Turn empty toilet paper rolls into a herd of adorable reindeer treat holders! This easy, eco-friendly craft is the perfect holiday activity for kids, classroom parties, or adding a personal touch to your Christmas decorations. Best of all, these charming reindeer can be filled with small candies, making them a fun and edible gift or stocking stuffer.
Materials Needed
You only need a few simple supplies to get started, most of which you probably already have at home.
- Empty Toilet Paper Rolls: The main body of your reindeer.
- Brown Paint or Brown Construction Paper: To cover the roll.
- Paintbrush: If you choose to paint your rolls.
- Glue or Tape: For attaching all the decorations.
- Googly Eyes: To bring your reindeer to life.
- Red Pom-Poms: For the classic Rudolph nose.
- Brown Pipe Cleaners: To shape the antlers.
- Small Chocolates or Candy: The delicious filling!
- Scissors: For cutting pipe cleaners and paper.
- Optional: Ribbon or string for hanging your creation as an ornament.
Step-by-Step Method
Follow these five simple steps to create your festive reindeer.
1. Prepare the Roll
Start by transforming your cardboard roll. You can either paint it completely with brown paint or wrap it neatly in brown construction paper, securing the end with glue or tape. If you paint it, set it aside to let it dry completely before moving on.
2. Add the Face
Once your brown base is ready, it’s time to give your reindeer a face. Glue two googly eyes near the top of the roll. Then, attach a cheerful red pom-pom just below the eyes to create the iconic reindeer nose.
3. Make the Antlers
Take two brown pipe cleaners and cut them to your desired antler size. Bend and shape each one into a wavy, branching antler shape. To attach them, put a small dab of strong glue or a piece of tape on one end and fix them to the inside top of the toilet paper roll.
4. Fill the Reindeer
This is the best part! Your reindeer is now a container. Carefully fill the empty roll with small chocolates, candy canes, or any other festive treats. You can leave the top open or cover it with a piece of clear cellophane or festive tissue paper secured with a ribbon to make the treats a surprise.
5. Optional Decoration
For an extra festive touch, tie a colorful ribbon around your reindeer’s neck. You can also attach a loop of string or ribbon to the top to hang it on your Christmas tree as a decorative and edible ornament.
Pro Tips for Success
- Create a Herd: Use different-sized pom-poms for noses or vary the antler shapes to give each reindeer its own unique personality.
- Party Perfect: Make a whole herd of these reindeer for a festive table centerpiece or as party favors for a classroom holiday party.
- Personalize Them: Use a marker to write names on the rolls, turning them into personalized gift tags or place settings for your holiday dinner table.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use paper towel rolls instead?
A: Absolutely! Just cut the paper towel roll down to a shorter, more manageable size before you begin.
Q: My antlers won’t stay on. What can I do?
A: For a stronger hold, use a hot glue gun (with adult supervision) instead of white glue or tape. You can also poke small holes in the top of the roll and thread the pipe cleaners through from the inside.
Q: What if I don’t have brown paint or paper?
A: Get creative! Your reindeer can be any color. Use red, green, or even sparkly paper for a fantastical holiday creature.
Conclusion
This paper roll reindeer craft is a wonderful way to upcycle, get into the holiday spirit, and create something both cute and functional. It’s a simple project that delivers maximum joy, making it a perfect family activity for a cozy December afternoon. Gather your supplies and get ready to create a merry herd of treat-bearing reindeer!