If you’ve ever stared at an empty toilet paper roll and thought, “There’s got to be a use for this,” you’re not alone. That little cardboard tube is a hidden gem in the world of DIY creativity. Especially when it comes to kids, it can transform into just about anything—a car, a telescope, or even a rocket ship.
With just a few craft supplies and a little imagination, you can create eco-friendly, budget-conscious toys that entertain and educate. Here are seven of our favorite DIY toy ideas using toilet paper rolls.
1. Toilet Roll Binoculars
Let your kids go on a backyard safari or living room adventure. Simply glue two rolls side by side, add a string for a neck strap, and let them decorate. These “binoculars” make a great accessory for pretend play and can even be part of a nature scavenger hunt.
2. Cardboard Tube Racetrack Cars
Cut a toilet roll in half, add wheels from bottle caps, and draw on headlights. These cars are perfect for racing across the kitchen floor or zooming down a homemade cardboard ramp. Bonus: You can even craft a DIY garage out of a shoebox!
3. Roll-a-Character Puppets
Create quirky characters—pirates, princesses, robots—using markers, googly eyes, and scraps of fabric. Attach a popsicle stick to the inside and you’ve got a puppet show in the making. This is a great rainy day activity that boosts storytelling skills.
Check out more inspirations in our guide on how to create viral DIY decor from recycled materials.
4. Marble Run Madness
Build an indoor marble run by cutting rolls in half lengthwise and taping them onto a large piece of cardboard or a wall with painter’s tape. Your kids will love experimenting with angles and gravity as they design their own roller coaster.
5. DIY Rocket Ships
Wrap the roll in aluminum foil or paint it silver, add some construction paper fins, and glue on tissue paper flames at the base. These rockets are perfect for space-themed playtime. Ready for launch in 3…2…1!
Explore more upcycling fun with our tips on turning trash into treasure.
6. Mini Desk Organizers (That Look Like Animals!)
Turn clutter into cuteness by transforming toilet paper rolls into animal-themed desk organizers. Cut rolls into different heights, decorate them as a bear, fox, or owl, and use them to store pencils, crayons, or scissors. Functional and fun!
Dive deeper into DIY charm with our ideas for stylish mason jar decor.
7. Carnival Ring Toss Game
Create sturdy rings using duct tape and paper plates, and make standing pegs with toilet rolls glued to a cardboard base. Kids can throw rings and rack up points. It’s perfect for parties or just a Saturday afternoon in the backyard.
Need more zero-waste inspiration? Don’t miss our full DIY art guide using reclaimed materials and these 10 eco-chic upcycling projects.
Why DIY with Toilet Paper Rolls?
Toilet paper rolls are not only free—they’re also biodegradable, lightweight, and kid-safe. Using them encourages sustainability, creativity, and hands-on learning. These crafts are proof that fun doesn’t need to come from a store.
So before you toss that cardboard tube, ask yourself: what could this become in a child’s imagination?
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