I haven’t met any kid who doesn’t like playing with paper toilet tubes. My kids collect them by the dozen and even when they’re just plain and unadorned, they use them as blocks or telescopes or whatever they can imagine. Take the simple cardboard tube even further by re-purposing it into some pretty cool items. From colorful houses and flying carp, to pull pinatas and even a DIY loom (!) — you’ll never look at a toilet paper roll the same again with these 10 clever crafts.
Toilet Paper Tube Learning (via Thrive 360 Living) Five inventive games and activities are included in this fun tutorial — from color and number matching to bowling!
Toilet Tube Stamp (via Pretty Prudent) Shape a toilet tube into a cute stamp that even the youngest tots can get involved in for some stamping fun.
Toilet Tube Houses (via The Craft Train) Not only are these paper tube houses the tiniest and cutest abodes around, they’re also home to equally cute pom pom pets!
Toilet Tube Crown (via Zu Hause At Home) So darling for playing pretend fairy princess or queen, these paper crowns can be decorated with gems, stones or washi tape for multiple looks.
Japanese Flying Carp (via Squirrelly Minds) These flying carps are so beautiful and well done with colorful bits of tissue paper. Kids will have so much fun “flying” them through the air!
Toilet Tube Birdhouses (via Kifli es Levendula) How cute are these little owl birdhouses? Make a few and hang them up for a fun and whimsical mobile.
Paper Tube Mermaid (via Red Ted Art) This is so creative and stunning. This pretty mermaid is made from a paper tube, but I bet she’d look just as cute in miniature form with a smaller paper roll.
Butterfly Toilet Tubes (via Bo Bunny) Nothing says springtime cheer like these cute and colorful butterflies. They come with a free wing template to make your own.
DIY Toilet Tube Knitting Loom (via Hands Occupied) Now this is just too crazy cool. You don’t need much to teach your kids beginner knitting with this inventive paper tube loom made with popsicle sticks!
Toilet Tube Pull Pinatas (via Love + Cupcakes) These colorful pull pinatas are make cute individual favors or can be hung up together to make one large pinata for an all-hands pulling fest.
For more creative kids’ craft ideas, see:
10 Awesome Ways To Make An Airplane
12 Dazzling Flower Crafts
12 Egg-Citing Egg Carton Crafts
10 Creative Ways to Make a Puzzle
10 Delightful Clothespin Crafts
8 Creative Paint Chip Crafts
10 Clever Ways to Play with Paper Straws
10 Cheerful Butterfly Crafts
Agnes Hsu is a mom of three and has been inspiring parents and kids to get creative with easy activities and family friendly recipes for over 10 years. She shares her love for creative play and kids food to her 2MM+ followers online. Agnes' commitment to playful learning and kindness has not only raised funds for charity but also earned features in prestigious nationwide publications.