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.
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[Respect-for-the-Aged Day] Give with Heart! A Collection of Handmade Gift Ideas They’ll Love (31–40)
Medicine, coin purse
A small pouch that can hold medicine or coins is highly practical and makes a useful gift.
Fuse interfacing to the fabric and create the handle and body pieces.
Securely sew the handle to a ring placed in the center with a sewing machine, then fold the corners to add dimension.
Finish by attaching a button.
Although you’ll use a sewing machine, it’s mostly straight stitching, so it’s approachable even for beginners.
Choosing fabric patterns to match the season or personal taste adds an extra touch of originality.
For older adults, it’s not only convenient for keeping essentials close at hand; the thoughtfulness of making something just for them is an added delight.
It’s a gift that combines practicality and warmth, reminding the recipient of the giver each time it’s used.
A cute pouch made from fabric scraps
Let’s try making a practical handmade pouch! Here are some cute pouch ideas using fabric scraps.
Fabric scraps refer to leftover pieces or odd bits of fabric from cutting.
These days, you can buy scraps with character prints or floral patterns at 100-yen shops.
It’s a great idea even if you don’t have scraps at home or don’t have a craft store nearby.
Plus, pouches are convenient for carrying small items.
The time spent making one while thinking of the recipient will surely feel special, too.
Memo stand made with chenille stem flowers
A gift that conveys the warmth only handmade items can offer! Here’s an idea for a memo stand made with chenille stems (pipe cleaners) shaped like flowers.
It’s perfect for those who want to give flowers but feel sad that they wilt, or who are looking for something practical but can’t decide.
These cute, gentle-looking flowers made from chenille stems never wither, so they’ll keep blooming no matter when.
Plus, as a memo stand, it’s practical too.
Give it a try and add it to your gift ideas!
Message with cranes, turtles, and brush calligraphy
We’d like to introduce a birthday card featuring auspicious cranes and turtles.
Using turtle and crane stencils, you can add color with pastels to the base paper or colored paper where you’ll write your message.
If you also tint the entire card and base/colored paper with pastels, you can create a soft, gentle atmosphere.
Adding a handwritten message with a brush will turn it into a one-of-a-kind message card or shikishi board.
We also recommend the embossing technique—perfect for birthdays—for adding gold feathers and other lucky motifs.
In other words, using embossing to raise gold patterns is a great option too.
Older adults are likely to be pleased with such original birthday cards or shikishi boards.
candy bouquet
A gift that moves the heart! Let’s handcraft a message card for a candy bouquet.
Cut your favorite color construction paper into a circle, then glue a lace paper doily onto it slightly offset.
Make the flowers and leaves out of felt.
It’s easier if you prepare paper templates first.
Attach the flowers and leaves to the top part of the construction paper with the lace doily.
In the center, add a photo or write your message.
Fold the bottom into a triangle to form a bouquet shape, wrap a ribbon around it, and you’re done.
Isn’t it lovely how a bouquet card opens to reveal a message or photo? Give it a try!
[Respect-for-the-Aged Day] Give from the heart! A collection of handmade gift ideas that are sure to delight (41–50)
Flower arrangements you can make using 100-yen shop items
Flowers are a classic gift for celebrations, not just for Respect for the Aged Day.
If you use artificial flowers for the arrangement, it will last longer and let the recipient feel your congratulations for a long time, too.
Start by securing clay that fits the size of the pot, then insert and arrange the leaves and flowers into it.
Choosing flowers that match the pot’s color and design, and considering how to create a sense of spread, are also key points.
In addition to seasonal plants, it’s nice to incorporate flowers that reflect the person you’re giving the gift to.
chopstick sleeve
How about making some cute flower-themed chopstick sleeves that are perfect for celebrations? Many people host meals for special occasions, and handmade sleeves will be appreciated and make for lively conversation.
Both the sleeves and decorations are easy to make with origami.
For the sleeve, crease the paper and roll it along the folds to form a pouch.
For the floral embellishment, use smaller origami paper to cut out flower shapes, then curl the tips of the petals outward with a cuticle stick to add dimension, and finish the center with a glamorous pearl.
You can make everything with materials from a 100-yen shop, so it’s budget-friendly and great when you want to make lots.
