I Tested 25 Creative Empty Toilet Paper Roll Ideas That Actually Work
I’ve always been fascinated by how the most ordinary household items can turn out to be surprisingly useful, and empty toilet paper rolls are a perfect example. What many people see as simple leftovers from everyday life can actually be the starting point for creativity, practicality, and even a little fun. From quick DIY ideas to clever ways of reducing waste, empty toilet paper rolls have more potential than they first appear to have.
I Tested The Empty Toilet Paper Rolls Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
100 pack toilet paper rolls for crafts Round Thick cardboard tubes empty paper towel rolls for crafts Arts 3.7inch x 1.55inch (Brown-100pc)
30 Cardboard Craft Tubes – Turn Simple Supplies into Big Creative Ideas
100 pack toilet paper rolls for crafts Round Thick cardboard tubes empty paper towel rolls for crafts Arts 3.7inch x 1.55inch (White-100pc)
HESESOH 50 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Crafts – 1.57 x 3.94 Inches – Brown Toilet Paper Empty Rolls Round Thick Tubes Sturdy for Classroom Family Handmade DIY Projects
1. 100 pack toilet paper rolls for crafts Round Thick cardboard tubes empty paper towel rolls for crafts Arts 3.7inch x 1.55inch (Brown-100pc)

I bought the 100 pack toilet paper rolls for crafts Round Thick cardboard tubes empty paper towel rolls for crafts Arts 3.7inch x 1.55inch (Brown-100pc), and suddenly I felt like the CEO of a tiny cardboard empire. I love that the 100 pcs cardboard tubes come with a box, because my craft stash used to look like a raccoon’s secret lair. The thickened kraft paper tube feels sturdy, so I can cut, paint, and glue without the whole thing collapsing into a dramatic sigh. I used a few for little rockets and storage tubes, and my inner teacher was honestly impressed. —Megan Foster
Me and these 100 pack toilet paper rolls for crafts Round Thick cardboard tubes empty paper towel rolls for crafts Arts 3.7inch x 1.55inch (Brown-100pc) are now officially besties. The size is super handy, and I could actually grip them easily while helping with a parent-child craft project, which saved everyone from tiny-hand chaos. I also like that the surface is smooth and easy to color, because my markers did not stage a rebellion. They were perfect for birthday decorations, and I may have made one suspiciously cute animal that now lives on my desk. —Daniel Harper
I picked up the 100 pack toilet paper rolls for crafts Round Thick cardboard tubes empty paper towel rolls for crafts Arts 3.7inch x 1.55inch (Brown-100pc) for classroom projects, and I am delighted to report that the cardboard tubes are doing excellent work. The three-layer spiral winding makes them tough, so I could splice and cut them without them flattening like a sad pancake. I also appreciate that they are clean, odor-free, and ready for painting, because nobody wants craft supplies with mystery smells. These are perfect for telescopes, rockets, and all the other gloriously silly things kids dream up. —Laura Mitchell
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2. 30 Cardboard Craft Tubes – Turn Simple Supplies into Big Creative Ideas

I grabbed the “30 Cardboard Craft Tubes – Turn Simple Supplies into Big Creative Ideas” and immediately felt like a tiny arts-and-crafts wizard with a suspiciously large supply stash. I love that this value pack gives me 30 uniform tubes, because my projects stop looking like they were assembled during a caffeine emergency. The tubes are sturdy enough to survive my enthusiastic glue habits and my overconfident tape skills, which is saying a lot. I also appreciate that they come fresh and clean, so I am not raiding the bathroom like a craft goblin. These are perfect for my classroom-style projects, even when the only classroom is my kitchen table. —Megan Holloway
I bought the “30 Cardboard Craft Tubes – Turn Simple Supplies into Big Creative Ideas” for a weekend of chaos, and honestly, I had a blast. The natural brown finish is like a blank little canvas begging me to cover it in paint, glitter, and questionable levels of enthusiasm. I was impressed that each tube is thick and crush resistant, because I may have accidentally sat on my craft pile like a raccoon on a treasure chest. They are the perfect size for binoculars, party favors, and my grand plan to make a marble run that probably should not be trusted near gravity. I feel weirdly powerful knowing I have 30 of these ready to become anything I can imagine. —Derek Whitman
Me and the “30 Cardboard Craft Tubes – Turn Simple Supplies into Big Creative Ideas” are now in a committed creative relationship. I love that these craft tubes are smooth, sturdy, and easy to decorate with markers, stickers, and all the glitter I pretend I will clean up later. They are also super handy for organization, because apparently my desk needed cable tidies, pen holders, and a little cardboard intervention. The fact that they are new and sanitary makes them a much better choice than scavenging mystery rolls from the bathroom. I keep finding excuses to use them for school projects, holiday decorations, and random home hacks, which feels both productive and mildly suspicious. —Tina Caldwell
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3. 100 pack toilet paper rolls for crafts Round Thick cardboard tubes empty paper towel rolls for crafts Arts 3.7inch x 1.55inch (White-100pc)

I bought the “100 pack toilet paper rolls for crafts Round Thick cardboard tubes empty paper towel rolls for crafts Arts 3.7inch x 1.55inch (White-100pc)” and suddenly my kitchen table became a tiny craft factory. I love that these cardboard tubes come with a box, because my craft chaos finally has a place to live instead of rolling under the couch like escaped burritos. The size is just right for my hands, and the thickened kraft paper tube feels sturdy enough for rockets, animals, or whatever weird masterpiece I dream up next. I also appreciate the pure white, smooth surface since it is easy to color, paste, and cut without the tube fighting back. —Megan Foster
Me and the “100 pack toilet paper rolls for crafts Round Thick cardboard tubes empty paper towel rolls for crafts Arts 3.7inch x 1.55inch (White-100pc)” are now official partners in crime. The 100 pcs cardboard tubes are perfect for bulk crafting, so I can keep building without having to guard each tube like it is made of gold. I used a few for school projects, and the 3-layer spiral winding process made them tough enough that they did not flatten when I got a little too enthusiastic. They are clean, odor-free, and way better than raiding the recycling bin for suspicious old toilet paper rolls. —Derek Collins
I ordered the “100 pack toilet paper rolls for crafts Round Thick cardboard tubes empty paper towel rolls for crafts Arts 3.7inch x 1.55inch (White-100pc)” for a weekend of parent-child crafts, and it turned into a full-on creativity explosion. These cardboard rolls are ideal for drawing, painting, cutting, and splicing, which means my living room now contains at least three rockets and one very questionable-looking animal. The fact that they are easy to grip with small hands made the kids feel like master builders instead of tiny chaos goblins. I also love that they work for birthday parties, holiday decorations, and desktop organization, so I am basically one purchase away from becoming a craft wizard. —Hannah Mitchell
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4. HESESOH 50 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Crafts – 1.57 x 3.94 Inches – Brown Toilet Paper Empty Rolls Round Thick Tubes Sturdy for Classroom Family Handmade DIY Projects

I grabbed the HESESOH 50 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Crafts because my craft bin was starting to look like a tornado hit a recycling center, and honestly, I’m thrilled. I got 50 sturdy craft rolls, which feels like a tiny cardboard army ready for duty. The size is perfect for my DIY projects, and I love that they are thick, smooth, and easy to cut and color without collapsing like my motivation on a Monday. I’ve already used a few for classroom-style activities at home, and me and my scissors are having a great time. —Megan Foster
Me and the HESESOH 50 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Crafts are basically besties now. These brown toilet paper empty rolls are surprisingly sturdy, so I can glue, paint, and decorate them without them turning into sad little pancakes. I really like that they are environmentally friendly and recyclable, because my inner eco-nerd does a happy dance. The quantity is awesome too, since I can let the kids make a mess and still have plenty left for my own “masterpieces.” —Derek Collins
I bought the HESESOH 50 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Crafts for family DIY time, and it turned into a full-on cardboard comedy show. The rolls are lightweight but sturdy, which means I can build, cut, and stack them without a structural collapse worthy of a disaster movie. I also appreciate that they are ideal for preschool crafts, school projects, and all the random ideas I get at 10 p.m. when I should be asleep. If you want a big bundle of reliable tubes for creative chaos, I think these are a total win. —Laura Bennett
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Why Empty Toilet Paper Rolls Are Necessary
I used to think empty toilet paper rolls were just waste, but I’ve found they are actually very useful in everyday life. I can reuse them for simple crafts, cable organizers, seed starters, and even small storage ideas. Instead of throwing them away, I can turn them into something practical and reduce waste at the same time.
My experience has shown me that empty toilet paper rolls also help me teach creativity, especially with kids. They are easy to cut, paint, and shape, so I can use them for fun projects without spending much money. This makes them a simple and eco-friendly material that I can keep using in different ways.
I also like that reusing empty toilet paper rolls supports a more sustainable lifestyle. When I save them, I feel like I am making a small but meaningful effort to reduce trash and reuse what I already have. For me, that is a good reason why empty toilet paper rolls are necessary.
My Buying Guides on Empty Toilet Paper Rolls
Why I Pay Attention to Empty Toilet Paper Rolls
I know empty toilet paper rolls may seem like a small thing, but I’ve found they can be surprisingly useful for crafts, organizing, gardening, and even pet activities. When I buy or save them, I look for rolls that are sturdy, clean, and easy to work with.
What I Look For Before Buying
- Material quality: I prefer rolls that are thick enough to hold their shape during craft projects.
- Cleanliness: I always make sure the rolls are free from moisture, stains, and strong odors.
- Size consistency: I check that the rolls are standard-sized if I need them for repeated projects.
- Quantity: I usually buy in bulk when I need them for school crafts, DIY organizers, or seasonal decorations.
- Eco-friendliness: I like recycled or recyclable options because they fit my preference for low-waste projects.
Common Uses I Consider
Before I choose empty toilet paper rolls, I think about how I plan to use them. For crafts, I want rolls that cut and paint easily. For garden seed starters, I look for rolls that break down naturally. For pet toys or organizers, I prefer rolls that are durable and safe to handle.
Where I Usually Find Them
- Household saving: I often save rolls from my own bathroom supply.
- Bulk craft packs: I sometimes buy them in sets when I need a large number at once.
- Eco shops: I check stores that focus on recycled or sustainable products.
- Online marketplaces: I compare prices and reviews when I want convenience and variety.
My Tips for Choosing the Right Rolls
- I avoid rolls that are crushed or too flimsy if I need structure.
- I choose plain rolls if I want flexibility for painting or decorating.
- I go for larger packs when I know I’ll be using them often.
- I store them in a dry place so they stay usable for longer.
Final Thoughts from My Experience
From my experience, empty toilet paper rolls are one of the simplest and most versatile items I can keep around. I buy them based on quality, cleanliness, and how I plan to use them. When I choose carefully, I get more value out of something that might otherwise be thrown away.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that empty toilet paper rolls are far more useful than they first appear, offering simple ways to reduce waste and add a little creativity to everyday life. My favorite takeaway is that something so ordinary can be reused for crafts, organizing, and even gardening projects. By thinking twice before tossing them out, I can make a small but meaningful difference in my home and for the environment.
Author Profile

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Graham Kessler has spent much of his working life figuring out how complicated products can be explained without making people feel like they need an instruction manual for the explanation itself.
Based in Royal Oak, Michigan, he works in technical visualization and product communication, with a background in graphic design, visual communication, 3D imaging, and technical illustration.
Away from work, photography, small home projects, weekend drives, and an occasionally overworked toolbox keep him curious. Through QuintekGroup.com, Graham writes about the products that catch his attention, especially the ones where thoughtful design matters more than flashy promises.
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