45 Toilet Paper Roll Crafts for Kids of All Ages (Eco-Friendly Fun!)

The best paper roll crafts for kids! Looking for fun, eco-friendly, and budget-friendly craft ideas for kids? You’ve come to the right place! In this post, you’ll discover 45 creative toilet paper roll crafts that are perfect for kids, adults, classrooms, or a cozy afternoon at home.

All of these crafts are original creations by us, and we hope they’ll inspire you to see paper rolls not as trash, but as treasure! From wild animals like lions, zebras, monkeys, and parrots to ocean creatures such as mermaids, whales, ducks, and frogs the possibilities are endless.

You’ll also find beautiful flowers, seasonal crafts, butterflies, dinosaurs, and clever builds like airplanes and gift boxes. Don’t miss the painting and stamping ideas using paper rolls, great for sensory play and toddler-friendly art.

Whether you’re crafting for Easter, Halloween, Christmas, or just because, this list is full of playful, easy, and sustainable ideas.

So grab those empty rolls, it’s time to turn recyclables into creative magic!

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Why Recycle Paper Rolls for Crafts?

Before you toss that empty toilet paper or paper towel roll in the bin, think again!
These simple cardboard tubes are free, abundant, and surprisingly versatile. Plus, crafting with paper rolls helps you:

•  Teach kids about sustainability and creative reuse
•  Save money on craft supplies
•  Encourage imaginative, hands-on play
•  Build fine motor skills and creativity

45 Creative Toilet Paper Roll Crafts

1. Dachshund from a Paper Roll and Yarn

Create a cute dachshund using a toilet paper roll and colorful yarn for an adorable DIY dog craft. This recycled craft is perfect for kids who love animals or a pet-themed lesson. See image below.

2. Paper Roll Zebra with Clothespin Legs

Make a fun zebra using a toilet paper roll and for a unique twist use clothespin legs. See image above. This paper roll zebra craft is great for preschoolers learning about wildlife.

3. Monkey with Dangling Legs

Craft a silly monkey with dangling legs from a toilet paper roll for some jungle-themed fun. See image below. Glue it on a stick and you have the perfect classroom décor. Find the step-by-step craft instructions right here.

4. Colorful Paper Roll Stamp Tulip Field

Use a paper roll to stamp a vibrant tulip field with paint for a colorful art activity. See image above. This craft is great for spring and teaches kids stamping and color mixing. Find the step-by-step craft instructions right here.

5. Paper Tube Airplane Craft

Build a DIY airplane from a paper tube with wings and a tail for high-flying fun. This paper roll airplane craft is perfect for transportation-themed lessons or rainy days. We have a full printable template for this craft find the instructions right here. See image below.

6. Turn Paper Rolls into Tropical Birds

Transform toilet paper rolls into tropical birds with a tie-dye effect. See image above. This easy recycled craft is ideal for summer fun or rainforest unit studies. Find the step-by-step craft instructions right here.

7. Adorable Paper Roll Bee Stamps

Stamp adorable bees with a toilet paper roll and paint. See image below. This bee craft is perfect for spring themes and insect learning activities. Find the step-by-step craft instructions right here.

8. Valentine’s Butterfly from a Paper Roll

Create a heart-winged butterfly with a paper roll body for a sweet Valentine’s Day craft. See image above. This fun and easy activity makes an excellent gift for a loved one! Find the step by step craft instructions right here. 

9. Mermaid Printable Craft with a Paper Tube

Print and assemble a mermaid using a paper tube and colorful mermaid tail templates. See image below. Printable bundle comes in color and includes coloring pages. This magical ocean-themed craft is perfect for imaginative kids and birthday parties. Find the full mermaid printable bundle right here. 

10. Recycled Lion Craft with Newspaper

Craft a lion from a paper roll and scrap newspaper for a fun and eco-friendly animal project. See image above. This recycled craft is great for storytime or zoo themes. Find the step by step craft instructions right here. 

11. Duck Stamps from a Paper Roll

Make duck stamps using the end of a toilet paper roll and paint. This easy craft is ideal for toddler sensory play and farm animal units. See image below.

12. Paper Roll Butterfly with Rainbow Wings

Decorate a paper roll butterfly with rainbow wings made from a watercolor artwork. See image above. This cheerful butterfly craft is perfect for springtime and a great way to recycle those old paintings. Find the step-by-step instructions here. 

13. Turn Your Paper Rolls Into Bunnies

Turn toilet paper rolls into adorable spring bunnies. We gave our spring bunnies colorful dungarees. This simple bunny craft is perfect for Easter holiday decorations and a way to celebrate spring season. See image below.

14. Paper Tube Chick Castle

Build a chick castle from paper tubes, with an adorable swing made from a button. See image above. This craft is ideal for spring, Easter, or fairy tale-themed activities. A great combination of craft time with some imaginative play afterwards.

15. Bee with See-through Wings

Make a bee with transparent wings using recycled materials and paper rolls. This insect craft is perfect for summer fun and pollinator education. See image below.

16. Paper Roll Heart-Shaped Flower Stamps

Create flower stamps in heart shapes using cut paper rolls and bright paint. See image above. This very easy and creative stamping activity is perfect for Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day.

17. Christmas Elf from a Paper Roll

Make a Christmas elf from a toilet paper roll and some adorable dangling legs. This holiday craft is great for classroom decorations or festive storytelling. See image below.

18. Christmas Tree Dinosaur Craft

Craft a dinosaur with a Christmas tree body using paper rolls. See image above.  This clever holiday dinosaur craft blends Christmas cheer with prehistoric fun. You can decorate your dino tree with buttons and beads.

19. DIY Crab Stamps

Stamp colorful crabs with a paper roll and paint for a fun beach-themed craft. This easy ocean animal craft is perfect for summer art time. See image below.

20. Paper Roll Butterfly Windcatcher

Create a butterfly windcatcher from a paper roll and streamers for colorful outdoor play. See image above. This butterfly craft is ideal for windy days or springtime fun. Find more pictures and step-by-step craft instructions right here.

21. Colorful Paper Tube Parrots

Make a bright parrot using half of a toilet paper roll. Place your parrot on a crafted tree, stick or bird cage. This easy bird craft is great for rainforest units. See image below.

22. Frog Stamps from a Paper Roll

Use a toilet paper roll to stamp silly frogs with green paint and add some googly eyes for a funky touch. See image above. This frog stamp craft is a great sensory and painting activity for toddlers.

23. Toilet Paper Roll Butterfly Printable

Print and assemble a cute butterfly around a paper roll using a printable template. See image below. This simple craft is great for spring and bug-themed learning. You can find the printable bundle (in color and coloring page) right here.

24. Paper Roll Deer Vase

Turn a paper roll into a deer-shaped vase with antlers and flowers. See image above. This woodland-themed recycled craft is perfect for fall or nature-inspired decor. You can give it a festive twist to add a pine needle branch decorated with some beads. Find the step by step craft instructions right here.

25. Adorable Woodland Puppets

Make woodland animal puppets using paper rolls and paper cutouts. These DIY puppets are great for storytelling and imaginative play. A perfect craft activity to welcome the fall season with the kids. See image below.

26. Bubble Wrap Dinosaur Rolls

Create awesome dinosaurs with a paper roll and bubble wrap stamps. See image above. Bubble wrap gives a super fun and playful texture, which makes beautiful patterns. Experiment with colors and textures and create fun dinosaurs with the kids.

27. Dino Finger Puppets

Create mini dinosaur finger puppets with decorated paper rolls. This craft is great for small world play and storytelling. See image below.

28. Paper Roll Halloween Treat Boxes

Create spooky Halloween treat boxes from toilet paper rolls. See image above. We gave our monsters funky colors, googly eyes, and pointy teeth. This easy Halloween craft doubles as party favors or trick-or-treat holders.

29. Colorful Flower Stamps

Create a blooming garden scene by stamping flowers by dipping the end of a paper roll in paint. This simple and colorful craft is perfect for spring and summer art. A great art activity for preschoolers. See image below.

30. Easter Bunny Egg Holder

Turn a paper roll into a bunny egg holder for Easter morning surprises. See image above. This adorable craft makes a great décor and a fun way to welcome the Spring season.

31. Watercolor Paper Roll Puppet

Paint a beautiful watercolor texture on white paper and turn your artwork in an animal puppet. You can make fun textured animals. This imaginative craft is perfect for kids to create their favorite animal or pet. See image below.

32. Toilet Paper Roll Bugs with See-through Wings

Make bugs with see-through wings using toilet paper rolls and clear plastic or cellophane. See image above. This bug craft is excellent for learning about insects and textures.

33. Recycle Paper Rolls into Whales

Turn your toilet paper rolls easily into whales for an ocean-themed craft. This recycled sea animal project is perfect for preschool and marine units. See image below. Find the step by step craft instructions here. 

34. Paper Tube Llama Flower Vase

Create a llama flower vase from a paper tube, decorated with a cute face and colorful blooms. See image above. This cheerful craft is perfect for spring but also makes a sweet gift idea for a loved one.

35. Mermaid Puppets with Printable Template

Use a printable to make easy mermaid puppets with a paper roll as a base. See image below. We have a mermaid tail ready for you to use and turn into a tie-dye artwork. This craft is perfect for under-the-sea themes and imaginative play. See step-by-step craft instructions right here.

36. Butterfly Stamps with a Peanut Body

Stamp butterflies with paper rolls and use peanuts for the bodies in a fun twist. See image above. This unique butterfly stamping craft is excellent for fine motor skills. A fun art activity to welcome the sprint season. Find the step-by-step craft instructions right here.

37. Recycled Paper Roll Cactuses

Did you know you can easily create a paper roll cactus with a simple cut ou? Follow the step-by-step instructions on our blog to create this cute cactus family. This desert plant DIY is a fun way to decorate and learn about succulents. See image below.

38. Lilo and Stitch Stamping Activity

This craft is for all the Stitch lovers. Use a simple paper roll to make an adorable Stitch stamp. See image above. A great way to create invitations of greeting cards. Find the step-by-step craft instructions right here.

39. Stamp a Tulip Bouquet

Create a tulip bouquet using toilet paper roll stamps and colorful paint. See image below.  This spring flower craft is perfect for kids to make for Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day or to welcome the spring season.

40. Paper Roll Pencil Holder Bear Family

Create a bear family pencil holder from decorated paper rolls for a cute way to organize your desk. See image above. This craft is both functional and adorable for back-to-school season. Find the step by step craft instructions here. 

41. Turn Your Paper Rolls into Bird Rockets

Turn paper rolls into bird-shaped rockets with flames and feathers. This fun space-meets-nature craft is perfect for creative thinkers. A great New Years Eve craft with a fun twist. See image below.

42. Bunny Balloon Stamps

Stamp balloons and bunnies using paper rolls for a playful Easter or party-themed activity. See image above. This cheerful craft is great for toddlers and preschoolers.

43. Dragon Craft with a Paper Roll Base

How to train your dragon lovers, this craft is for you! See image below. For this project, we used a paper fan for the wings and tail, which creates a playful dragon craft. Perfect for kids who are a bit older.

44. Christmas Deer with Decorative Antlers

This easy craft is a lot of fun to make with kids of all ages. Use your paper roll as a base, glue two sticks on top, and decorate the sticks with beads. The perfect festive craft for the Holiday season! See image above.

45. Squirrels with Beautiful Pinecone Tails

Turn your paper rolls into adorable squirrels. See image below. Pine cones make perfect tails and an interesting and funky twist to your fall crafts! Find the step-by-step instructions on this squirrel family right here.

FAQs About Paper Roll Crafts

Q: What can I make with empty toilet paper rolls?
A: You can turn toilet paper rolls into animals, flowers, gift boxes, puppets, stamps, decorations, and more. They’re perfect for creative, low-cost crafts for kids!

Q: Are paper roll crafts safe for kids?
A: Yes! These crafts use simple and safe household materials. They’re perfect for preschoolers, kindergarteners, and older kids with a bit of guidance.

Q: Can I use paper towel rolls instead of toilet paper rolls?
A: Absolutely! Paper towel rolls are just as usable; just cut them down to the size you need.

A Friendly Note from Us

We’ve poured our love, creativity, and colorful imagination into these 45 paper roll crafts and we’re so excited to share them with you. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, we hope these ideas bring joy, fun, and creative memories into your home or classroom.

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