In our house it is a crime to throw away a toilet roll tube - it’s the legacy of being a teacher and needing 30 for my class on a regular basis! So, what to do with them? Why do I hold them so dear as an early years resource? They are so versatile! So simple and such a great stimulator for creativity and expression. Want to get started and need some ideas? Well, it’s funny you should ask…. Here are Blossom’s

10 Creative and Educational Things to Make with Toilet Roll Tubes!

If you’ve got a stash of empty toilet roll tubes sitting in your recycling bin, don’t throw them out just yet! These humble cardboard cylinders can become the foundation for endless hours of creative play and learning with your kids. Perfect for ages 4-10, these activities are simple, fun, and great for boosting imagination, fine motor skills, and problem-solving abilities.

Here are 10 fantastic things to make with toilet roll tubes:

1. Binoculars for Little Explorers

Transform two toilet roll tubes

into a pair of binoculars for your budding adventurer. Tape or glue the tubes together, decorate with paint or stickers, and attach a piece of string so they can wear it around their neck.

Perfect for a backyard safari or a scavenger hunt!

Learning Boost: Encourages imaginative play and observational skills.

2. Toilet Roll Rockets

Blast off into space by creating your own rocket! Cover a toilet roll tube with foil or colored paper, add fins and a cone-shaped nose, and draw some flames coming out of the bottom.

Learning Boost: Great for sparking conversations about space and science.

3. Pencil Holders

Let your child design a colorful pencil holder for their desk. Glue a card base on to help with stability (show your child how to cut flanges to help the glue to stick - it’s a skill they’ll use again and again!) Paint the tube, add decorations like buttons or pom-poms, pop it in pride of place!

Learning Boost: Encourages organization and fine motor skills.

4. Miniature Puppets

Fingers fit beautifully inside tubes, so they are ideal to turn into characters for a puppet show!

Paint them, add paper arms, yarn hair, and googly eyes. You can make animals, people, or even storybook characters. Make pointy ears by pushing each side of the top into the middle - ideal for making owls!

Learning Boost: Promotes storytelling, creativity, and communication skills.

5. Toilet Roll Marble Run

Cut toilet rolls into halves or quarters and stick them onto a large piece of cardboard or a wall (using removable tape) to create a marble run. Experiment with different angles and heights! Collect the tubes from cling film, foil, wrapping paper or even carpet to add to the marble run - you could even make a run for toy cars!

Learning Boost: Introduces kids to basic engineering concepts and problem-solving.

6. Butterfly Craft

Create beautiful butterflies by decorating the tube and attaching brightly colored wings made from paper or card. Add pipe cleaners for antennae, and your butterfly is ready to flutter around! You could look in a book or online for butterflies to try and make - even visiting the library for a butterfly book! Tie a string on and hang them from a branch in a vase. You can put sand or stones in the bottom to balance it and display in a place where all can see!

Learning Boost: Fosters creativity and an appreciation for nature.

7. Pirate Spyglass

For little swashbucklers, turn a single tube into a pirate spyglass. Wrap it in gold or black paper and let them explore the seven seas (or your living room).

**Learning Boost**: Fuels imaginative play and storytelling.

8. Monster Makers

Let your child’s imagination run wild by creating their own monster! Paint the tube, add googly eyes, paper horns, and pipe cleaner arms. Each monster can be as unique and silly as they like.

Learning Boost: Encourages creative thinking and self-expression.

9. Toilet Roll Castle

Build an entire castle using toilet rolls as turrets. Use a shoebox or cardboard for the base and decorate with paint and flags. Add knights, dragons, and royalty for endless adventures!

Learning Boost: Enhances imaginative play and spatial awareness.

10. DIY Bird Feeder

Spread peanut butter (or a nut-free alternative) onto a toilet roll tube and roll it in birdseed. Hang it from a tree using string, and watch the birds enjoy your child’s creation.

**Learning Boost**: Sparks interest in wildlife and fosters empathy for nature.

Why Toilet Roll Crafts Are Great for Kids

Not only are these crafts budget-friendly and environmentally friendly, but they also:

Encourage fine motor skill development through cutting, gluing, and decorating.
Spark creativity by turning everyday items into something magical.
Teach problem-solving and engineering concepts in a hands-on way.
Provide an opportunity for parent-child bonding through fun activities.

Let’s Get Crafting!

These 10 ideas are just the beginning of what you can do with toilet roll tubes. The next time you’re about to toss one in the recycling bin, think of the adventures and learning opportunities it could spark instead.

What’s your favorite toilet roll craft? Share your creations with us—we’d love to see your masterpieces! Tag us on instagram and get entered for our monthly prize draw!

Ten Fun Things to do With Toilet Roll Tubes!