Last updated: October 26, 2026
You already have everything you need for these toilet paper roll Christmas crafts sitting in your recycling bin. With a little paint, glue, and construction paper, you can turn empty tubes into ornaments, characters, and decor the kids will be proud to display. Grab a stack of rolls and let’s get started.
Gather Your Craft Supplies First
Before you dive into toilet paper roll Christmas crafts, set out everything you need so little hands aren’t waiting around. **Save your tubes for at least a week or two so you have plenty on hand.**
A basic supply kit works for almost every project below. Stock up on acrylic or tempera paint, white glue or a glue stick, scissors, and a variety of construction paper. Googly eyes, pom poms, pipe cleaners, and a hole punch round out the essentials.
Lay down newspaper or a plastic tablecloth before you start painting. Toilet paper rolls soak up wet paint and can get a little floppy, so let each layer dry fully before adding the next one.
Toilet Paper Roll Santa Claus
A toilet paper roll Santa is the easiest character to start with because the shape practically does the work for you. Paint the bottom two thirds of the tube red and leave the top white, or wrap it in red construction paper with a white paper collar glued around the top edge.
Cut a small triangle of red paper for the hat and glue a cotton ball or pom pom to the tip. Add a cotton ball beard, googly eyes, and a tiny pink circle for the nose, and your Santa is ready to stand guard on a windowsill or mantel.
**Kids can personalize each Santa with a different expression**, which makes a whole shelf of them look charming rather than repetitive. Let them dry standing upright so the glue sets without smudging.
Toilet Paper Roll Reindeer
Reindeer are one of the most requested toilet paper roll Christmas crafts because the antlers give kids so much room to be creative. Paint or wrap the tube in brown paper, then glue on two brown pipe cleaners twisted into antler shapes near the top.
Glue googly eyes below the antlers and finish with a red pom pom nose for a Rudolph twist, or a brown one for a classic look. Small triangle ears cut from the same brown paper and glued just under the antlers complete the face.
Some families like to punch a hole through the top of the tube and thread a loop of string through so the reindeer can hang from a doorknob or the tree. That small step turns a tabletop craft into an ornament you can display in more places around the house.
Toilet Paper Roll Christmas Trees
For toilet paper roll Christmas trees, cut the tube into a cone shape by trimming one end at an angle, then roll it tighter and secure with tape or glue to hold the cone form. Paint it green and let it dry completely before decorating.
Add tiny dot “ornaments” with a cotton swab dipped in red, gold, or blue paint, then glue a small yellow star or paper triangle at the top point. A cluster of these trees in different heights makes a sweet centerpiece down the middle of the dinner table.
If cutting the cone shape feels tricky for younger kids, you can also leave the tube as a cylinder, paint it green, and glue on paper triangle “branches” instead for a simpler stacked-tree look.
Toilet Paper Roll Wreath Ornaments
To make a wreath, cut the tube into thin rings, about half an inch wide each, using scissors or a craft knife for an adult to handle. Paint the rings green and let dry, then glue on tiny red pom poms or paper holly leaves along the top edge like a bow.
Punch a small hole at the top of the ring and loop ribbon or twine through it so it can hang on the tree or from a hook. These wreath ornaments come together fast because you can cut several rings from a single tube.
Line up a few finished wreaths along a mantel or window for an instant garland effect. They also make a nice addition to a holiday card or gift tag if you skip the hanging loop.
Toilet Paper Roll Snowmen
A snowman version of these toilet paper roll Christmas crafts is a great option if you want to skip painting altogether. Wrap the tube in white paper or cotton batting, then use a black marker to add coal buttons down the front and a simple smiling face.
Cut a tiny orange triangle for the carrot nose and glue on a scrap of fabric or felt for a scarf tied around the top. A small black paper top hat glued at an angle finishes the look and gives the snowman some personality.
**Set out fabric scraps in different patterns so each snowman gets its own scarf**, since that small detail makes a lineup of them feel less identical. These tend to be a favorite for younger crafters because there’s less precision involved than with the Santa or reindeer designs.
Why Toilet Paper Roll Crafts Work So Well for the Holidays
Toilet paper roll Christmas crafts are popular with parents and teachers because they turn something headed for the recycling bin into a genuinely fun afternoon activity. The tubes are sturdy enough for little hands to hold and decorate without tearing, unlike thinner paper crafts.
They also scale easily to a group. A classroom or a group of cousins visiting for the holidays can each make their own version from the same basic supplies, and no two will look exactly alike.
Because the base material costs nothing, these projects are an easy way to keep a full family of crafters busy without buying a kit. Save your rolls in the weeks leading up to the holidays so you always have a stash ready to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many toilet paper rolls do I need for these crafts?
Plan on one to two rolls per finished project, since some designs like the wreath rings use several rings from a single tube. Saving rolls for two to three weeks before your craft day usually gives you plenty to work with for a group.
Can paper towel rolls be used instead of toilet paper rolls?
Yes, paper towel rolls work for these same designs; simply cut them down to the shorter toilet paper roll length first, or use the extra height for a taller Santa or reindeer. Trim with scissors and an adult can help with any thicker cardboard.
What paint works best on cardboard tubes?
Acrylic or tempera paint both work well and dry with good coverage on cardboard. A thin coat dries faster and keeps the tube from getting too soft, so it’s worth doing two light coats instead of one heavy one.
How do I keep the toilet paper rolls from going soft when painting?
Let each coat of paint dry fully before adding another layer, and avoid soaking the brush too heavily in water. Standing the tubes upright on a paper towel while they dry also helps keep their shape.
Are these crafts safe for toddlers?
Most of these toilet paper roll Christmas crafts are toddler friendly with supervision, though small pieces like googly eyes and pom poms can be a choking hazard for children who still put things in their mouths. Choose larger decorations or have an adult glue on the smallest pieces for the youngest crafters.
How do I store finished toilet paper roll crafts after the holidays?
Let every piece dry completely, then wrap each one loosely in tissue paper and store them in a shoebox or bin. Cardboard can crush under weight, so keep heavier holiday decor packed separately on top.
Bring These Crafts to Your Holiday Table
These toilet paper roll Christmas crafts are proof that some of the best holiday memories come from the simplest materials. Start saving your tubes today, set out your supplies, and let everyone at your house create their own little collection of Santas, reindeer, trees, and snowmen this season.
