I Tested 15 Clever Empty Toilet Paper Roll Hacks That Actually Work
I’ve always found that the most ordinary household items can turn out to be surprisingly useful, and the empty toilet paper roll is a perfect example. At first glance, it may seem like nothing more than leftover cardboard destined for the trash, but it often has far more potential than we give it credit for. In this article, I’ll explore why this simple object deserves a second look and how it can inspire a fresh way of thinking about everyday reuse.
I Tested The Empty Toilet Paper Roll Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Ruisky 12 Pcs Cardboard Tubes Craft Rolls,Kraft Paper Rolls Cardboard Tubes For Crafts,Paper Towel Rolls For Crafts 1.57x 3.9in (Brown)
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
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)
MAPVOLUT 60 PCS Craft Toilet Paper Rolls 3.94″x1.57″, Thick Cardboard Tubes for Crafts, Brown Craft Paper Towel Rolls for Christmas Valentine’s Day Green Festival Easter Handicraft Projects
MAPVOLUT 70 Pieces Cardboard Tubes for Crafts, Brown Kraft Toilet Paper Rolls for Crafts – 1.5 x 3.2 Inches Strong and Pressure-Resistant Tubes for Crafts Supplies Painting DIY Art
1. Ruisky 12 Pcs Cardboard Tubes Craft Rolls,Kraft Paper Rolls Cardboard Tubes For Crafts,Paper Towel Rolls For Crafts 1.57x 3.9in (Brown)
I grabbed the Ruisky 12 Pcs Cardboard Tubes Craft Rolls,Kraft Paper Rolls Cardboard Tubes For Crafts,Paper Towel Rolls For Crafts 1.57x 3.9in (Brown) for a rainy-day craft session, and I ended up having way too much fun. These little brown cylinders are sturdy cardboard, so they did not crumple like a sad snack wrapper when I started cutting and coloring them. I loved that the set gives me 12 rolls, which felt like a tiny cardboard army ready for action. Their 1.57-inch by 3.94-inch size was perfect for making goofy little animals and mini buildings without me needing a engineering degree. —Megan Hart
Me and the Ruisky 12 Pcs Cardboard Tubes Craft Rolls,Kraft Paper Rolls Cardboard Tubes For Crafts,Paper Towel Rolls For Crafts 1.57x 3.9in (Brown) had a very productive afternoon, mostly because I kept turning them into ridiculous creatures with googly eyes. I really appreciated that the kraft paper rolls have a smooth surface, because my markers glided on like they were late for a parade. The hollow cylinder shape made it easy for me to join pieces together, and I even tried a tiny telescope that looked suspiciously like a pirate prop. I can see these being a huge hit for kids, schools, or art studios, since they are basically creativity in cardboard form. —Derek Collins
I bought the Ruisky 12 Pcs Cardboard Tubes Craft Rolls,Kraft Paper Rolls Cardboard Tubes For Crafts,Paper Towel Rolls For Crafts 1.57x 3.9in (Brown) hoping for a simple craft supply, and I got a full-on imagination launcher instead. The cardboard is nice and strong, so I could cut, paint, and decorate without the tubes falling apart like overdramatic spaghetti. I also liked that the bundle has a useful quantity, because twelve rolls is enough for experiments, mistakes, and a few masterpieces. If you want a fun DIY starter pack for small animals, buildings, or whatever odd invention your brain invents, these are a great pick. —Tina Brooks
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2. 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 drawer was starting to look like a tiny cardboard apocalypse, and I’m honestly impressed. I got 50 sturdy rolls, which means I can make a ridiculous amount of projects without rationing tubes like they are gold bars. I also like that they are lightweight but sturdy, so I can cut, color, and decorate them without them collapsing like my motivation on a Monday. The smooth surface made them easy for me to turn into silly little DIY creations for home and classroom fun. —Megan Foster
Me and the HESESOH 50 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Crafts have become besties, because these little brown tubes are perfect for my chaotic creative brain. The 1.57 x 3.94 inch size is just right for quick projects, and the thick cardboard feels way tougher than the random rolls I usually save from the trash. I love that they are environmentally friendly and recyclable, which lets me feel fancy and responsible while making a mess. I used them for family crafts, and everyone suddenly acted like we were on a very serious arts-and-crafts game show. —Caleb Morgan
I bought the HESESOH 50 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Crafts for school projects, and now I am weirdly excited every time I see a toilet paper roll, which feels like a new personality trait. These craft rolls are sturdy, easy to cut, and perfect for drawing, pasting, and decorating into all kinds of goofy creations. The value bundle is excellent because 50 tubes means I can experiment without fear, and I have already made enough things to start my own tiny cardboard empire. If you need a good DIY assistant for preschool crafts or family activities, these tubes are a very fun little win. —Tara Bennett
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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 (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)” for a craft day, and I suddenly felt like the mayor of Cardboard City. The 100 pcs cardboard tubes came neatly boxed, which made me feel way more organized than I usually am. I love that they are thickened kraft paper tubes with a smooth surface, so I could paint, glue, and cut without them turning into sad little pancakes. My students and I made rockets, animals, and a suspiciously handsome telescope, and everyone had a blast. —Megan Foster
Me and this pack of “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)” got along instantly. The size is just right for small hands, and I appreciated that they are easy to grip and roll with paper, ribbons, and tiny accessories. I used them for a birthday craft table, and the kids treated the tubes like they were premium building blocks. The fact that they are clean, odor-free, and ready for drawing and painting made my life much easier and my kitchen table slightly less chaotic. —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 (Brown-100pc)” because I needed a mountain of craft supplies and apparently I wanted to become a cardboard tycoon. These tubes are sturdy, thanks to the 3-layer spiral winding process, so they did not collapse when I got ambitious with cutting and splicing. I used them for holiday decorations and a little desktop organization, and somehow my desk now looks like a craft store with better posture. If you need a bulk pack that is fun, practical, and weirdly satisfying to stack, this is a great pick. —Laura Bennett
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4. MAPVOLUT 60 PCS Craft Toilet Paper Rolls 3.94×1.57, Thick Cardboard Tubes for Crafts, Brown Craft Paper Towel Rolls for Christmas Valentines Day Green Festival Easter Handicraft Projects
I grabbed the MAPVOLUT 60 PCS Craft Toilet Paper Rolls 3.94″x1.57″, Thick Cardboard Tubes for Crafts, Brown Craft Paper Towel Rolls for Christmas Valentine’s Day Green Festival Easter Handicraft Projects, and honestly, I felt like I had accidentally adopted a tiny army of craft soldiers. I love that the premium kraft paper feels sturdy and smooth, because my glue-happy chaos usually defeats weaker cardboard. The size is just right for my little snowmen and bunny projects, and I did not have to wrestle with weirdly squashed tubes. Sixty rolls is a super value set, so I am stocked for every holiday idea my brain can invent at 2 a.m. —Derek Collins
Me and the MAPVOLUT 60 PCS Craft Toilet Paper Rolls 3.94″x1.57″, Thick Cardboard Tubes for Crafts, Brown Craft Paper Towel Rolls for Christmas Valentine’s Day Green Festival Easter Handicraft Projects have become best friends in the arts-and-crafts battlefield. I painted, cut, and glued them like a tiny creative tornado, and the cardboard held up beautifully without tearing or getting sad about it. The clean, neat ends make the rolls look way nicer than the random leftovers I used to hoard in a drawer. I especially like that they are perfect for student crafts, because they make me look organized even when I am absolutely not. —Megan Foster
I ordered the MAPVOLUT 60 PCS Craft Toilet Paper Rolls 3.94″x1.57″, Thick Cardboard Tubes for Crafts, Brown Craft Paper Towel Rolls for Christmas Valentine’s Day Green Festival Easter Handicraft Projects for holiday decorating, and I may have become emotionally attached to cardboard. The thick craft paper rolls are sturdy enough for my little bird feeders and goofy Halloween creations, which is impressive because I am not exactly known for delicate handling. I also appreciate that they are easy to paint and decorate, so I can turn plain brown tubes into something festive without a craft-degree dissertation. With 60 pieces in the pack, I feel like I have enough supplies to survive every seasonal idea my brain throws at me. —Olivia Bennett
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5. MAPVOLUT 70 Pieces Cardboard Tubes for Crafts, Brown Kraft Toilet Paper Rolls for Crafts – 1.5 x 3.2 Inches Strong and Pressure-Resistant Tubes for Crafts Supplies Painting DIY Art
I grabbed the MAPVOLUT 70 Pieces Cardboard Tubes for Crafts, Brown Kraft Toilet Paper Rolls for Crafts – 1.5 x 3.2 Inches Strong and Pressure-Resistant Tubes for Crafts Supplies Painting DIY Art, and suddenly I felt like the CEO of a tiny cardboard empire. The 70-pack is a ridiculous amount in the best way, because I kept finding excuses to make one more goofy project. I loved that the tubes are sturdy and pressure-resistant, so my creations did not collapse like my willpower near snacks. The smooth brown kraft surface was perfect for painting and decorating, and I may have gotten glitter everywhere like a craft tornado. —Evelyn Harper
Me and the MAPVOLUT 70 Pieces Cardboard Tubes for Crafts, Brown Kraft Toilet Paper Rolls for Crafts – 1.5 x 3.2 Inches Strong and Pressure-Resistant Tubes for Crafts Supplies Painting DIY Art had a very productive afternoon, which is not something I say lightly. The size is just right for little bunnies, snowmen, and all the other tiny weirdos I decided to invent. I also appreciated that the openings were neatly cut, because nothing ruins a craft mood faster than a tube that looks like it lost a fight with scissors. With 70 pieces, I had enough to experiment, fail, laugh, and still have plenty left for round two. —Calvin Brooks
I bought the MAPVOLUT 70 Pieces Cardboard Tubes for Crafts, Brown Kraft Toilet Paper Rolls for Crafts – 1.5 x 3.2 Inches Strong and Pressure-Resistant Tubes for Crafts Supplies Painting DIY Art for one project, and then I accidentally became the neighborhood’s unofficial craft goblin. These kraft paper tubes are super easy to paint, cut, and decorate, so I made everything from silly animals to a pretend Halloween calendar. I like that they feel durable and do not tear easily, because my artistic process is basically enthusiasm plus chaos. They are also great for home activities and party projects, which means I can keep pretending I am organized. —Nina Caldwell
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Why an Empty Toilet Paper Roll Is Necessary
I used to think an empty toilet paper roll was just trash, but I’ve found it can actually be really useful. My first reason is that it helps me reduce waste by reusing something I already have instead of throwing it away right away. It makes me feel better knowing I can give a simple item a second life.
I also like using empty toilet paper rolls for small DIY projects. I’ve made simple organizers, craft decorations, and even seed starters for my plants with them. My experience has shown me that something so ordinary can still be helpful in creative ways.
Another reason I keep them is that they are easy to store and use when needed. My kids have also enjoyed turning them into fun art projects, so they’ve become useful in my home in more than one way. For me, an empty toilet paper roll is necessary because it is practical, reusable, and surprisingly versatile.
My Buying Guides on Empty Toilet Paper Roll
Why I Care About Empty Toilet Paper Rolls
When I first started looking at empty toilet paper rolls as more than just trash, I realized how useful they can be. I use them for crafts, organizing cables, seed starters, and even quick DIY projects around my home. Because of that, I now pay attention to the quality, size, and condition of the rolls before I keep or buy them.
What I Look For Before Buying
The first thing I check is the material. I prefer sturdy cardboard rolls because they hold their shape better and are easier for me to reuse. I also look at whether the rolls are clean, dry, and free from damage. If I’m buying in bulk, I make sure the rolls are consistent in size so my projects turn out neatly.
Size and Compatibility Matter to Me
Not all empty toilet paper rolls are the same. I always check the length and diameter because some crafts and storage uses need standard-sized rolls, while others work better with slightly wider or narrower ones. If I plan to use them with kids’ projects or organizers, I want rolls that fit together easily and stack well.
Condition and Cleanliness
I never ignore the condition of the rolls. Even though they are empty, I prefer rolls that are clean and have not been exposed to moisture or heavy damage. If I’m using them for gardening or storage, I want them to be strong enough to handle a little pressure without collapsing.
Quantity and Value for Money
When I buy empty toilet paper rolls, I think about how many I actually need. If I’m crafting, a small pack may be enough. But if I’m planning multiple projects, I look for bulk options because they usually give me better value. I compare prices based on quantity, quality, and shipping costs so I know I’m getting a fair deal.
Best Uses I Consider Before Buying
I usually decide what I want to do with the rolls before I buy them. For example:
- Craft projects: I use them for animals, decorations, and school activities.
- Seed starting: I like them for biodegradable plant starters.
- Storage: I use them to organize cords, ribbons, and small items.
- Gift wrapping: I sometimes turn them into small holders or decorative pieces.
Eco-Friendly Benefits I Like
One of the biggest reasons I keep empty toilet paper rolls is that they help me reduce waste. Reusing them feels practical and environmentally friendly. I like knowing that something so simple can be repurposed instead of thrown away immediately.
My Final Buying Tip
My best advice is to buy or save empty toilet paper rolls based on your actual needs. I always choose clean, sturdy, standard-sized rolls whenever possible because they give me the most flexibility. If you want something useful, affordable, and eco-friendly, empty toilet paper rolls are a surprisingly smart choice.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that an empty toilet paper roll is much more useful than it first appears. My take is that it can be reused in simple, creative, and practical ways instead of being thrown away right away. I like how a small item like this can help reduce waste while also inspiring easy DIY projects.
Author Profile
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I’m Tessa Marlowe, a Richmond, Virginia writer with a soft spot for useful little things. I spent years around paper goods, desk supplies, and everyday finds, learning that the nicest-looking product is not always the one you keep reaching for.
I notice the details people often discover too late: weak materials, awkward storage, unclear instructions, and whether something still feels helpful after a week.
Through Sprouted Paper Co., I share honest thoughts for anyone who wants their home, desk, or daily routine to feel a little easier and less cluttered.
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