paper bag you put stickers on.
Coffee cans make great coin banks.
Decorate any way you wish and cut on x in the lid. Put the lid on and now you have a bank. Actually any can or container with a plastic lid can be made into a bank. Coffee cans make great canisters. Use to store rice or other food.