Respect-for-the-Aged Day: Heartfelt, Handmade Gift Ideas They’ll Love

Photo-card with a cut-out window

Add a creative touch to a classic gift staple—the message card—to convey warmth.

This design layers two cards to create a message card with a cut-out window, around which the message is written.

If you place a photo of the recipient inside the window, it will feel even more like the message is meant just for them.

Clearly separating the colors of the background and the window enhances the sense of depth, so choose the overall color scheme carefully.

It’s also a great idea to incorporate decorations featuring things the recipient loves.

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kappamaki

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spring pouch

[Among no-sew DIYs, this is one of the easiest!] A tall spring pouch that snaps open with one hand and can be used as both a glasses case and a pen case! How to make a popular spring pouch♪

The “spring pouch” is a highly practical item that can double as a glasses case or a pen case! Since many seniors rely on glasses, it also makes a great gift for Respect-for-the-Aged Day.

The construction is wonderfully simple—you just stick everything together with double-sided tape, no sewing required.

The inside is felt, so it won’t scratch your glasses.

By attaching a spring clasp, it pops open easily with one hand, which is really convenient.

You can make it with any fabric—mix and match your favorite patterns, use scraps, or upcycle old clothes—so be sure to give it a try.

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miyabi

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Japanese-style wreath

[Origami] Easy palm-sized Japanese-style wreath—just slot the pieces together! How to make it / stay-at-home time / origami /

A Japanese-style wreath that also serves as home decor seems like it would be a great gift for seniors.

The round shape is considered auspicious, so it’s recommended as a present for birthdays or Respect for the Aged Day events.

This time, let’s make a Japanese-style wreath perfect for such gifts using origami.

The process is very simple.

Prepare two colors of origami paper you like and cut them to the needed size.

Then fold them according to the steps and simply interlock the folded pieces alternately.

It’s easy to do, so try arranging different color combinations to create a variety of wreaths.

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Nanaka

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celebratory crane

[Origami] How to Fold a Festive “Celebration Crane” — Origami Celebration Crane [With Voice Commentary] / Baaba’s Origami

When it comes to celebrations, you can’t go without the celebratory crane, can you? Many people give them as gifts to seniors on special occasions like New Year’s, Respect for the Aged Day, and birthdays.

Cranes have long been considered symbols of longevity and are auspicious birds for older adults.

This time, let’s make a celebratory crane with origami.

Once you master the basic way to fold a crane, it’s easy to create.

Using luxurious origami paper suitable for celebrations will result in a gorgeous, festive crane—highly recommended! Writing a congratulatory message on the wings would likely be appreciated as well.

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Nanaka

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Crane memo holder

Let’s make a Respect-for-the-Aged Day gift with origami! [With audio commentary] A message gift for Grandpa and Grandma: a crane memo holder.

How about a crane memo holder as a gift for someone special? Cranes are considered a symbol of longevity, making them perfect for celebrating elderly loved ones.

We all want the people we care about to stay healthy forever.

Words that are hard to say in everyday life can be gently conveyed by adding a note to the crane memo stand.

Also, the folding method for the crane doesn’t require many intricate steps, so it’s recommended even for those who aren’t confident with origami.

It would likely be a hit if you quietly placed one on the table for Respect for the Aged Day or at a birthday celebration.

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Nanaka

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Mizuhiki strap

[DIY!] How to Tie the Mizuhiki Ume Knot & Make a Strap

Mizuhiki, the decorative cords often seen on gift envelopes, are quite common.

Let’s try arranging these mizuhiki into straps! In recent years, many older adults also use mobile phones, so they make great gifts for Respect for the Aged Day as well.

Common mizuhiki knots include the “butterfly knot” (cho-musubi), “tight knot” (musubi-kiri), “awaji knot,” and “ume (plum blossom) knot.” All of them are suitable for celebratory occasions, and their designs are charming.

Some may be a bit challenging to make, but give them a try! You can adapt them not only into straps, but also into brooches, clip-on earrings, and pierced earrings, so please give it a go.

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miyabi

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fabric keychain

How to Make a Fabric Keychain in 5 Minutes: Use Mini Fabric Scraps — Great as a Name Tag Too

How about this keychain that you can make using just a swivel snap hook from Seria and fabric scraps? You really only need tiny pieces of fabric, so making it from scraps of clothes that your grandparents no longer wear could turn it into a keepsake full of memories.

First, prepare a 6 cm × 9 cm scrap of fabric.

Fold it into quarters, sew along the edge, then turn it right side out and press it well with an iron.

Thread it through the swivel hook, fold back about 1.5 cm, stitch it in place, and you’re done.

It’s very easy, so give it a try!

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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