Let’s be honest, we all know that post-Christmas guilt—the mountain of wrapping paper waste and the empty bank account. Plus, keeping the little ones entertained and off screens during winter break can feel like a full-time job! 😅 But what if I told you the solution was sitting right in your recycling bin?
I’ve curated a list of Toilet paper roll Christmas crafts that transform humble Cardboard roll holiday DIY supplies into boutique-quality decor. From a Toilet paper roll Santa to elegant ornaments, these ideas prove you don’t need a craft store budget to create something gorgeous. ✨ Get ready to make some magic (and memories) without spending a fortune! ✂️
🎄 My Top 3 Favorites
- Lowest Mess: Scandi-Style Felt Santa Claus (#2)
- Most “High-End” Look: The “Faux-Metal” Snowflake Ornament (#1)
- Best for Little Kids: The “Penguin” Posse (#12)
15 Christmas Upcycling Ideas You’ll Love
1. The “Faux-Metal” Snowflake Ornament ❄️
By cutting the roll into thin rings and arranging them in a flower pattern, you create a base that looks surprisingly elegant. Once you spray paint them metallic gold or silver, these look like expensive wrought-iron ornaments rather than cardboard!
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Toilet paper rolls
• Hot glue
• Metallic spray paint
• Twine | Best For: Tree Decor, Window Displays
Time: 20 mins (+ drying)
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Pinch the ends of each ring to create a “marquise” diamond shape before gluing for a sharper, more professional floral look.
[Image-1: A close-up of the gold-painted snowflake hanging on a green fir branch, catching the light so the cardboard texture is invisible.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Rust-Oleum Metallic Spray Paint 🐦
Why I love it: Local stores rarely have this specific “craft-finish” metallic that covers cardboard perfectly without soaking it. #NancyApproved
2. Scandi-Style Felt Santa Claus 🎅
Instead of just painting the roll red, we wrap it in red felt for a textured, plush coat. Add a soft cotton ball beard and a black belt, and you have a classic, high-end toy look that fits perfectly with Eco-friendly holiday crafts.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Toilet rolls
• Red felt sheets
• Cotton balls
• Black ribbon | Best For: Mantel Display, Storytelling props
Time: 15 mins
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Use a matte varnish or clear glue over the googly eyes (or paint eyes) to avoid the “cheap plastic” look; felt fabric is the secret to making this look premium.
[Image-2: A trio of Santas on a white shelf, showcasing the soft texture of the felt wrapping.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: 40-Piece Stiff Felt Sheets 🐦
Why I love it: I swear by these “stiff” felt bundles because they hold their shape around the tubes way better than the floppy kind! #NancyApproved
3. The “Sock Hat” Snowman Family ☃️
Paint your tubes white and use the toe section of colorful patterned socks to create slouchy beanies. This textile element adds a cozy, boutique aesthetic to this Snowman craft from waste.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Toilet rolls
• White acrylic paint
• Cheap patterned socks
• Orange paper | Best For: Shelf Sitters, Winter Decor
Time: 15 mins (+ drying)
Mess Level: Medium |
💡 Pro-Tip: Roll the brim of the sock hat twice to create a thick, realistic beanie rim that hides the top edge of the cardboard.
[Image-3: A “family” of 3 snowmen of different heights wearing matching plaid sock hats.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint Set 🐦
Why I love it: This bulk set is a lifesaver—you get enough white for base coats plus all the accent colors in one click. #NancyApproved
4. Rustic Reindeer with Twig Antlers 🦌
Keep the roll brown (or paint it kraft color) and punch holes to insert real twigs from the yard as antlers. This DIY reindeer ornament style is perfect for that natural, farmhouse vibe.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Toilet rolls
• Real twigs
• Red pom-poms
• Googly eyes | Best For: Natural/Farmhouse Decor
Time: 20 mins
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Secure the twigs inside the roll with a generous dab of hot glue to prevent them from drooping or falling out.
[Image-4: A reindeer sitting next to a pinecone, emphasizing the natural wood elements.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: 1 Inch Red Pom Poms 🐦
Why I love it: Craft stores make you buy mixed bags, but this lets you buy a bulk bag of
only red noses for the whole class! #NancyApproved
5. Nordic Gnomes (Bearded Decor) 🍄
These Paper roll gnomes use the roll as a hidden stand. Cover the roll with a cone of felt (hat) and a long patch of faux fur (beard), leaving only a wooden bead nose visible. Very trendy!
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Toilet rolls
• Faux fur scraps
• Felt
• Wooden beads | Best For: Modern Holiday Decor, Gifting
Time: 30 mins
Mess Level: Medium |
💡 Pro-Tip: Comb the faux fur downwards after cutting it to remove loose fibers and give the beard a groomed, high-quality appearance.
[Image-5: A pair of gnomes with grey and red hats, sitting on a wooden slice tray.]
🎅 Quick Question!
Real tree or Artificial tree? Tell me in the comments!
6. Vintage Sheet Music Choir 🎶
Wrap the tubes in vintage sheet music (or printed copies) to create the “robes” of carolers. Draw simple singing faces and add a paper collar for a nostalgic look.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Toilet rolls
• Sheet music paper
• Black marker
• Lace scraps | Best For: Mantelpiece, Piano Top Decor
Time: 25 mins
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Tea-stain the paper before wrapping the roll to give it an authentic, antique parchment look.
[Image-6: A group of carolers arranged in a semi-circle with a miniature street lamp prop.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Mod Podge Waterbase Sealer/Glue 🐦
Why I love it: It’s essential for decoupage, and Amazon sells the huge bottle for the price of the tiny one at boutique shops. #NancyApproved
7. The “Grinch” Candy Holder 💚
Paint the roll lime green and draw that iconic sneaky face. Seal the bottom, fill with treats, and pinch the top to close. Add a single red heart to finish these Easy Christmas crafts for kids.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Toilet rolls
• Lime green paint
• Red foam hearts
• Black marker | Best For: Class Party Favors, Stocking Stuffers
Time: 15 mins (+ drying)
Mess Level: Medium |
💡 Pro-Tip: Use a black paint pen rather than a Sharpie over the acrylic paint; Sharpies tend to dry out or smear over textured paint.
[Image-7: A basket full of green tubes with Grinch faces, spilling out peppermint candies.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: POSCA Paint Markers 🐦
Why I love it: These are the industry standard for crisp lines on painted surfaces and won’t clog like standard markers. #NancyApproved
8. Glittered Christmas Tree Forest 🌲
Cut rolls into varying heights, paint them green, and coat them entirely in chunky green glitter. Stack them in tiers to create 3D trees that sparkle beautifully.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Toilet rolls
• Green paint
• Green glitter
• White glue | Best For: Centerpieces, Village Displays
Time: 30 mins
Mess Level: High |
💡 Pro-Tip: Mix the glitter into the Mod Podge or glue before applying it to the roll to significantly reduce shedding and mess.
[Image-8: A “forest” of sparkling green trees on a white cotton snow base.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Extra Fine & Chunky Glitter Set 🐦
Why I love it: This set offers biodegradable options, which makes my eco-conscious heart happy! #NancyApproved
9. Mini “Nutcracker” Soldiers 💂
A detailed painting project turning the tube into a soldier with a tall black hat, red jacket, and gold accents. Requires steady hands but looks like a collectible Upcycled Christmas decor piece.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Toilet rolls
• Assorted acrylic paints
• Gold paint pen
• Small jewels | Best For: Older Kids (Tweens), Keepsakes
Time: 45 mins
Mess Level: Medium |
💡 Pro-Tip: Use gold washi tape for the belt and hat rim instead of painting straight lines—it’s much easier and looks cleaner.
[Image-9: Two Nutcracker rolls standing guard on either side of a fireplace stocking holder.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Gold Washi Tape Set 🐦
Why I love it: You get access to hundreds of patterns and widths of metallic tape that local stationery aisles rarely stock. #NancyApproved
10. Burlap & Holly Napkin Rings 🌿
Cut rolls in half, wrap them in rustic burlap fabric, and glue a small faux holly berry cluster on top. These are fully functional for Christmas dinner!
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Toilet rolls
• Burlap ribbon
• Faux holly berries
• Hot glue | Best For: Christmas Dinner Table, Hostess Gifts
Time: 10 mins
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Tuck the rough edges of the burlap inside the roll and glue them down so the napkin slides through smoothly without snagging.
[Image-10: A place setting with a white linen napkin held by the rustic burlap ring.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Wired Burlap Ribbon 🐦
Why I love it: The 2-inch width is the perfect size to cover a half-toilet roll in one pass without cutting. #NancyApproved
11. 3D “Pillow Box” Gift Containers 🎁
Flatten the roll, fold in the ends to create curved flaps (pillow shape). Paint or wrap in wrapping paper to create small gift boxes for jewelry or cash.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Toilet rolls
• Festive washi tape
• Ribbon
• Gift tags | Best For: Gifting Money/Gift Cards
Time: 10 mins
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Use a scoring tool (or a dull butter knife) to score the semi-circle flaps before folding to ensure a crisp, non-crinkled edge.
[Image-11: A stack of red and green pillow boxes tied with gold twine under a mini tree.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Bone Folder & Scoring Tool Set 🐦
Why I love it: This specialized tool is super cheap but makes your cardboard folding look professionally manufactured. #NancyApproved
12. The “Penguin” Posse 🐧
Paint the roll black with a white oval tummy. Add an orange beak and feet. Simple, high-contrast, and very cute when made in a group for Preschool Christmas activities.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Toilet rolls
• Black and white paint
• Orange construction paper | Best For: Preschoolers, Winter Theme
Time: 15 mins
Mess Level: Medium |
💡 Pro-Tip: Cut a “U” shape out of the top center of the roll to create the definition between the penguin’s head and wings.
[Image-12: A row of penguins on a “block of ice” (styrofoam).]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Crayola Construction Paper 🐦
Why I love it: This heavyweight paper holds up so much better to glue than generic brands—no wrinkling! #NancyApproved
13. Luminous Cardboard Lanterns 🕯️
Punch holes or cut star shapes into the roll, paint the outside a dark color (navy or black), and place a battery tea light inside for a safe luminary.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Toilet rolls
• Dark paint
• Battery tea lights
• X-Acto knife | Best For: Nightlights, Window Sills
Time: 30 mins
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Line the inside of the roll with tracing paper or wax paper to diffuse the light and hide the bulb, creating a soft glow.
[Image-13: A dark room lit only by 3 star-punched lanterns glowing warm yellow.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: LED Flameless Tea Lights 🐦
Why I love it: Getting the ones with a built-in timer means you don’t have to reach inside the craft to turn them on every night. #NancyApproved
14. “Gingerbread Man” Rolls 🍪
Paint the roll a warm cookie brown. Use white puffy paint to draw “icing” squiggles, buttons, and a happy face. This doubles as a fun sensory craft!
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Toilet rolls
• Brown paint
• White 3D puffy paint
• Buttons | Best For: Kitchen Decor, Sensory Craft
Time: 20 mins (+ drying)
Mess Level: Medium |
💡 Pro-Tip: Let the brown base coat dry completely before applying the puffy paint, or the colors will bleed and look muddy.
[Image-14: A gingerbread man roll sitting next to a plate of real cookies.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Tulip Dimensional Fabric Paint 🐦
Why I love it: This 3-pack ensures you have enough “icing” for a whole classroom of gingerbread men! #NancyApproved
15. Elf on the Shelf “Chairs” 🪑
A functional craft! Cut the roll into a chair shape (high back, lower seat) and upholster it with fabric scraps. Perfect size for the Elf on the Shelf doll.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Toilet rolls
• Fabric scraps
• Cotton batting | Best For: Elf on the Shelf Tradition
Time: 25 mins
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Add a small weight (like a washer or penny) taped to the bottom inside so the chair doesn’t tip over when the Elf sits in it.
[Image-15: An Elf on the Shelf doll lounging in a red velvet toilet-roll armchair reading a mini book.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Hot Glue Gun Kit with Sticks 🐦
Why I love it: A mini glue gun with precision tips is crucial for small upholstery projects like this. #NancyApproved
***
If you’ve been wondering “What can I make with empty toilet paper rolls for Christmas?“—I hope this list gave you plenty of inspiration! From How to make cardboard tube crafts look expensive to keeping the kids busy, these ideas are true holiday savers.
Happy Crafting, Moms! Don’t forget to tag me on Pinterest if you try these! 🎄✨
