This toilet paper roll christmas tree craft turns a paper roll you would toss into cute Christmas decor. Grab your materials, save this post, pin it, and dive in.
Key Takeways
- Make a diy christmas tree in about 30–45 minutes.
- This easy christmas craft is budget-friendly, kid-approved, and great for recycling.
- You’ll create a 3D Standing Tree, stamped art, and a playful bathroom display.
- Empty toilet paper rolls, green paint, glue, glitter, pom poms, and ornaments do most of the work.
- Disclosure: supervise scissors, hot glue, small details, and christmas lights.
Why Make a Toilet Paper Roll Christmas Tree?
For December 2026 holiday season decorating, empty toilet paper rolls can become festive Christmas trees for your house, shelf, mantel, or bathroom. Toilet paper rolls are free, commonly available in most households, and perfect for quick christmas tree crafts with kids. Using toilet paper rolls for crafts is an eco-friendly way to recycle materials while engaging in creative projects with children, and you can explore creative toilet paper roll crafts for fun family projects for even more ideas. This toilet paper christmas tree idea is simple, creative, and fun for families.
Supplies You’ll Need
You will need empty toilet paper rolls; alternatives include paper towel rolls, wrapping paper tubes, or PVC pipes for crafting Christmas trees.
Use:
- toilet rolls, paper roll extras, white cardstock, top craft paper supplies for creative projects, craft paper
- acrylic paint, brown and green paint, washable paint colors for preschoolers
- glue, scissors, pencil, ruler, paper plates
- glitter, pom poms, sequins, beads, ribbon, star stickers, mini ornaments
- optional battery lights, glue dots, tape, or adult-only hot glue
Basic materials for decorating the toilet paper roll Christmas trees include acrylic paint, glue, and decorative items like glitter, pom poms, or ornaments, and choosing the best types of paper for craft can help you adapt this project for cards, tags, and other paper-based holiday projects.
Project 1: 3D Standing Toilet Paper Roll Christmas Tree
This paper roll christmas tree makes a mini tabletop forest.
- Paint the toilet paper roll a favorite color; green acrylic works well. Let it dry.
- To create a Christmas tree from a toilet paper roll, paint the roll a favorite color, flatten it when dry, sketch a tree shape, cut it out, and fluff it back into shape.
- Cut small curves along each side so the shape looks like a christmas tree.
- To create a 3D Standing Tree, flatten and paint toilet paper rolls, cut them into a triangular shape, and fluff them into a round structure.
- Add white or gold dots as lights. Glue on pom poms, sequins, and a small star.
- Add a brown cardboard ring inside the end to help it hold upright.
Arrange several as a roll christmas tree forest. I love sharing this one because my daughter can decorate while I handle the cut details.
Project 2: Toilet Paper Roll Stamped Christmas Tree Art
This stamping version is perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary kids, and it pairs nicely with cute paper craft ideas for fun DIY projects as well as fun paper activities for creative minds of all ages.
- Glue a brown paper stump onto white cardstock.
- Pour thicker acrylic paint onto a plate; using thicker acrylic paint helps ensure that stamped lines from the toilet paper roll keep their shape during the crafting process.
- Dip the open end of a clean roll into paint.
- Stamp circles in rows of 5-4-3-2-1 to form a tree shape.
- For younger children, it can be helpful to draw out the tree shape with a pencil on the paper so they know where to stamp their toilet paper roll.
- Let dry, then add confetti, sequins, a star, and sparkle.
Use the finished christmas tree craft as a card or gift, explore the best tissue paper flowers for any occasion to coordinate matching floral decor, or look through Simply Paper Crafts for more paper crafting inspiration.
Bathroom Display: Stacked Toilet Paper Christmas Tree
A popular method for creating a Christmas tree from toilet paper rolls involves stacking them in a pyramid shape and decorating them with lights and ornaments, similar to other creative cardboard craft ideas for eco-friendly projects or experimenting with paper mache designs for holiday decorations. Stack toilet paper rolls 5, then 4, 3, 2, and 1. Secure with glue dots if needed. Wrap a bit of green or festive paper around some rolls, add christmas lights, hide the battery pack, and bring in a tiny elf or yule log figure for holiday fun.
Tips for Crafting with Kids
Pre-paint or pre-cut for preschoolers. Draw guidelines by hand for younger kids. Protect the table, keep wipes ready, and let children choose paint colors and little things. This project is simple and budget-friendly, making it perfect for kids. Making a Christmas tree from toilet paper rolls is a great way to recycle and get festive, and kids who love sensory play might also enjoy making creative paper squishies ideas: fun DIY projects.
Fun Variations and Ideas
There are two popular ways to make a Christmas tree from toilet paper rolls: a 3D Standing Tree and a Cone-Style Tree. The Cone-Style Tree can be made by cutting a paper plate or twisting a toilet paper roll into a cone shape. The Cone-Style Tree uses a cone base and creates a tree with realistic-looking “needles”. To create realistic “needles” for the Cone-Style Tree, cut several toilet paper rolls open lengthwise, then into thirds, and fringe the strips, or branch out into other creative uses of paper mache for art and craft projects for three-dimensional holiday decor. A finished Cone-Style Tree can be painted green and decorated with a small star or beads as ornaments, or paired with vintage paper craft ideas like retro-style paper ornaments and garlands for a nostalgic holiday look.
Also try rainbow trees, place cards, fairy lights, cotton snow, mini houses, easy paper snowflakes for beautiful winter decor, or paper birthday decorations to brighten party tables, or paper towel rolls cut in half. Toilet paper rolls can be transformed into festive Christmas trees, making them a fun and budget-friendly holiday craft for families, and if you enjoy selling your creations, explore paper crafts that sell well for crafters and entrepreneurs for additional project ideas. If you try it, comment with your favorite display idea, or use creative printables for every occasion to add tags, labels, or signs to your display, and consider creative wrapping paper ideas to elevate your gift-giving game to coordinate your presents with your handmade toilet paper roll trees.
FAQ
What age group is this toilet paper roll Christmas tree craft best for?
Stamped art works for ages 2–6 with help; cutting a 3D tree is better for ages 6–10.
Can I use paper towel rolls instead of toilet paper rolls?
Yes. Cut paper towel rolls or wrapping tubes to size, or mix heights for a forest.
How long do these toilet paper roll Christmas trees last?
They can last all holidays if kept dry; store them in a dry box for next year.
What kind of paint should I use on toilet paper rolls?
Use acrylic paint for strong coverage, or washable tempera for younger kids.
Is it safe to use toilet paper rolls for kids’ crafts?
Yes, if the rolls are clean and dry. Wash hands, supervise scissors, and avoid choking hazards.
