Reindeer crafts are always charming, and these Toilet Roll Reindeer ornaments might be the sweetest ones yet. Save a few empty cardboard rolls and invite the kids to make a batch to hang on the Christmas tree.
If you want an absolutely adorable, easy Christmas ornament for children to make this season, try these toilet roll reindeer. They’re simple, inexpensive, and perfect for group activities, classrooms, and home crafting with preschoolers.
These ornaments are quick to assemble and use materials you probably already have at home or can find cheaply. They make a charming display on a tree and are a great way for little hands to practise cutting, gluing, and threading.
A cozy way to spend an afternoon is to craft these reindeer after watching a classic holiday movie like Rudolph.
See our collection of easy reindeer crafts for more ideas and variations.
We’ve made many projects with cardboard tubes over the years, and these reindeer are one of the cutest outcomes. Cardboard rolls are a fantastic crafting base because they’re sturdy and versatile.
These reindeer are easy to make. Here’s a concise list of supplies that works well:
Toilet roll reindeer supplies:
- Toilet roll tubes (or paper towel rolls trimmed to size)
- Brown wallpaper samples, sandpaper, brown craft paper, felt, or brown paint
- Brown pipe cleaners for antlers (or twisted cardboard strips)
- Red pom-poms, small red buttons, or artificial berries for noses
- Googly eyes, buttons, or hand-drawn eyes
- Glue (craft glue or hot glue for adult use)
- Small ribbon or thread for hanging
Wallpaper sample books: a thrifty craft supply
Wallpaper sample books are an economical, eco-friendly source of patterned and textured paper. Many paint and paper shops set aside expired or surplus sample books—ask locally and you may be able to pick some up for free. The variety of textures and shades is perfect for small craft projects and gives a polished look without the cost of specialty paper.
Step-by-step: How we made our toilet roll reindeer
1. Prepare the tube: We cut the toilet rolls in half so each tube became a single ornament base. If you prefer a taller ornament, use a full roll.
2. Cover the tube: Wrap the tube with a brown wallpaper sample, felt, or paint it brown. Secure with glue so the covering is smooth and fully attached.
3. Make holes for antlers: Carefully poke a small hole on each side near the top of the tube. Slide a brown pipe cleaner through both holes and twist or bend to form antlers. For very young children, an adult should handle the hole-punching step.
4. Attach the nose: For noses we used small artificial berries on wire; poke a small hole in the front and thread the wire through, bending it inside to secure. Alternatives include gluing on a pom-pom or button nose.
5. Add eyes and a hanger: Glue on googly eyes or buttons, then glue or tie a short ribbon loop to the top for hanging. Allow glue to dry completely before handling.
These ornaments are delightful when grouped on a tree or used as gift toppers. They’re sturdy enough to survive gentle handling and make a sweet memento from young crafters.
Tips, safety and variations
- Supervise children when using sharp tools or hot glue. Pre-punch holes for small kids.
- Try different coverings: sandpaper gives a rustic look, felt feels soft, and patterned wallpaper adds personality.
- Use recycled materials for antlers, such as twisted cardboard or natural twigs, for a nature-inspired look.
- Personalize the reindeer with initials, small scarves made from ribbon, or tiny bells.
- To make ornaments more durable, seal painted or paper-wrapped tubes with a thin coat of craft varnish.
More reindeer craft ideas
- Rascally Reindeer — an alternative to Elf on the Shelf
- Reindeer footprint Christmas cards
- Craft stick Santa, Rudolph and elf ornaments
- Wine cork reindeer ornaments
- Christmas bulb reindeer ornaments
- Pinecone reindeer ornaments
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