10 Creative Ways to Reuse Toilet Paper Rolls on the Homestead
10 Creative Ways to Reuse Toilet Paper Rolls on the Homestead
Toilet paper rolls may seem like small, insignificant items, but with a little creativity, they can be incredibly useful on the homestead. I hope these ideas inspire you to think twice before tossing them in the trash.

10 Creative Ways to Reuse Toilet Paper Rolls on the Homestead

Hello, fellow homesteaders! If you're anything like me, you're always looking for ways to repurpose everyday items instead of throwing them away. Today, I want to share with you ten creative ways to reuse toilet paper rolls. These humble cardboard tubes are incredibly versatile and can be transformed into useful tools and fun projects. Let’s dive in!

Seed Starters

One of my favorite uses for toilet paper rolls is to turn them into seed starters. Simply cut the rolls in half, fill them with soil, and plant your seeds. The cardboard is biodegradable, so when it’s time to transplant, you can place the whole thing in the ground. It’s a perfect, eco-friendly way to get your garden going.

Bird Feeders

Creating bird feeders is another fantastic way to repurpose toilet paper rolls. Spread peanut butter on the outside of the roll and then roll it in birdseed. Slide the roll onto a tree branch, and watch the birds flock to it. It’s a simple, fun project that helps our feathered friends.

Fire Starters

If you have a wood stove or enjoy camping, you know the importance of good fire starters. Stuff toilet paper rolls with dryer lint, sawdust, or shredded paper. These rolls are great for getting a fire going quickly and efficiently.

Organizing Cables

Cables and cords can quickly become a tangled mess. Toilet paper rolls are perfect for keeping them organized. Just fold your cables neatly, slide them into the roll, and label the outside. This hack keeps my workshop tidy and saves me time and frustration.

Homemade Napkin Rings

For a rustic, homemade touch to your table settings, try making napkin rings from toilet paper rolls. Cut the rolls into smaller rings, decorate them with paint, fabric, or twine, and you have charming, customizable napkin rings that cost next to nothing.

Kids’ Craft Projects

Toilet paper rolls are a treasure trove for kids’ craft projects. From making binoculars and telescopes to creating animals and dolls, the possibilities are endless. It’s a great way to keep kids entertained while fostering their creativity.

Desk Organizers

You can also use toilet paper rolls to create handy desk organizers. Glue several rolls together and place them in a box or paint them for a more polished look. They’re perfect for storing pens, pencils, and other small items.

Plant Protectors

Young plants can be vulnerable to pests and harsh weather. Toilet paper rolls can act as mini collars to protect seedlings. Place a roll around the base of each plant to shield it from the wind and pests. This method has helped my plants thrive in their early stages.

Wrapping Paper Storage

If you struggle with keeping wrapping paper from unraveling, toilet paper rolls can help. Cut a slit along the length of a roll and slip it around the wrapping paper tube. It keeps the paper neatly rolled and easy to store.

Homemade Musical Instruments

Lastly, toilet paper rolls can be transformed into fun musical instruments. Fill a roll with dried beans or rice, seal the ends with paper and tape, and you have a homemade shaker. Kids love making and playing with these simple instruments.

Incredibly Useful On The Homestead

Toilet paper rolls may seem like small, insignificant items, but with a little creativity, they can be incredibly useful on the homestead. I hope these ideas inspire you to think twice before tossing them in the trash. Happy homesteading!
Recent Posts
  • How to predator proof a chicken coopHow to Predator-Proof a Chicken Coop (Without Building a Fortress)
    In Country Living
    If you’ve ever yelled at a raccoon in your pajamas, this post is for you. Learn how to predator-proof your chicken coop and run using real-life, budget-friendly solutions—from locking latches to recycled materials. No over-engineered nonsense—just practical, tested tips to keep your flock safe and your sanity intact. […]
  • 30 day homesteading challengeThinking About Leaving the City? Try This 30-Day Homesteading Challenge First
    In Country Living
    Thinking about ditching city life for something quieter, simpler, and a whole lot more hands-on? My free 30-Day Homesteading Challenge is the perfect way to test the waters—no acreage required. With one doable task each day, you’ll get a real feel for homesteading life before you commit. Grab the free printable and give it a shot! […]
  • dandelion seasonDandelion Season: Syrup, Jelly, Fritters & More
    In Cooking
    Dandelions aren’t just stubborn lawn invaders—they’re edible, medicinal, and downright delicious. In this post, I share my favorite ways to turn those bright yellow blooms into syrup, jelly, fritters, and more. Learn how to safely harvest, preserve, and appreciate one of spring’s most underrated gifts, straight from the weedy wilds of Northwestern Ontario. […]
  • What Is Cottagecore and How It Connects to Real-Life HomesteadingWhat Is Cottagecore and How It Connects to Real-Life Homesteading
    In Country Living
    Cottagecore may romanticize rural life, but actual homesteading is where the aesthetic meets reality—mud, bugs, fresh bread, and all. In this post, I break down what cottagecore is, how it overlaps with homesteading, and why real-life slow living is messier, sweatier, and way more satisfying than any Instagram filter. […]
  • Sustainable Snacking: Things I Forage, Dry, and Stash for Later (Instead of Buying Crinkly Plastic Packs)Sustainable Snacking: Things I Forage, Dry, and Stash for Later (Instead of Buying Crinkly Plastic Packs)
    In Country Living
    Why buy shrink-wrapped snacks when nature’s pantry is overflowing? I forage wild berries, mushrooms, and herbs, then dry and stash them for year-round snacking. It’s sustainable, budget-friendly, and tastes way better than anything in a plastic pouch. Here’s how I do it—and a few hilarious fails along the way. […]
  • How Foraging Ruined Grocery Shopping for Me ForeverHow Foraging Ruined Grocery Shopping for Me Forever
    In Country Living
    Foraging changed how I eat, shop, and see food. After tasting wild asparagus and berries, store produce just doesn’t cut it. From plastic-wrapped lettuce to bland mushrooms, I’ve happily swapped fluorescent aisles for forests and fields—and I’m never going back. Here's how the wild completely ruined me (in the best way). […]
  • Picking DandelionsForaging with Kids: Chaos, Curiosity & Cattails
    In Country Living
    Foraging with kids is equal parts wild adventure and total chaos—but it’s also one of the best ways to teach them about nature, food, and curiosity. From picking dandelions to asking 400 questions about mushrooms you’re not eating, here’s what actually works (and what doesn’t) when you take little humans into the wild to find snacks. […]
  • spruce tipsSpruce Tips: The First Foraged Flavor of Spring
    In Country Living
    Spruce tips are one of the first wild flavors to appear after the snow melts. Learn how to forage them, what they taste like, and how to use them at home. […]
  • chaga teaChaga Hunting Around McGinnis Creek: A Very Cold, Very Canadian Adventure
    In Country Living
    I went chaga hunting around McGinnis Creek, armed with snowshoes, a saw, and a thermos of tea. Between faceplants and squirrel arguments, I found a few golden treasures growing on birch trees. This solo foraging trip reminded me why I love the bush—even when it's -12°C and the snow tries to eat your boots. […]
  • Forager's NotebookComing Soon: The Forager’s Notebook (Yes, I Wrote a Book and No, It’s Not a Plant ID Guide)
    In Country Living
    The Forager’s Notebook is coming soon—and no, it’s not a plant ID guide. It’s a journal for recording your wild finds, tracking seasonal growth, and making sense of your foraging life one mushroom at a time. With 135 entry pages and 20 wild food recipes, it’s the perfect companion for anyone who loves wandering the woods and wondering what’s edible. Funny, practical, and made by a fellow homesteader who’s been there (and sometimes gotten stung). […]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

As an affiliate marketer, we may earn commissions from the links on our website.