20 Toilet Paper Roll Crafts That Are Fun
Toilet paper rolls are one of the easiest recycled materials to turn into creative DIY projects. Instead of tossing them into the recycling bin, transform these simple cardboard tubes into imaginative toys, seasonal decorations, educational activities, and practical home accessories. They’re inexpensive, eco-friendly, and perfect for kids, parents, teachers, and anyone who enjoys crafting.
Whether you’re looking for classroom projects, homeschool activities, rainy-day entertainment, or weekend DIY fun, these toilet paper roll crafts are simple to make using supplies you probably already have at home. Grab your cardboard tubes, paint, glue, and scissors, and get ready to create these fun recycled crafts.
1. Gruffalo Props from Recyclables
Credit: teach-me-mommy.com
Bring The Gruffalo story to life by creating the beloved characters from recycled toilet paper rolls. Paint each roll to resemble the Gruffalo, Mouse, Fox, Owl, and Snake, then add paper ears, tails, horns, and expressive faces.
These homemade props make storytelling more interactive while encouraging children to use their imagination during reading time.
Materials: Toilet paper rolls, acrylic paint, cardstock, glue, markers.
2. DIY Pirate Spyglass
Credit: desertchica.com
Set sail on an imaginary adventure with a handmade pirate spyglass. Decorate a toilet paper or paper towel roll using gold paint, black stripes, and pirate-themed stickers before adding ribbon for carrying.
This easy craft pairs perfectly with pirate parties, treasure hunts, or pretend play.
Materials: Cardboard roll, paint, ribbon, glue, stickers.
3. Toilet Paper Race Cars
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Transform empty cardboard rolls into colorful race cars by cutting out a driver’s seat and attaching paper wheels. Paint each car with racing stripes, numbers, and fun designs before organizing exciting races around the house.
Kids can build an entire fleet while learning through creative play.
Materials: Toilet paper rolls, cardstock, paint, glue, scissors.
4. Tin Foil Bangles
Credit: besttoys4toddlers.com
Recycle cardboard rolls into stylish bracelets by cutting them into rings and wrapping them with aluminum foil. Decorate with colorful gems, glitter, or paint for shiny accessories that kids will love wearing.
This simple jewelry craft is fun for parties and dress-up games.
Materials: Toilet paper roll, aluminum foil, glue, gems, paint.
5. Artsy Mini Album
Credit: makingmanzanita.com
Create a miniature keepsake album using flattened toilet paper rolls as unique page covers. Decorate with scrapbook paper, stickers, ribbons, and photos to preserve special memories.
The finished album makes a thoughtful handmade gift or personal scrapbook.
Materials: Toilet paper rolls, scrapbook paper, glue, ribbon, photos.
6. Burlap Napkin Ring
Credit: reusegrowenjoy.com
Cut cardboard rolls into narrow rings and wrap them with burlap ribbon to create rustic napkin holders. Decorate with lace, faux flowers, or twine for farmhouse-inspired table settings.
These reusable napkin rings are perfect for family dinners and holiday gatherings.
Materials: Toilet paper roll, burlap ribbon, hot glue, twine.
7. Cardboard Roll Easter Bunny
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Turn a toilet paper roll into an adorable Easter bunny with long ears, fluffy cotton tails, and a cute smiling face. Paint it in pastel colors or decorate it with patterned paper for extra charm.
Children love making bunny families for Easter displays.
Materials: Toilet paper roll, cardstock, cotton balls, paint, glue.
8. Space Exploration
Credit: in-our-spare-time.com
Create a collection of space-themed crafts using toilet paper rolls. Build astronauts, rockets, satellites, and alien creatures for imaginative adventures through the galaxy.
This exciting activity supports STEM learning while encouraging creativity.
Materials: Toilet paper rolls, paint, cardstock, foil, glue.
9. Abstract Cardboard Tubes Sculpture
Credit: kitchentableclassroom.com
Encourage artistic expression by stacking and arranging cardboard rolls into modern abstract sculptures. Paint each section with bold colors or geometric designs before displaying the finished artwork.
Every sculpture becomes a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
Materials: Cardboard rolls, acrylic paint, glue, cardboard base.
10. Easy-to-Do Bird Feeders
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Make a simple bird feeder by spreading peanut butter or sunflower butter over a cardboard roll and coating it with birdseed. Hang it from a tree using string and watch local birds enjoy the treat.
This nature-inspired project teaches children about wildlife and caring for animals.
Materials: Toilet paper roll, birdseed, peanut butter, string.
11. Personalized Frozen Bracelets
Credit: darcyandbrian.com
Create magical Frozen-inspired bracelets by cutting cardboard rolls into bracelet-sized bands. Paint them icy blue and silver before decorating with glitter, rhinestones, and snowflake stickers.
These sparkling accessories are perfect for little Frozen fans.
Materials: Toilet paper roll, acrylic paint, glitter, gems, glue.
12. Kaleidoscope for Kids
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Turn a paper towel or toilet paper roll into a pretend kaleidoscope decorated with colorful paper, shiny foil, and bright patterns. Add transparent beads or cellophane to create exciting visual effects.
This craft introduces children to light, color, and creativity.
Materials: Cardboard roll, foil, colored cellophane, tape, markers.
13. Rain Stick Out of Kitchen Towel Roll
Credit: craftingwithkids.net
Create a relaxing rainstick using a kitchen towel roll filled with rice, dried beans, or beads. Decorate the outside with paint and colorful paper before slowly turning it to hear soothing rainfall sounds.
This sensory craft works wonderfully during music lessons and calming activities.
Materials: Paper towel roll, rice or beans, tape, paint.
14. Confetti Celebration Poppers
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Celebrate birthdays, graduations, and holidays by making reusable confetti poppers from toilet paper rolls and balloons. Fill them with colorful paper confetti for festive celebrations.
Adult supervision is recommended during assembly.
Materials: Toilet paper roll, balloon, tape, confetti.
15. Toilet Paper Roll Peeps
Credit: easyactivitiesforkids.com
Craft adorable marshmallow-inspired Peeps using painted cardboard rolls, bunny ears, and simple facial features. Arrange them into colorful Easter displays or gift baskets.
These cute decorations are fun for children of all ages.
Materials: Toilet paper rolls, pastel paint, cardstock, glue.
16. Creative Star Wars Toilet Paper Roll Figures
Credit: rockyourhomeschool.net
Create your favorite Star Wars characters using recycled cardboard tubes. Design Darth Vader, Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker, Yoda, Chewbacca, or Stormtroopers with paint and paper accessories.
Kids can use the finished figures for storytelling and imaginative adventures.
Materials: Toilet paper rolls, paint, cardstock, markers, glue.
17. Cardboard Unicorn Figures
Credit: messylittlemonster.com
Transform toilet paper rolls into magical unicorns complete with rainbow manes, glittery horns, and colorful tails. Decorate each unicorn with flowers, gems, and sparkling details.
These enchanting figures are perfect for unicorn-themed parties or bedroom décor.
Materials: Toilet paper rolls, colored paper, glitter, glue.
18. Bunny and Ducky from Toy Story
Credit: hunnyimhomediy.com
Recreate the lovable Bunny and Ducky characters inspired by Toy Story using painted toilet paper rolls, colorful paper ears, feathers, and googly eyes.
Children will enjoy making their favorite movie characters for imaginative play.
Materials: Toilet paper rolls, cardstock, feathers, paint, glue.
19. Easy-to-Do Chicken Craft
Credit: totschoolresources.com
Make cheerful chickens using cardboard rolls painted white or yellow. Add paper wings, orange beaks, red combs, and tiny feet to complete the adorable farm animals.
This simple craft is ideal for spring, Easter, or farm-themed learning.
Materials: Toilet paper roll, cardstock, paint, glue, markers.
20. Hanging Bird Feeder
Credit: attachmentmummy.com
Create a decorative hanging bird feeder by decorating a cardboard roll with colorful paint before covering it with birdseed. Suspend it from a sturdy tree branch where children can observe visiting birds.
It’s a wonderful project that combines crafting with outdoor learning and wildlife appreciation.
Materials: Toilet paper roll, birdseed, peanut butter, string, paint.
Conclusion
These fun toilet paper roll crafts show that recycled cardboard tubes can become imaginative toys, seasonal decorations, educational activities, and practical DIY projects with just a little creativity. Whether you’re crafting at home, in the classroom, or during holiday celebrations, these budget-friendly ideas help children develop fine motor skills, encourage imaginative play, and promote environmentally friendly habits. Save your favorite projects and start transforming everyday toilet paper rolls into creative handmade masterpieces that the whole family will enjoy.
