Toilet Paper Roll Elf Craft for Kids
Make a toilet paper roll elf in 25 minutes with paint, paper and glue. A free, recycled Christmas craft for kids ages 4 and up, with easy directions.
Ages4+Time25 minutes
What You Need
A toilet paper roll elf is a small Christmas figure made from a cardboard tube, colored paper and a bit of paint. It uses up recycling, and kids end up with a tiny elf to play with or set on a shelf.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cut a strip of green paper to wrap around the bottom two-thirds of the roll. Glue it on for the elf’s tunic.
- Paint the top third a skin tone, or glue on a strip of peach paper. Let it dry 10 minutes.
- Cut a half-circle of red paper about 5 inches across and roll it into a cone. Tape or glue it.
- Glue the hat on top of the tube and add a cotton ball to the tip.
- Cut two small pointed ears from paper and glue them to the sides of the face.
- Draw two eyes and a smile with the marker.
- Cut a thin black strip for a belt and glue it around the middle.
- Let everything dry for 15 minutes before playing.
Tips for Little Hands
- Roll the cone around a pencil to get a neat shape.
- Younger kids can color the paper while an adult cuts and glues.
- Cotton balls are fine for ages 3 and up, but watch a child who still mouths things.
- Cardboard bends when wet, so use thin layers of paint.
Make It Your Own
- Make a whole elf family with different hat colors and heights.
- Turn the elf into a reindeer with brown paper antlers and a red nose.
- Add a pipe cleaner arm holding a tiny paper gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use paper towel rolls instead?
Yes. Cut a paper towel roll into thirds to get three small tubes, or use a whole roll for a tall elf.
How do I make the elf's hat stay on?
Make a cone from a paper half-circle, tape it, and glue it to the top of the roll. Hold it for a minute.
Are used cardboard rolls clean enough for kids?
Use clean, dry rolls that have not been near food or cleaning products, and wipe off any dust first.
