Elf Ideas with Toilet Paper

Every house has toilet paper, which makes it the classic no-shopping elf prop. Kids find a TP'd Christmas tree hilarious, and a three-roll snowman takes about two minutes.

These toilet paper elf ideas range from 2-minute setups to weekend projects, and most leave the rolls perfectly usable afterward (re-roll them, or use the empty tubes for the reindeer craft).

12 ideas · updated October 9, 2026 · written by the ElfNights team

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Quick tips

  • Use partly used rolls; they look funnier and you waste nothing.
  • Keep TP away from hot tree lights and bulbs.
  • Save empty tubes for binoculars, reindeer and castle towers.
  • Re-roll the paper the next morning together; kids think that's funny too.
Jump to an idea (12)
  1. Toilet Paper Snowman
  2. Toilet Paper the Christmas Tree
  3. Toilet Paper Cocoon
  4. Toilet Paper Bowling
  5. Toilet Paper Ski Slope
  6. Toilet Paper Message
  7. Toilet Paper Roll Castle
  8. Wrapped the Family Photo Like a Present
  9. Toilet Paper Tube Binoculars
  10. Toilet Paper Tube Reindeer
  11. Toilet Paper Hammock
  12. Toilet Paper Pyramid

1Toilet Paper Snowman

Time 5 minMess no messAges 2-4, 5-8, 9+

Props: Toilet paper, Paper, tape & markers

  1. Stack three toilet paper rolls on top of each other.
  2. Draw coal eyes, a carrot nose and buttons on paper, cut them out and tape them on (or use a marker on paper strips).
  3. Wrap a scarf or sock around the 'neck' and sit the elf next to it, admiring its work.
Elf note: “I built a snowman indoors so I wouldn't get cold. His name is Sir Rolls-a-Lot.”
Funny

2Toilet Paper the Christmas Tree

Time 10 minMess a little messAges 2-4, 5-8, 9+

Props: Toilet paper

  1. Drape a roll of toilet paper loosely around the tree like garland (avoid lights that get hot).
  2. Leave the half-empty roll near the base.
  3. Hang the elf from a branch tangled in the paper, as if it got caught mid-decoration.
Elf note: “I was decorating. The garland ran out so I improvised.”
Funny

3Toilet Paper Cocoon

Time 5 minMess a little messAges 2-4, 5-8, 9+

Props: Toilet paper

  1. Gently wrap the elf in toilet paper from feet to chin, leaving its face out.
  2. Lay it in a shoebox 'bed' or hang it from a cabinet knob with a loop of paper.
  3. Add a note claiming it is turning into a butterfly elf.
Elf note: “Do not disturb. I am becoming a BUTTERFLY ELF. Check back tomorrow.”
Funny

4Toilet Paper Bowling

Time 5 minMess no messAges 2-4, 5-8, 9+

Props: Toilet paper

  1. Set up 6 or 10 toilet paper rolls in a triangle like bowling pins in a hallway.
  2. Put a small ball at the other end and sit the elf next to it, mid-throw.
  3. Knock one or two pins over so it looks like the game is in progress.
Elf note: “STRIKE! Okay, maybe a spare. Your turn, I bet you can beat my score.”
FunnyGet moving

5Toilet Paper Ski Slope

Time 10 minMess a little messAges 2-4, 5-8, 9+

Props: Toilet paper, Craft & party bits

  1. Unroll a long strip of toilet paper down the stairs or from the couch to the floor like a snowy slope.
  2. Tape two craft sticks or two popsicle sticks to the elf's feet as skis.
  3. Pose the elf halfway down the slope with arms out.
Elf note: “Black diamond run! I only fell twice.”
Funny

6Toilet Paper Message

Time 5 minMess no messAges 2-4, 5-8, 9+

Props: Toilet paper, Paper, tape & markers

  1. Write a short message in marker across several squares of toilet paper, one word per square: 'GOOD MORNING [NAME]'.
  2. Unroll it across the bathroom or hallway floor.
  3. Sit the elf at the end holding the roll.
Elf note: “I ran out of paper so I used the bathroom kind. It's clean, I promise!”
Funny

7Toilet Paper Roll Castle

Time 10 minMess no messAges 2-4, 5-8, 9+

Props: Toilet paper, Toys, LEGO or dolls

  1. Stand empty and full toilet paper rolls in a circle and stack a second layer for a castle wall.
  2. Add a paper flag on a straw at the top.
  3. Put the elf inside as king or queen, with toy figures as guards.
Elf note: “Welcome to Castle Elf. The guards are friendly, the king is a little bossy.”
Funny

8Wrapped the Family Photo Like a Present

Time 5 minMess no messAges 2-4, 5-8, 9+

Props: Toilet paper

  1. Wrap a framed family photo or a cereal box in toilet paper like a mummy present.
  2. Tie a 'bow' by twisting a few squares together.
  3. Sit the elf on top holding the roll.
Elf note: “I wrapped a present for you! It's... the cereal. Merry Christmas!”
Funny

9Toilet Paper Tube Binoculars

Time 5 minMess no messAges 2-4, 5-8, 9+

Props: Toilet paper, Paper, tape & markers

  1. Tape two empty toilet paper tubes side by side and add a string strap.
  2. Hang them around the elf's neck and point it at the window.
  3. Leave a 'bird watching' checklist for your child.
Elf note: “I'm on the lookout for reindeer. Can you spot any birds today?”
FunnyLearning

10Toilet Paper Tube Reindeer

Time 10 minMess no messAges 2-4, 5-8, 9+

Props: Toilet paper, Craft & party bits

  1. Paint or wrap empty toilet paper tubes with brown paper.
  2. Add pipe cleaner antlers, googly eyes and a red pom-pom nose.
  3. Line them up in front of the elf like a sleigh team.
Elf note: “I made my own reindeer team. They don't fly yet, but they're cute.”
Sweet & cozy

11Toilet Paper Hammock

Time 2 minMess no messAges 2-4, 5-8, 9+

Props: Toilet paper

  1. Tear off a long strip (6 to 8 squares) of toilet paper.
  2. Tape each end under a shelf or between two chair backs so it sags in the middle.
  3. Lay the elf in it, hands behind its head.
Elf note: “Relaxing in my hammock. This is the life.”
FunnySweet & cozy

12Toilet Paper Pyramid

Time 5 minMess no messAges 2-4, 5-8, 9+

Props: Toilet paper

  1. Stack toilet paper rolls into a pyramid (4-3-2-1) in the bathroom or hallway.
  2. Sit the elf at the very top.
  3. Add a note: 'Can you knock it down with one sock ball?'
Elf note: “I climbed Mount Toilet Paper! Your turn to knock it down.”
FunnyGet moving

FAQ

What can the elf do with toilet paper?

Build a TP snowman, 'toilet paper' the Christmas tree, wrap itself in a cocoon, go bowling, ski down a TP slope, build a castle, relax in a hammock or make tube reindeer.

Is toilet-papering the tree a fire risk?

Keep paper away from hot bulbs. Modern LED tree lights stay cool, but switch lights off overnight to be safe.

Is it wasteful?

Not if you re-roll the paper and reuse the tubes for crafts. Most of these ideas use rolls without tearing them.