How about Meta Magic Feats and Prestidigitation?

[xanthemann]

Or instead of meta magic feats, just upping the capabilities of the cantrip by making a full scale spell version of it for several different levels?

[Wennalonn Fordaryde]

Cant comment on meta magic, i think it would be a pure DM based translation of what you want to achieve.

However, for some nifty ideas of practical applications, the old AD&D book 'Unearthed Arcana' has pages of 'cantrips' that easily work as Prestidigitation.

Things like clean, color, freshen, hair growth/cut etc would be considered permanent, hence voiding a need for certain meta magic feats.

Doesn't answer your specific question, but some thoughts on the matter anyway.

[Talonhawke]

Extend would double the duration of your varying uses other than that i can't see using a level one slot or higher for prestidig

[Goth Guru]

Cross thread, if you let universalist mages use meta magic at -1 spell level req, then you would not be wasting a first level slot.