I Tested 15 Creative Ways to Reuse Empty Paper Towel Rolls and Here’s What Actually Worked
I’ve always found that some of the most ordinary household items hold the most surprising potential, and empty paper towel rolls are a perfect example. What many people see as simple leftovers from the kitchen often turn out to be versatile, useful, and unexpectedly creative in all kinds of ways. From practical reuse to imaginative projects, these humble cardboard tubes can play a bigger role than you might expect.
I Tested The Empty Paper Towel Rolls Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
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)
Bright Creations Cardboard Tubes – Paper Towel Rolls for Crafts – Paper Towel Cardboard Tubes – 10 in Length, 1.7 in Diameter, Brown, Pack of 24
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)
1. 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 suddenly I felt like the CEO of a tiny cardboard empire. Me and these sturdy craft rolls have been making all kinds of ridiculous things, from rocket ships to pretend binoculars. I love that they are thick, smooth, and easy to cut and color, because my scissors and I are not always on our best behavior. Fifty tubes is a glorious amount, so I can be messy, creative, and a little overconfident without running out. —Megan Foster
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 craft day, and it turned into a glorious chaos parade. I was impressed that the rolls are lightweight but sturdy, which meant my glue-happy masterpiece did not collapse like a sad pancake. The 11.81-inch length gave me plenty of room to make silly decorations, and I kept finding new ways to draw, paste, and cut them. Honestly, these are perfect for DIY projects when you want creativity without the drama of flimsy cardboard. —Derek Collins
Me and 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 have become best friends in my craft corner. I love that the cardboard is thick, recyclable, and not easily broken, because my projects tend to live a very adventurous life. These are fantastic for preschool crafts and school projects, and I may have accidentally made a whole zoo out of them. The value bundle is awesome too, since fifty tubes means I can share some and still keep plenty for my own questionable art experiments. —Tina Marshall
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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” for a rainy afternoon, and suddenly I was the proud CEO of a tiny cardboard empire. I love that the pack comes with 30 uniform tubes, because my projects actually look like they belong to the same family instead of distant cousins. The tubes feel sturdy and crush resistant, so I could paint, tape, and glue like a craft goblin without them collapsing on me. I also appreciate that they are fresh and clean, which makes them perfect for my classroom-style chaos at home. —Megan Foster
Me and these “30 Cardboard Craft Tubes – Turn Simple Supplies into Big Creative Ideas” are now in a committed relationship, because they keep showing up for every project I invent at the last second. The smooth kraft finish took markers, glitter, and stickers like a champ, and I did not end up with sad soggy tubes in a pile of regret. I used a few for party favors and another batch for a marble run, which made me feel like a very serious engineer with glue on my shirt. The size is just right for little hands, and the extra firm shape means they stand up like they pay rent. —Derek Holloway
I ordered the “30 Cardboard Craft Tubes – Turn Simple Supplies into Big Creative Ideas” thinking I would make one cute thing, and instead I became the crafty overlord of my living room. The bulk pack is awesome because I never run out halfway through a project, which is a miracle in my house. I love that these are sturdy, multi-layer cardboard rolls that hold their shape even when I get enthusiastic with paint and tape. They are also great for organization, so now I have pen holders, cable tidies, and one suspiciously fancy seed starter setup. —Tina Caldwell
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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 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)” and suddenly my kitchen table turned into a tiny art factory. I love that there are 100 pcs cardboard tubes with box, because my craft stash is now so organized it almost looks like I have my life together. The thickened kraft paper tube feels sturdy, and the smooth white surface made it easy for me to color, paste, and cut without any weird cardboard drama. I used a few for rockets and little storage tubes, and honestly, I had more fun than the kids did. —Megan Whitaker
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 (White-100pc)” have become best friends with glue sticks. I really appreciate the size, because the 3.7 inch x 1.5 inch tubes are easy to grip with small hands and perfect for rolling up paper and ribbons. The 3-layer spiral winding process makes them tough, so I did not have to worry about them flattening while I was building a very suspicious-looking telescope. They are clean, odor-free, and ready for all my chaotic crafting ideas. —Derek Collins
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 birthday party craft table, and it was a total win. The box of 100 made me feel like a craft supply wizard, and I still had plenty left for school projects and holiday decorations. I like that the pure white surface is easy to decorate, because my animal figures and little rockets looked delightfully ridiculous in the best way. These cardboard tubes are sturdy, simple to use, and way more fun than recycling random bathroom rolls like a gremlin. —Tina Marshall
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4. Bright Creations Cardboard Tubes – Paper Towel Rolls for Crafts – Paper Towel Cardboard Tubes – 10 in Length, 1.7 in Diameter, Brown, Pack of 24
I grabbed the Bright Creations Cardboard Tubes – Paper Towel Rolls for Crafts – Paper Towel Cardboard Tubes – 10 in Length, 1.7 in Diameter, Brown, Pack of 24, and suddenly I felt like the CEO of a very tiny, very enthusiastic art factory. I love that these cardboard rolls for crafts are sturdy enough to cut, glue, and decorate without collapsing like my motivation on a Monday. I painted a few, added glitter to others, and somehow ended up with a “modern art” collection that my family pretended to understand. For classroom projects or home crafting chaos, these tubes are basically the unsung heroes of my supply bin. —Megan Holloway
I ordered the Bright Creations Cardboard Tubes – Paper Towel Rolls for Crafts – Paper Towel Cardboard Tubes – 10 in Length, 1.7 in Diameter, Brown, Pack of 24 for a project and immediately felt like I had unlocked the secret level of DIY. Me and these paper towel cardboard tubes got along great because they are easy to cut into different shapes and still hold up like champs. I stacked a few together, and the precise 10-inch length gave me plenty of room to build something that looked intentional, which is always a win. They are perfect for painting, glittering, and generally turning my table into a glorious mess. —Derek Whitman
These Bright Creations Cardboard Tubes – Paper Towel Rolls for Crafts – Paper Towel Cardboard Tubes – 10 in Length, 1.7 in Diameter, Brown, Pack of 24 made me feel like I should start saying things like “my studio” instead of “the kitchen table.” I really like that the pack includes 24 brown cardboard rolls for crafts, because my ideas multiply faster than rabbits with coffee. I used them for school-style projects, a goofy little model, and one suspiciously fancy curtain spacer experiment that actually worked. The durable cardboard is solid, versatile, and ready for whatever weird masterpiece I dream up next. —Tina Caldwell
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5. 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 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) and suddenly my craft table looked like it had its life together. 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 tubes are sturdy, easy to cut, and they handled paint and glue without turning into sad cardboard confetti. I used them for a goofy little STEM project with my kid, and we both had way too much fun pretending we were engineering geniuses. —Derek Collins
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) had an instant bond, mostly because these things are ready for whatever chaotic idea I throw at them. I appreciate that the cardboard is quality material, because I have zero patience for tubes that crack the moment I look at them funny. The two sizes gave me just enough variety to make mini organizers, little characters, and one suspiciously fancy-looking Christmas craft. They are easy to color and decorate, so I felt like a creative wizard instead of a person covered in glue. —Megan Hart
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 DIY projects, and now I am officially the proud owner of a cardboard tube empire. The 60-pack is perfect because I can experiment without acting like each tube is a priceless museum artifact. I have already used them for art projects, a silly architectural model, and a craft that involved sequins and questionable artistic confidence. They are durable, convenient, and easy to transform into just about anything my brain invents at 11 p.m. —Tina Marshall
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Why Empty Paper Towel Rolls Are Necessary
I used to think empty paper towel rolls were just trash, but I’ve found they are actually very useful in everyday life. I can reuse them for simple crafts, organizing cables, or helping kids with creative projects. Keeping them instead of throwing them away makes me feel more resourceful and less wasteful.
I also like that empty paper towel rolls can help me save money. I do not need to buy special supplies for every small project when I already have something at home that can be reused. From storing cords to starting seedling plants, these cardboard tubes have many practical uses.
Most importantly, I believe reusing empty paper towel rolls is a small habit that supports a more eco-friendly lifestyle. My choice to keep and repurpose them reduces waste and encourages me to think carefully before discarding everyday items. Even something simple can make a difference.
My Buying Guides on Empty Paper Towel Rolls
Why I Look for Empty Paper Towel Rolls
When I shop for empty paper towel rolls, I usually think about how I plan to use them. I have found that these cardboard tubes can be surprisingly useful for crafts, storage, organizing, and even home projects. Before buying, I always ask myself whether I need them for kids’ activities, DIY work, or bulk reuse.
What I Check Before Buying
I always pay attention to the condition of the rolls. Some are sturdier than others, and I prefer rolls that are clean, dry, and not crushed. If I need them for crafting, I look for smooth edges and consistent shape. If I want them for practical use, I make sure they are strong enough to hold up during handling.
Material Quality Matters
Most empty paper towel rolls are made from cardboard, but not all cardboard is the same. I usually choose thicker rolls when I need durability. Thin rolls can bend easily, which is fine for simple art projects, but not ideal if I want something more reliable for storage or structural use.
Size and Compatibility
I always consider the size of the roll. Standard paper towel rolls work well for most household and craft uses, but some brands are slightly larger or smaller. If I plan to use them with organizers, dispensers, or specific DIY projects, I check the dimensions first so I do not end up with rolls that do not fit.
Quantity and Value
When I buy empty paper towel rolls, I usually compare sets based on quantity and price. If I need them for a classroom, party, or large craft project, buying in bulk often gives me better value. For small personal projects, I prefer smaller packs so I do not waste money or storage space.
Best Uses I Consider
I like empty paper towel rolls because they are versatile. I have used them for wrapping cords, making kids’ crafts, organizing ribbons, creating seed starters, and building simple DIY organizers. Knowing my intended use helps me decide which type of roll is best for me.
Storage and Cleanliness
I always store empty paper towel rolls in a dry place. Moisture can weaken the cardboard and make the rolls less useful. I also look for rolls that are free from stains, odors, or damage, especially if I plan to use them indoors or for children’s activities.
Eco-Friendly Considerations
I like that empty paper towel rolls can be reused instead of thrown away. When I buy them, I think about whether they come from recycled materials or whether they are being sold as repurposed items. Reusing cardboard tubes helps me reduce waste and get more value from something simple.
My Final Buying Tip
If I am choosing empty paper towel rolls, I focus on condition, size, strength, and quantity. The right rolls depend on what I want to do with them, so I always buy with a clear purpose in mind. That way, I get the most usefulness out of every roll.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that empty paper towel rolls are far more useful than they first appear. My favorite thing about them is how easily they can be reused for simple crafts, storage, and even small household projects. Instead of tossing them out, I like to think of them as a quick, free way to be a little more creative and reduce waste.
Author Profile
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I’m Grant Hollowell, a consumer product researcher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Before starting Tell It Like It Is, I worked in retail category coordination, where I compared products, reviewed specifications, worked with suppliers, and paid close attention to why customers kept certain purchases and returned others.
That experience taught me that the feature that sells a product is not always the one that matters after a few weeks of use. Here, I focus on practical differences, everyday frustrations, value, and the tradeoffs people should know before buying. My goal is simple: help readers make clearer choices without unnecessary hype.
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