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.
- Recommended for seniors! Origami gifts
- Handmade Gifts: Ideas That Will Delight Older Adults
- [For Seniors] Handmade gifts they’ll love: a roundup of simple ideas
- [Respect-for-the-Aged Day Celebration] Crowd-Pleasing Performances: Ideas That Staff Can Enjoy Too
- [Respect for the Aged Day] With heartfelt gratitude: Handmade gift ideas that will delight residents in senior care facilities
- [Respect-for-the-Aged Celebration] Celebrate with vibrant decorations! A roundup of decoration ideas
- [All from 100-yen shops!] Birthday goods you can buy at 100-yen stores
- [Respect for the Aged Day] Mural decorations to brighten the celebration. Simple handmade ideas to try
- [Respect for the Aged Day] Handmade gifts that will be appreciated: A curated selection of simple ideas
- [For Seniors] Small craft ideas: for yourself and as gifts!
- For Seniors: Simple and Lovely Crafts – A Collection of Take-Home Project Ideas for Day Service
- For Seniors: Brighten Up the Nursing Home with Festive Christmas Decorations!
- [For Seniors] Make it a special day: A roundup of birthday party activities for nursing homes
Respect-for-the-Aged Day: Give from the heart! A collection of handmade gift ideas that will delight (11–20)
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.
preserved flower arrangementNEW!
Fresh flowers can feel like a high hurdle for the giver, and considering the care required afterward, they’re not the easiest choice as a present.
But preserved flowers don’t require watering or other upkeep and won’t wilt, practically forever—making them an easy gift! You can give a ready-made piece, or source the blooms and container yourself and create an arrangement.
Try putting together a lovely arrangement that suits the recipient’s vibe and favorite flowers!
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.
A turtle message card made with mizuhiki
Mizuhiki, the decorative cords often seen on gift envelopes, are made from washi paper and are said to be tied only by hand! Let’s use mizuhiki to handcraft a gift for Respect-for-the-Aged Day.
It’s a great material for expressing gratitude to seniors.
There are many ways to tie mizuhiki, but since we’re celebrating longevity, let’s make a message card with a turtle motif! You’ll make the turtle’s head and shell separately and join them at the end.
It may be a bit challenging for beginners until you get used to handling mizuhiki.
Besides the turtle, try adding ume (plum) knots or awaji knots to create a more luxurious message card!
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.
[Respect-for-the-Aged Day] Give with love! A collection of handmade gift ideas that are sure to delight (21–30)
Message bookmarks
A handmade bookmark using a transparent sheet—the fact that it’s transparent makes the message you add easy to see, which is a key point.
Cut the sheet into the shape you want, then freely write a message of thanks or anything else on it.
Since it’s used between the pages of a book, it’s important to make it a size and shape that’s convenient in that situation.
You can punch a hole to thread a string, or add lively decorations to make reading more enjoyable.
While thinking about the person you’ll give it to, finish it with your own unique design.