Toilet paper rolls are a perfect medium to allow imagination to go wild. These easy toilet paper roll crafts make recycling a pure delight, and the sky’s the limit for children to use their creativity while creating adorable animal friends.
1. Colorful Butterfly
Materials:
- 1 toilet paper roll
- Colorful tissue paper or crepe paper
- Pipe cleaners (2)
- Markers or crayons
- Glue stick
- Scissors
- Googly eyes (optional)
Instructions:
- Cut the toilet paper roll in half lengthwise to create the butterfly’s body
- Have your child color or decorate the roll with markers
- Cut tissue paper into wing shapes (about 4 pieces)
- Scrunch the tissue paper wings and glue them to the inside back of the roll
- Twist pipe cleaners into antennae and poke small holes to insert them
- Add googly eyes or draw them on
- Allow your butterfly to dry completely before playing
Butterflies represent growth, and this is one of the most meaningful toilet paper roll crafts for kids. Watching their creation come to life symbolizes the magic kids feel as they watch their own creative skills develop. Explore more butterfly crafts that will let your child’s imagination soar.
2. Friendly Owl
Materials:
- Empty toilet paper rolls (the only time hoarding them feels justified)
- Brown paint
- Construction paper scraps
- Googly eyes
- Feathers
- Glue
Instructions:
- Paint toilet paper roll brown
- Cut out wings and ears from paper
- Glue on eyes, beak, and wings
- Add feathers (warning: they will use ALL the feathers)
This is one of those toilet paper roll crafts for toddlers that just gets their imagination going. Owls are naturally fascinating to children, and creating their own wise friend gives them a sense of pride that lasts long after craft time. Find more easy bird crafts to try with your kids!
3. Roaring Lion
Materials:
- 1 toilet paper roll
- Yellow or orange paint
- Yellow/orange construction paper strips
- Brown marker
- Googly eyes
- Pink construction paper
- Glue stick
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Paint the toilet paper roll yellow or orange and let dry
- Cut construction paper into thin strips for the mane
- Glue the strips around one end of the roll, layering them
- Draw or glue on googly eyes
- Cut a small pink triangle for the nose
- Draw on a mouth and whiskers with brown marker
- Trim the mane strips to desired length
- Add roar sound effects for extra fun!
Lions are a symbol of strength and bravery, so this craft is perfect for building confidence. These easy toilet paper roll crafts give children a sense of creativity and bravery, especially when they get to try out their loudest lion roar. Find more zoo animal crafts for kids here.
4. Slithering Snake
Materials:
- 2-3 toilet paper rolls
- Green paint or markers
- Red construction paper
- Googly eyes
- Black marker
- Glue
- Scissors
- Hole punch
Instructions:
- Cut toilet paper rolls into rings (about 1 inch wide)
- Paint or color all rings green
- Once dry, punch holes on opposite sides of each ring
- Thread string or yarn through holes to connect rings
- For the head, keep one roll whole and paint it
- Add googly eyes and draw nostrils
- Cut a forked tongue from red paper and glue inside
- Attach the head to your snake body
Snakes are an unusual kids’ arts and crafts project, yet they are perfect for kids to learn about movement and flexibility. As this craft is also a toy, it gives children something to play with long after the glue dries.
5. Hopping Bunny
Materials:
- 1 toilet paper roll
- White or pink paint
- Pink construction paper
- Cotton balls
- Googly eyes
- Black marker
- Glue stick
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Paint the toilet paper roll white or light pink
- Cut two long ear shapes from pink construction paper
- Fold the bottom of each ear to create a tab for gluing
- Glue ears inside the top of the roll
- Add googly eyes about halfway down
- Draw a small pink nose and whiskers
- Glue cotton balls to the bottom for the tail
- Add pink inner ears for extra detail
This is one of the most popular toilet paper roll crafts for kids. The soft colors and textures make it a soothing craft activity that’s perfect for quiet afternoon craft sessions. Bunnies are among the favorites for Easter crafts.
6. Wise Elephant
Materials:
- 1 toilet paper roll
- Gray paint
- Gray construction paper
- Googly eyes
- White paper
- Black marker
- Glue stick
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Paint the toilet paper roll gray and let dry
- Cut a trunk shape from gray construction paper (long and curved)
- Cut two large ear shapes from gray paper
- Cut small white triangles for tusks
- Glue the trunk to the front bottom of the roll
- Attach ears to the sides
- Add googly eyes near the top
- Glue on tusks and draw a small smile
Elephants are a symbol of memory and wisdom, so this craft is not just fun but also learning. These children’s diy crafts always lead to talk of the different animals and where they live, making learning extend past the craft table.
7. Colorful Peacock
Materials:
- 1 toilet paper roll
- Blue or green paint
- Colorful feathers or paper strips
- Googly eyes
- Yellow construction paper
- Glue stick
- Scissors
- Glitter (optional)
Instructions:
- Paint the toilet paper roll blue or green for the body
- While drying, prepare colorful feathers or cut paper strips
- Cut a small triangle beak from yellow paper
- Glue feathers or paper strips to the back of the roll in a fan shape
- Add googly eyes to the front
- Attach the beak below the eyes
- Add glitter to feathers for extra sparkle
- Let everything dry before displaying
Peacocks bring natural beauty into these easy crafts for kids, introducing concepts about colors and patterns. The vibrant results make wonderful decorations and boost children’s pride in their artistic abilities.
8. Swimming Fish
Materials:
- 1 toilet paper roll
- Bright colored paint
- Construction paper (matching color)
- Googly eyes
- Aluminum foil
- Glue stick
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Paint the toilet paper roll in bright fish colors
- Cut triangle shapes for fins and tail from construction paper
- Cut scales from aluminum foil for shimmer
- Glue foil scales overlapping on the body
- Attach fins to sides and tail to back
- Add googly eyes near the front
- Draw a small mouth with marker
- Create an underwater scene with blue paper background
Sea animal crafts introduce children to ocean life while creating something beautiful. These simple children’s crafts can lead into discussions about the different sea animals and their habitats.
9. Tall Giraffe
Materials:
- 2 toilet paper rolls
- Yellow paint
- Brown marker
- Orange construction paper
- Googly eyes
- Glue
- Scissors
- Tape
Instructions:
- Paint both toilet paper rolls yellow and let dry
- Cut one roll in half for the head and neck
- Draw brown spots all over with marker
- Tape the half-roll to the full roll to create height
- Cut small horn shapes from orange paper
- Glue horns to the top of the head section
- Add googly eyes and draw a smile
- Stand your giraffe up proudly
Giraffes naturally fascinate children with their height and gentle nature. This craft teaches about proportions while creating one of the most impressive fun crafts for kids that really stands out.
10. Cute Penguin
Materials:
- 1 toilet paper roll
- Black and white paint
- Orange construction paper
- Googly eyes
- Cotton balls
- Glue stick
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Paint the back and sides of the roll black
- Paint the front white, creating a belly
- Let dry completely
- Cut small triangle feet and beak from orange paper
- Add googly eyes near the top
- Glue on the orange beak
- Attach feet to the bottom
- Add cotton balls around the base for snowy effect
Penguins are universally loved by children, making this one of the most requested kids crafts easy enough for various ages. The black and white contrast creates striking visual appeal.
11. Busy Bee
Materials:
- 1 toilet paper roll
- Yellow paint
- Black marker
- Clear plastic wrap or tissue paper
- Pipe cleaners
- Googly eyes
- Glue
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Paint the toilet paper roll bright yellow
- Once dry, draw black stripes around the body
- Cut wing shapes from clear plastic or tissue paper
- Glue wings to the back of the bee
- Add googly eyes to the front
- Twist pipe cleaners into antennae and insert at top
- Draw a small smile
- Make buzzing sounds during play
Bees teach children about nature and pollination while creating adorable hand crafts for kids. The buzzing sound effects add an interactive element that extends playtime. Make your kids happy with more bee crafts that will bring smiles to their faces!
12. Leaping Frog
Materials:
- 1 toilet paper roll
- Green paint
- Red construction paper
- Googly eyes
- Black marker
- Pink paper
- Glue stick
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Paint the toilet paper roll bright green
- While drying, cut a long tongue shape from red paper
- Cut lily pad shapes from green paper for decoration
- Add large googly eyes to the top
- Glue the red tongue hanging out of the “mouth”
- Draw nostrils and webbed feet details
- Create a pond scene with blue paper and lily pads
- Practice frog hops and sounds
Frogs represent transformation and are perfect for teaching children about life cycles. These kids arts and crafts activities often lead to nature walks and pond exploration.
13. Majestic Tiger
Materials:
- 1 toilet paper roll
- Orange paint
- Black marker
- White paper
- Pink construction paper
- Googly eyes
- Glue stick
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Paint the toilet paper roll bright orange
- Once dry, draw black stripes with marker
- Cut ear shapes from orange paper with pink centers
- Cut white paper for the muzzle area
- Glue white muzzle to front bottom
- Add googly eyes above the muzzle
- Glue on ears at the top
- Draw whiskers and a pink nose
Tigers captivate children with their strength and beauty, making this craft both educational and exciting. These diy crafts for kids easy enough for most ages help build fine motor skills.
14. Flying Bat
Materials:
- 1 toilet paper roll
- Black paint
- Black construction paper
- Googly eyes
- White marker
- Glue stick
- Scissors
- String (optional)
Instructions:
- Paint the toilet paper roll completely black
- Cut large wing shapes from black construction paper
- Make wing shapes look jagged for realistic effect
- Glue wings to the back sides of the roll
- Add googly eyes near the top
- Draw small white fangs with marker
- Add string to hang as decoration if desired
- Create spooky sound effects for play
Bats might seem odd for preschoolers, but they are actually very cool creatures. This craft dispels fears while creating beautiful simple arts and crafts for kids. It’s also a perfect addition to your kids’ Halloween craft collection!
15. Gentle Deer
Materials:
- 1 toilet paper roll
- Brown paint
- Brown construction paper
- White paper
- Googly eyes
- Black marker
- Glue stick
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Paint the toilet paper roll light brown
- Cut antler shapes from brown construction paper
- Cut small white spots from white paper
- Glue antlers inside the top of the roll
- Add googly eyes halfway down
- Glue white spots randomly on the body
- Draw a small black nose and mouth
- Add ear shapes to the sides
Deer represent gentleness and grace, and therefore, this craft is suitable for learning about woodland animals. These toilet paper roll crafts connect children with nature.
16. Cute Capybara
Materials:
- 1 toilet paper roll
- Brown construction paper or brown paint
- Scissors
- Glue
- Black marker
- Small scrap of brown paper (for ears)
Instructions
- Wrap or paint the toilet paper roll with brown construction paper or brown paint. Let dry if painted.
- Cut out two small ear shapes from brown paper.
- Glue the ears to the inside top edge of the toilet paper roll so they stick out slightly.
- Use a black marker to draw the capybara’s face:
- Let it dry completely if using marker or glue.
Capybaras are taking over as the cutest animal trend for kids worldwide! Their chill vibes and cute look make them instant favorites. Discover more capybara crafts your kids will love!
17. Happy Cow
Materials:
- Toilet paper roll
- White and black paint or construction paper
- Pink construction paper scrap for nose
- Two googly eyes
- Glue
- Black marker
- Two small pieces of black pipe cleaner for horns
Instructions:
- Paint the toilet paper roll white or cover with white paper
- Help your child add black spots
- Cut out two small triangles from black or white paper for ears
- Cut a small pink oval for the nose/muzzle
- Glue on the ears, nose, and googly eyes
- Use the marker to draw nostrils and a mouth
- Poke two small holes in the top of the roll and insert pieces of black pipe cleaner for horns
Cows are moo-ving into the spotlight as kid-favorite farm animals! Their gentle nature and sweet faces make them perfect for fun crafts. Discover more lovely farm animal crafts your kids will love!
18. Toilet Paper Roll Whale
Materials:
- Toilet paper roll
- Blue paint
- Paintbrush
- Construction paper (blue and white)
- Googly eyes
- Glue
- Scissors
- Markers
Instructions:
- Paint the toilet paper roll blue and let dry.
- Cut a large tail fin from blue construction paper.
- Cut a small spout shape from blue paper.
- Cut a small white shape for the belly.
- Glue the tail to one end of the roll.
- Glue the spout to the top of the roll near the opposite end.
- Glue the white belly piece to the bottom of the roll.
- Attach googly eyes.
- Draw details with markers.
They are the biggest animals on earth: Blue whales can be almost 100 feet long. Kids can learn a lot about sea life with these easy sea animal crafts.
19. Dog Pencil Holders
Materials:
- 1 toilet paper roll
- Colored paper or paint (any dog color you like)
- Black marker
- Felt or construction paper for ears and nose
- Googly eyes
- Glue
- Scissors
- Optional: black or pink paint for spots or decorations
Instructions:
- Cover the toilet paper roll with colored paper or paint. Let dry if painted.
- Cut out dog ears from felt or paper and glue them to the top sides of the roll.
- Glue on googly eyes near the top front.
- Cut a small oval nose from felt or paper and glue it below the eyes.
- Use a marker to draw the mouth and dot details around the nose.
- Decorate with spots or designs using paint or markers if desired.
- Fill with pencils or markers and enjoy your cute dog pencil holder!
Find more inspiration in this complete guide to dog crafts for kids!
20. Playful Cats
Materials:
- Empty toilet paper rolls
- Paint or colored paper
- Googly eyes (or draw them)
- Construction paper
- Glue
- Scissors
- Markers
Instructions:
- Cover the toilet paper roll with paint or colored paper
- Cut ears from construction paper and glue to the top
- Add googly eyes or draw them on
- Draw a nose, mouth, and whiskers
- Cut small strips of paper for the tail and glue to the back
Kids love cats, and they’ll love these easy cat crafts too!
Why These Crafts Matter
These toilet paper roll crafts for toddlers and older children offer much more than just fun things to do. They’re the pillars of creativity, problem-solving, and self-expression. Each craft teaches children that something ordinary can become extraordinary using a little imagination and hard work.
Most of the supplies probably already reside in your home, and the processes are simple enough that children can be the leaders while the adults provide subtle direction. If you’re looking for rainy day activities or ways of extending learning about animals, these exercises deliver fun and learning.
Remember, it’s not about perfection – but the joy of making something with your own hands. Each wobbly wing, wonky eye, and uneven stripe adds character and tells the story of a child’s developing skills and growing confidence. These moments of focused creativity are treasured moments that last long after the crafts themselves have wilted.
For more toilet paper roll crafts, explore our post on toilet paper roll farm animal crafts.
