Uses for Cardboard Tubes: Ideas for Cardboard Left Over from the Holidays

Now that all of your presents have been wrapped, you are left with empty wrapping paper tubes. Or you may have empty cardboard tubes from toilet paper rolls or paper towel rolls. Don't throw them away. There are many ways you can reuse cardboard wrapping paper tubes.

Cardboard wrapping paper tubes can be cut up and used as a way to neatly store cables and cords. Simply fold up your cords and cables and slip them inside of the cardboard tubes.

Cut up cardboard wrapping paper tubes and glue the separate pieces together. You now have a handy circular display shelf. You can use these display shelves to hold small items such as small stuffed animals, pens, pencils, and more.

Cardboard tubes can also be used to store party favors. Cut the tubes into equal sizes and fill with various party favors for birthday parties or other parties. You can place small items such as toys and candy and wrap the tube with wrapping paper or other papers. Tie each end of the paper with ribbon to keep the party favors in place.

Cardboard tubes can be turned into binoculars for children. Children can decorate two pieces of tubing with fun papers or markers and paint. Attach the tubes with glue, ribbon, or rubber bands.

Cardboard wrapping paper tubes can also be used for storing posters inside. Simply roll up your poster and slide it into the empty wrapping paper tube to store until needed. If you are giving a poster for a gift, empty cardboard wrapping paper tubes can also be used as a gift holder for your poster.

You can stuff empty cardboard tubes with items such as dried leaves and wrap in newspaper. You can then use the tubes as fire starters the next time you want to light a fire in your fireplace.

Cardboard tubes can be used as a way to organize and store your plastic shopping bags. Simply roll up the plastic bags and stuff into the cardboard tubes. When you need to use one simply pull it out of the tube.

Cardboard tubes can be cut down into about an inch or so in length. Cover with pretty scrap pieces of fabric and tie a ribbon in the middle if desired. You can then use these fabric covered cardboard tubes as decorative napkin rings.

If you find yourself with too many tubes you can recycle them by offering them to your local elementary schools or preschools. The teachers will appreciate these donations as they can use them for making school craft projects with the children.

As you can see, cardboard tubes can be used in many different ways. So the next time you find yourself with cardboard tubes, consider one of these ideas rather than throwing them away.