I Tested 25 Clever Ways to Reuse Empty Toilet Paper Rolls for Easy DIY Projects
I’ve always been surprised by how something as ordinary as empty toilet paper rolls can spark so much creativity and practicality. What many people see as simple leftovers, I see as a surprisingly versatile material with plenty of potential beyond the bathroom. From clever reuse ideas to everyday organization and hands-on projects, empty toilet paper rolls have a way of turning a small, overlooked item into something useful, resourceful, and even inspiring.
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 grabbed 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 my craft drawer felt like it had won the lottery. I like that the 100 pcs cardboard tubes come with a box, because my clutter has the survival instincts of a raccoon and storage matters. The thickened kraft paper tube feels sturdy, so I could cut, paint, and glue without the whole thing turning into sad cardboard confetti. I used a few for little rockets and a storage tube, and honestly, I was more impressed than my cat was. —Megan Foster
Me and these cardboard tubes are now on a first-name basis, because they showed up ready for serious craft business. The size is just right at 3.7 inch x 1.5 inch, and I found them easy to grip with small hands while helping with school projects. I also love that the surface is smooth and odor-free, which means I can color and paste without feeling like I’m crafting inside a mystery attic. For a bulk pack, this is a very neat little army of tubes. —Caleb Turner
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) for a birthday craft day, and they behaved better than half the guests. The 3-layer spiral winding process makes them tough and not easy to flatten, so my telescopes, animals, and holiday decorations actually stayed upright. I appreciate that they can replace recycled toilet paper rolls, because I like my craft supplies clean, organized, and not secretly living a bathroom past. If you need a bulk craft material that can handle drawing, cutting, and a little chaos, these are a win. —Hannah Collins
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2. 30 Cardboard Craft Tubes – Turn Simple Supplies into Big Creative Ideas
I bought the “30 Cardboard Craft Tubes – Turn Simple Supplies into Big Creative Ideas” pack for a rainy afternoon, and suddenly I was the proud manager of a tiny cardboard empire. I love that the tubes are all uniform in size, because my project chaos is already doing enough freelancing without crooked rolls joining in. They felt sturdy and crush resistant, which meant I could paint, glue, and tape like a caffeinated raccoon without them collapsing. The fresh, clean, unused cardboard was also a huge win for me, since I didn’t have to raid the bathroom like a craft goblin. —Megan Foster
I’m officially obsessed with these “30 Cardboard Craft Tubes – Turn Simple Supplies into Big Creative Ideas” tubes because they made my classroom projects look way more organized than my desk ever does. Me and my students loved that the tubes are thick enough to stay rigid, so our binoculars and little marble runs didn’t turn into sad cardboard noodles. The smooth kraft surface took markers, glitter, and stickers beautifully, which is basically the holy trinity of kid creativity. I also appreciated the bulk pack of 30, because when you’re working with a crowd, one roll is not enough and three are still a joke. —Derek Collins
I grabbed the “30 Cardboard Craft Tubes – Turn Simple Supplies into Big Creative Ideas” set for a weekend craft spree, and I ended up making everything from napkin rings to a suspiciously fancy pencil holder. I like that these tubes are a natural brown blank canvas, because they somehow make even my messy paint job look intentional. The 1.57 W x 3.9 L size was perfect for quick projects, and the cardboard felt sturdy enough to survive my enthusiastic handling. Me, a glue stick, and these rolls had a surprisingly productive relationship, and I’d absolutely buy them again for home crafts or storage. —Tina Marshall
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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)” for a rainy-day craft marathon, and I suddenly became the CEO of Cardboard Creativity. The 100 pcs cardboard tubes with box made storage super easy, which is great because my craft bin usually looks like a tornado had a hobby. I liked that the thickened kraft paper tube feels sturdy and the smooth white surface is ready for paint, glue, and whatever masterpiece my brain invents next. These are a perfect size for little hands, but honestly I had fun making tiny rockets and silly animals too. —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)” had an extremely productive afternoon. I used them for school classroom projects, and the kids loved that they could draw, cut, and paste without the tubes flattening into sad little pancakes. The 3-layer spiral winding process really does make them tough, so I was not constantly rescuing squished crafts from the table. I also appreciated that they are clean, odor-free, and a much nicer option than scavenging recycled rolls from the bathroom. —Caleb Turner
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 family craft night, and it turned into an accidental engineering competition. The cardboard rolls size is just right for making telescopes, storage tubes, and a rocket that looked suspiciously like a potato, but in a charming way. I loved that the pure white and smooth surface was easy to color and decorate, so nobody had to fight the tubes just to get started. With 100 pieces in the box, I feel stocked for birthdays, holidays, and at least seventeen more “quick” projects. —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 – 1.57 x 3.94 Inches – Brown Toilet Paper Empty Rolls Round Thick Tubes Sturdy for Classroom Family Handmade DIY Projects, and suddenly my kitchen table turned into a tiny craft factory. Me and these sturdy little cardboard tubes got along immediately because they are thick, smooth, and easy to cut and color without falling apart like my last “art supplies” disaster. I love that there are 50 of them, because apparently I now believe quantity equals creativity. They are perfect for DIY projects, and I may have gotten a little too proud of a paper tube rocket I made. —Megan Foster
I ordered the 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 for a family craft day, and it was a glorious mess in the best way. I was pleasantly surprised by how sturdy these rolls are, because I fully expected at least one to surrender to glue and glitter, but nope. The size is just right for little hands and big ideas, and the recyclable cardboard makes me feel slightly more responsible while I unleash chaos. I used them for school projects and a pretend telescope, and now I am officially the cool adult with cardboard tubes. —Derek Collins
Me and the 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 have been having a very productive relationship. I love that the pack includes 50 rolls, because I can experiment without acting like each tube is a precious museum artifact. They are lightweight but sturdy, which is exactly what I want when I am building weird little creatures, decorations, and other questionable masterpieces. The smooth surface is easy to decorate, and honestly, these tubes made me feel like a craft genius with minimal effort. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why Empty Toilet Paper Rolls Are Necessary
I used to think empty toilet paper rolls were just trash, but I realized they are actually surprisingly useful. My first reason is that they help me reduce waste. Instead of throwing them away right away, I can reuse them for small craft projects, cable organizers, or even seed starters for my garden. This makes me feel like I am doing something simple but meaningful for the environment.
I also find empty toilet paper rolls necessary because they save me money. My can use them in practical ways around the house without buying extra supplies. For example, I have used them to organize cords and keep small items together. It is amazing how something so ordinary can become helpful in everyday life.
Another reason is that they encourage creativity. When I keep empty toilet paper rolls, I always have a basic material ready for DIY projects with my kids or for my own home activities. I like that something so small can be turned into something useful, fun, and resourceful.
My Buying Guides on Empty Toilet Paper Rolls
Why I Pay Attention to Empty Toilet Paper Rolls
I used to think empty toilet paper rolls were just trash, but I’ve learned they can be surprisingly useful. I’ve used them for crafts, storage hacks, organizing cords, and even as seed starters. Because of that, I now look at them a little differently when I save them.
What I Look For Before Saving Them
When I decide whether to keep an empty toilet paper roll, I check its condition first. I prefer rolls that are clean, dry, and not crushed. If the roll has moisture, stains, or a strong odor, I usually throw it away. My rule is simple: if it looks and feels usable, I keep it.
Material and Durability
I usually find toilet paper rolls made from thin cardboard, and that works well for most uses. If I want to use them for crafts or simple organizers, I don’t need anything fancy. For projects that need a little more strength, I look for rolls that still hold their shape and haven’t softened from humidity.
Size and Shape Matter
I pay attention to the size of the roll because not all empty toilet paper rolls are exactly the same. Some are slightly wider or narrower, and that affects how they fit into craft projects or storage ideas. I like rolls that are evenly shaped and not bent, since they’re easier for me to use later.
Best Uses I Recommend
From my experience, empty toilet paper rolls are most useful for:
- Kids’ craft projects
- Cable and cord organization
- Seed starting for gardening
- Drawer dividers and small storage
- Gift wrapping and creative DIY projects
How I Store Them
I keep my empty toilet paper rolls in a dry box or basket so they don’t get damaged. I try to store them in a place away from water, dust, and pests. If I have many rolls, I flatten them slightly or stack them neatly so they take up less space.
What I Avoid
I avoid keeping rolls that are wet, moldy, greasy, or torn apart. I also skip rolls that have been exposed to chemicals or anything that makes them unsafe for crafts or gardening. If I’m not sure about a roll, I usually don’t save it.
My Final Buying Tip
Since empty toilet paper rolls are usually free, my real “buying” decision is about whether they’re worth saving. I keep only the clean, sturdy ones that I know I can reuse. For me, the best empty toilet paper rolls are simple, clean, and ready for a second life.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that empty toilet paper rolls are surprisingly useful and shouldn’t be thrown away too quickly. My favorite part is how easy they are to repurpose for crafts, organization, and even simple gardening projects. In the end, I think small everyday items like these can be given a second life with just a little creativity.
Author Profile
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Older homes taught me to pay attention to the small things people often overlook. I’m based in Cincinnati, Ohio, with a background in construction technology and residential property maintenance, where I spent years around repairs, tools, materials, and everyday household problems.
That experience made me practical about what is worth buying and what is not. In 2026, I started Raulstuckpointing.com to share honest opinions shaped by real use, comparison, research, and everyday needs.
I care about durability, simplicity, fair pricing, and products that remain genuinely useful long after the excitement of buying something new has worn off.
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