I Tested 15 Creative Empty Paper Towel Roll Ideas That Actually Work
I’ve always been surprised by how something as ordinary as an empty paper towel roll can quietly slip from the kitchen counter into so many different parts of daily life. At first glance, it seems like nothing more than leftover cardboard, but it often turns out to be a surprisingly useful, versatile, and even creative little object. Whether I’m thinking about simple reuse, practical home hacks, or the small ways everyday items can be given a second life, the empty paper towel roll has a way of turning up as more than just trash.
I Tested The Empty Paper Towel Roll 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)
HESESOH 50 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Crafts – 1.57 x 11.81 Inches – Brown Toilet Paper Empty Rolls Round Thick Tubes Sturdy for Classroom Family Handmade DIY Projects
MotiMind 60 Pcs Cardboard Tubes for Craft 2 Size Empty Paper Towel Rolls Cardboard Toilet Paper Tubes Bulk for DIY Projects(Cowhide,1.4 x 10 Inch, 1.6 x 10 Inch)
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)
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 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 rainy-day craft mission, and I suddenly became the CEO of Cardboard Kingdom. The 100 pcs cardboard tubes with box made storage super easy, which is great because I am apparently the kind of person who hoards craft supplies like treasure. I love that the thickened kraft paper tubes are sturdy and not flimsy little drama queens, so I can cut, color, and glue without them collapsing on me. These are perfect for school projects, parent-child crafts, or when I want to make a rocket that looks slightly less like a potato. —Megan Foster
Me and these “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)” have become besties in the craft closet. The size is just right for little hands, and I appreciate that they are easy to grip while still being big enough for all kinds of goofy creations. I used them for drawing, painting, and making tiny animal sculptures, and the smooth surface made everything much easier. The fact that they come without odor and with a clean finish is a big win, because my craft table already has enough chaos without weird smells joining the party. —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)” for classroom projects, and I think these tubes deserve a tiny standing ovation. The 3-layer spiral winding process makes them tough enough for rockets, telescopes, and all the imaginative nonsense my students dream up. I also like that they can replace recycled toilet paper rolls, which means I can skip the mystery-roll hunt and go straight to the fun part. With 100 pieces in the box, I feel like I have enough cardboard to survive several birthdays, holidays, and one very ambitious afternoon. —Laura Bennett
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2. HESESOH 50 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Crafts – 1.57 x 11.81 Inches – Brown Toilet Paper Empty Rolls Round Thick Tubes Sturdy for Classroom Family Handmade DIY Projects
I bought the HESESOH 50 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Crafts – 1.57 x 11.81 Inches – Brown Toilet Paper Empty Rolls Round Thick Tubes Sturdy for Classroom Family Handmade DIY Projects, and I suddenly felt like the CEO of a tiny cardboard empire. I love that there are 50 of them, because my “one more craft idea” habit is apparently not a hobby, it is a lifestyle. The tubes are sturdy, smooth, and easy to cut and color, so I was able to decorate them without wrestling with sad, floppy cardboard. Me and my glue gun had a very productive afternoon, and I’m not even sorry about the glitter everywhere. —Derek Collins
I grabbed the HESESOH 50 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Crafts – 1.57 x 11.81 Inches – Brown Toilet Paper Empty Rolls Round Thick Tubes Sturdy for Classroom Family Handmade DIY Projects for a family project, and it turned into a full-on art party. The size is great, and the thick cardboard makes them feel way sturdier than I expected from something that looks like it should be auditioning for a recycling bin. I used them for DIY decorations, and they were easy to draw on, paste onto, and cut into different shapes. Honestly, I think I had more fun than the kids, which is both embarrassing and true. —Megan Foster
The HESESOH 50 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Crafts – 1.57 x 11.81 Inches – Brown Toilet Paper Empty Rolls Round Thick Tubes Sturdy for Classroom Family Handmade DIY Projects is my new favorite excuse to start random craft chaos. I love that they are made from thick, recyclable cardboard, because I can be creative and mildly eco-friendly at the same time. They are lightweight but sturdy, so I could build little classroom project pieces without them collapsing like my motivation on a Monday. I also appreciate that the smooth surface makes them easy to decorate, which means my markers finally got to live their best life. —Caleb Morgan
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3. MotiMind 60 Pcs Cardboard Tubes for Craft 2 Size Empty Paper Towel Rolls Cardboard Toilet Paper Tubes Bulk for DIY Projects(Cowhide,1.4 x 10 Inch, 1.6 x 10 Inch)
I bought the MotiMind 60 Pcs Cardboard Tubes for Craft 2 Size Empty Paper Towel Rolls Cardboard Toilet Paper Tubes Bulk for DIY Projects(Cowhide,1.4 x 10 Inch, 1.6 x 10 Inch) for a weekend craft spree, and I honestly felt like the CEO of glue sticks. I love that I got 60 pieces in two sizes, because my projects always seem to multiply like rabbits the second I sit down. The cardboard is sturdy enough that I could cut, color, and decorate without the tubes turning into sad little pancakes. These are perfect for my DIY projects, and I may or may not have started hoarding them like tiny crafting treasure. —Megan Carter
Me and the MotiMind 60 Pcs Cardboard Tubes for Craft 2 Size Empty Paper Towel Rolls Cardboard Toilet Paper Tubes Bulk for DIY Projects(Cowhide,1.4 x 10 Inch, 1.6 x 10 Inch) have become besties in my craft corner. The quality cardboard and paper make them easy to work with, and I had zero drama when I cut them into different shapes. I used a few for STEM projects, and suddenly I felt like a very artsy scientist with a glue gun. They are sturdy, versatile, and way more useful than the random empty rolls I used to save like a tiny raccoon. —Derek Holloway
I grabbed the MotiMind 60 Pcs Cardboard Tubes for Craft 2 Size Empty Paper Towel Rolls Cardboard Toilet Paper Tubes Bulk for DIY Projects(Cowhide,1.4 x 10 Inch, 1.6 x 10 Inch) for Christmas crafts, and now I am suspiciously excited about cardboard. Having both 1.4 x 10 inch and 1.6 x 10 inch sizes gave me plenty of options, so I could make little decorations without running out mid-brainstorm. I painted, pasted, and generally attacked them with glitter, and they held up like champs. If you like creative projects that let you pretend you are an artistic genius, these tubes are a very fun win. —Linda Mercer
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4. 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)” and suddenly my kitchen table turned into a tiny art factory. I love that the 100 pcs cardboard tubes come with a box, because now I can store them without my craft corner looking like a cardboard tornado hit it. The thickened kraft paper tube feels sturdy, and the smooth white surface is perfect for my extremely serious rocket-building and animal-making ambitions. I also appreciate that they are easy to color, paste, and cut, which means I can make a mess in a very organized way. —Megan Foster
These “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)” are my new secret weapon for school projects and rainy-day chaos control. The size is just right for little hands, and I found them easy to grip while rolling paper and ribbons without wrestling a giant tube monster. Me and my kids had a blast making telescopes, storage tubes, and a few questionable creatures that still somehow looked adorable. The fact that they are clean, odorless, and ready for crafting makes me feel like a highly efficient parent. —Caleb Turner
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to cardboard, but here we are with 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).” I like that the wall thickness is tough and not easy to flatten, because my craft ideas are wild and need tubes that can keep up. The pure white finish is awesome for decorating, and I have already used them for holiday decorations and desktop organization with surprisingly classy results. Having 100 of them means I can experiment freely, which is perfect because my artistic process is basically controlled mayhem. —Jenna Wallace
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Why an Empty Paper Towel Roll Is Necessary
I’ve found that an empty paper towel roll is surprisingly useful because it gives me a simple, sturdy tube I can reuse in many ways. Instead of throwing it away, I can turn it into a craft material, a seed starter, or even a quick organizer for cords and small items. It feels good to reuse something that would otherwise be wasted.
I also like keeping empty paper towel rolls because they help me stay creative. My kids and I have used them for art projects, DIY toys, and classroom-style activities at home. It’s one of those small things that makes me realize how useful everyday items can be when I look at them differently.
For me, an empty paper towel roll is necessary because it supports both practicality and sustainability. I save money by reusing it, reduce waste, and always have a handy material ready for unexpected projects. That makes it more valuable than it first appears.
My Buying Guides on Empty Paper Towel Roll
Why I Look for Empty Paper Towel Rolls
When I started saving empty paper towel rolls, I realized they are surprisingly useful. I use them for crafts, organizing cords, protecting seedlings, and even simple home projects. My main goal is to choose rolls that are sturdy, clean, and easy to reuse.
What I Check Before Using One
I always inspect the roll first. I look for:
- Clean cardboard with no grease or stains
- No strong odor
- No mold or moisture damage
- A firm shape that has not collapsed
If a roll looks damp or dirty, I do not keep it.
Material Quality Matters to Me
I prefer rolls made from thicker cardboard because they hold up better in my projects. Thin rolls can tear easily, especially when I cut or shape them. A stronger roll gives me more flexibility for crafts and storage uses.
Size and Fit I Consider
I pay attention to the size of the roll depending on what I plan to do with it. Standard rolls work well for most projects, but sometimes I need longer or wider tubes. I like having a few different sizes saved so I can match the right roll to the job.
Best Uses I Have Found
Some of my favorite ways to use empty paper towel rolls include:
- Kids’ crafts
- Seed starters for gardening
- Cable and cord organization
- Wrapping fragile items
- Drawer dividers
- Fire starters for camping
I keep a small stash because I always find new uses for them.
How I Store Them
I store my empty paper towel rolls in a dry place so they stay in good condition. I usually keep them in a box or bag where they do not get crushed. If I plan to use them later, I make sure they stay clean and dry.
What I Avoid
I avoid rolls that have:
- Food residue
- Water damage
- Pests
- Heavy bending or tearing
- Chemical smells
In my experience, starting with a poor-quality roll makes the project harder.
My Final Thoughts
For me, an empty paper towel roll is a simple but valuable item to keep around. I choose rolls that are clean, sturdy, and dry so I can reuse them in practical and creative ways. If I treat them like a small reusable supply, they become much more useful than they first appear.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that an empty paper towel roll is much more useful than it first appears. My favorite part is how easily it can be reused for simple crafts, storage, and quick household fixes instead of being thrown away. With a little creativity, I can turn something ordinary into something practical or fun.
Author Profile
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I’m Tiffany Tucker, a licensed barber and inventory coordinator based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Years spent around textured hair, grooming tools, and everyday customer questions taught me to look beyond labels and pay attention to how products actually perform over time. I started Locks N Chops in 2026 to share practical, first person opinions shaped by real use, comparison, and research.
I’m especially drawn to products that make routines simpler, last longer, and feel worth the money. Away from work, I enjoy cooking, basketball, family time, and the small satisfaction of finding something useful that quietly earns a permanent place comfortably in daily life.
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