A paper crumpler has a dispenser with a bottom, a top, a side wall between the bottom and the top, and a cavity defined by the bottom, the top, and the side wall. A hole is formed in the top of the dispenser. A shelf is positioned within the cavity below the top of the dispenser. Uncrumpled paper is stored in the cavity beneath the shelf. An orifice is formed in the shelf. The orifice has protrusions that extend radially inward toward one another and that are configured to contact the uncrumpled paper when the uncrumpled paper is passed through the orifice from the cavity to thereby form crumpled paper above the shelf. The crumpled paper can be dispensed from the dispenser through the hole.