Respect-for-the-Aged Day: Heartfelt, Handmade Gift Ideas They’ll Love
Many of you are probably wondering what kind of gifts to give for this year’s Respect for the Aged Day celebration.
Since it comes only once a year, you want to prepare something special.
If you make a gift by hand while thinking of the recipient, it makes you look forward even more to seeing their happy smile.
This time, we’ll introduce handmade gift ideas such as message cards to display in a room, practical memo holders, and protective charms.
We’ve gathered many motifs that are well loved by seniors.
Put your gratitude into it and create a heartfelt present.
[Respect-for-the-Aged Day] Give from the heart! A collection of handmade gift ideas that will delight (1–10)
Turtle strap with a decorative knot
This strap features a turtle motif, with craft bands knotted to recreate the shell’s distinctive bumps.
Fold three bands in half, layer them alternately, then weave; the knots that form are treated as the shell, to which you attach decorative parts.
If you tighten the knots too much, the shell won’t have volume, so be mindful of how firmly you weave as you go.
It’s also fun to customize your own design by changing the color of the craft bands and the size or shape of the parts.
Fukumamori
Let’s give a no-sew owl charm! Here are some ideas for a “Fukumamori.” Combining the owl motif—said to bring good fortune—with a protective amulet wishing for the recipient’s health, a Fukumamori is a gift that conveys how much you care.
You’ll need felt, fabric, buttons, bead stickers, string, beads, scissors, double-sided tape, and glue.
You can customize the design and colors, so try making one to match the recipient’s tastes and image.
owl strap
This is an owl-themed strap made by weaving thinly split craft bands like strings.
It’s important to split the craft bands to the same width; adhere them in a radial pattern and then weave as if making a basket.
Along the way, incorporate strings of different colors to add a gradient effect.
Next, use fold-backs to shape it into a rounded form, and attach parts such as the face, beak, and the strap hardware to finish.
It’s also recommended to change the colors of the craft bands and strings to create your own unique owl.
Mini Crane Strap
A small crane mascot made from chirimen fabric has a distinctive softness that conveys a traditional Japanese feel—one of its main charms.
Prepare a square piece of chirimen fabric and shape it into a crane by following standard origami steps.
The key is to secure each step with glue as you go; firmly setting each fold will lead to a beautiful final result.
It’s also fun to try different colors of fabric to see how the crane’s look and impression change.
Decorative celebratory crane
It’s a mascot that looks auspicious, as if a crane’s wings were festively decorated with flowers.
You’ll use crepe paper that’s a different color on each side, and fold it following origami steps to form a crane with spread wings.
Since the paper is soft, once the shape is made, fix it to a base with glue so it can stand on its own, then decorate the whole piece from there.
What you choose for the decorations is also important; using lucky flowers to create a lively look is recommended.
It may also be important to keep color balance in mind so that both the crane and the flowers stand out.
Brush lettering art
Brush letter art features stylish lettering that’s different from your everyday handwriting.
Why not express your daily gratitude to seniors, or your wish for their continued well-being, through brush letter art? The key to chic brush lettering is to write freely without being too constrained by stroke order or the balance of kanji radicals.
Start by imitating works posted on video sites and social media—use them as references and give it a try! Display your piece somewhere seniors will easily see it and let your feelings come through.
Bouquet made of yarn
Here’s a yarn craft that’s perfect for seniors who enjoy delicate, detailed work.
Wrap yarn around a fork to make a flower.
When we think of yarn crafts, we often imagine knitting, but with a fork you can create flowers without knitting.
Make each petal by wrapping yarn around the fork, then use a needle to connect the petals.
Seniors who enjoy handicrafts will likely have fun making these.
If fine motor tasks are challenging, offer support and try making them together.
Attach a stem and a flower center to finish.
Make several and arrange them into a bouquet—it’s a lovely project.
