15 DIY Upcycling Projects for Kids

Upcycling offers commonplace objects a new lease of life and engages children in enjoyable activities.

Getting kids involved in do-it-yourself upcycling projects fosters their creativity and helps them develop an early awareness for sustainability.

Kids are inspired to recognise the potential in things that others might simply toss away by these crafts, which range from turning toilet paper rolls into imaginative creatures to repurposing cardboard boxes into car washes or airports.

Upcycling gives children a practical way to reduce waste while teaching them the importance of resourcefulness through play and creation.

1. Paper roll mushroom craft

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Using a paper roll, paper bowl, and felt or paper for the grass, make a fanciful mushroom project. Utilize them for a fake fairy play.

2. Paper roll bee craft

Kids can turn a paper roll into a charming, buzzing bee with this easy activity. For preschoolers, this is an excellent spring or summer art idea.

3. Four-season tree craft

Using paper rolls and cotton balls, youngsters can create a delightful tree activity that encourages them to observe the seasonal variations. This craft idea is a fun way to use paint to express creativity and develop fine motor skills.

4. Four-season paper roll trees

Another four-season tree craft that manages to provide a fascinating three-dimensional effect using just paper and paper rolls.

5. Paper-roll Valentine mice

These mice are really cute, especially with their heart-shaped noses and ears. These are a great Valentine’s Day classroom project to do with preschoolers and elementary school students because they are very simple to make.

6. Heart robot craft 

For Valentine’s Day, here’s another adorable and easy paper roll heart project you can do with the kids.

7. Paper roll flower art

Transform a paper roll into an artistic instrument and create lovely floral designs. For the grass, use ornamental edge scissors.

8. Paper roll giraffe craft 

To create a family of giraffes, use a mix of toilet paper and towel rolls.

9. Paper roll zebra craft 

Zebras are really simple to build with their striking black and white stripes. Ideal for preschoolers, this craft is sure to be a favourite at the nursery.

10. Paper roll panda 

Who is not enamoured by pandas? If your children appreciate the zoo or are animal lovers, you really must make this panda family project.

11. 3D Heart flowers

Create these 3D floral arrangements for mom’s birthday, Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day.

12. Paper roll Mother’s Day craft

Make a cute paper roll project to honour your mother on Mother’s Day or her birthday. You can customise the paper roll and add components to make the mom-like paper roll version.

13. Father’s Day paper roll craft 

This is a DIY idea using paper rolls to honour dad and grandfather.

14. Apple core paper roll craft

With toddlers and preschoolers, this paper roll apple core craft is an excellent way to show them the inside of an apple and have a conversation about the leaves, skin, stem, seeds, and core of an apple. It is a straightforward paint and glue project.

15. Paper roll knitting

Kids may knit yarn snakes, doll scarves, and friendship bracelets with the aid of a paper roll loom.