Toilet Paper Roll Santa Craft: Easy Christmas DIY for Kids

toilet paper roll santa and holiday's character

How to Turn Toilet Paper Rolls into Christmas Decorations

Transform simple toilet paper rolls into festive Christmas decorations with free printable designs.

These easy crafts are perfect for families and can be displayed on a mantel, shelf, or even hung as ornaments. Download the four templates and start crafting cheerful holiday characters: Santa, a reindeer, nutcrackers, and Santa’s elf.

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Materials Needed

Empty toilet paper rolls or cardboard tubes
Scissors or Craft knife
Glue or double-sided tape
String or ribbon (optional, for hanging)
Paper or Cardstock
The free printable templates (scroll down to download)

Printing Tips

The templates can be printed on regular paper or cardstock for a sturdier, more polished look.

The printables are designed for A4-size paper. Before printing, make sure to select the [Full Size] or [Actual Size] option in the printer settings so the scale fits perfectly around standard toilet paper rolls.

Choosing the Right Glue

Different types of glue can be used depending on the paper and age group:

Glue stick: Best for regular paper and ideal for crafting with small children. It’s clean, easy to handle, and dries quickly.
Liquid silicone glue: Works great with cardstock paper and is perfect for elementary school kids, teens, and adults. It provides a strong hold without wrinkling the paper.
Hot glue gun: A good option for those who prefer fast results (i.e., those with little patience, like me) and don’t want to wait for glue to dry. Use with caution and avoid if children are involved.

1. Toilet Paper Roll Santa

Printable Christmas TPR santa Download

Start with the classic Christmas icon. Cut out the Santa template.

Take the Sant body piece and wrap it around the cardboard roll. Glue the edges securely.

Wrap the hat and glue the edges together. Fold the hat and fix the pompom on the tip.

Glue the arms and the accessory pieces from the printable.

2. Reindeer Toilet Paper Roll

Printable Christmas TPR reindeer Download

Use the reindeer template to create a cute companion for Santa.

Wrap the printed body around the roll and attach the antlers on top.

Add the scarf around the neck so the reindeer stay warm and cozy. You can also glue a small red pom-pom to make the perfect Rudolph nose.

3. Nutcracker Toilet Paper Roll

Printable Christmas nutcracker Download

Print and cut out the nutcracker design. Wrap it around the roll and glue it in place.

Wrap the hat side and glue the edges together. Report the circle shape on the back of the top hat piece. Cut noches around the edge of the top hat piece. Fold the notches, apply glue, and fix inside of the hat.

Place the hat on the head of the nutcracker.

Glue the arms on both sides, and add the candy cane and the sword.

For a fun touch, use metallic markers or glitter glue to highlight the buttons and belt. These nutcrackers look great lined up together as a festive display.

4. Santa’s Elf Toilet Paper Roll

Printable Christmas TPR elf Download

Finish the collection with Santa’s cheerful helper. Wrap the elf template around the roll and glue it down.

Add the hat and the braids if you like to make a Santa´s elf girl.

Glue the arms and add the accessories you like in the elf’s hands.

Video Tutorial

For full details and step-by-step explanations, watch the video tutorial on YouTube. The video walks through crafting all four Christmas characters and shares helpful tips to ensure a fun and successful creative experience.

Customization Ideas

Do not hesitate to customize the designs. Add ribbons, glitter, mini ornament gifts, or any other decorative touches to personalize each character. Every creation can be unique and reflect a bit of holiday creativity.

Display Ideas

Arrange the toilet paper roll Santa, and all finished characters on a mantel, shelf, or windowsill for a cozy Christmas scene. To turn them into ornaments, glue or tape a loop of string or ribbon to the top of each roll and hang them on the tree.

These toilet paper roll Christmas decorations are simple, fun, and a wonderful way to spend creative time together.

Download the free templates, gather some supplies, and bring a touch of handmade magic to the holiday season.

Meet the Diabet Nutcracker Battalion—the sweetest squad in town! Santa, if you hand out too many treats this Christmas, they might just show up at your door to “arrest” you for excessive sugar distribution!