From Grandchildren with Love! Heartwarming Handmade Gift Ideas for Respect-for-the-Aged Day
There’s something truly special about the warmth of a handmade gift for Grandma and Grandpa, isn’t there? A present filled with a grandchild’s love is sure to be the most treasured gift of all.
Still, it’s easy to wonder, “What should we make?” In this article, we’re sharing ideas for Grandparents’ Day handmade gifts that kids can enjoy making.
From items using photos or children’s drawings to practical everyday goodies, every idea is sure to bring big smiles to Grandma and Grandpa!
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From Grandchildren! Heartwarming Handmade Gift Ideas for Respect-for-the-Aged Day (11–20)
flower box
For grandparents who love flowers, try making and gifting a flower box.
Even though it’s called a flower box, it doesn’t use fresh flowers—since it uses artificial ones, you don’t have to worry about them wilting, and they can be enjoyed in their beautiful state for a long time.
These days, artificial flowers from 100-yen shops are very pretty and come in a wide variety.
Cut off the stems and calyxes of the artificial flowers, then attach them to a box with a hot glue gun, arranging them with good balance.
Be sure to research your grandparents’ preferences—such as the box color and flower types—and create it to suit their tastes.
Yarn Swirl! Photo Frame
For Respect-for-the-Aged Day, how about a photo frame made with yarn that even kids can easily craft? A warm, seasonal gift is sure to delight Grandma and Grandpa! It’s very simple: just cut cardboard to make a frame and wrap yarn around and around it.
A single color of yarn works fine, but using several colors makes it more festive! Add buttons, sparkly beads, or seasonal items like acorns to elevate the frame.
Besides photos, message cards or drawings are great to put inside, too!
Photos on fabric! Original pouch
Why not make a custom pouch using your grandchild’s favorite photo? It’s perfect for Respect for the Aged Day, and best of all, it lets Grandma and Grandpa see their grandchild’s smile anytime! You can get all the materials at the 100-yen shop, so it’s budget-friendly.
You’ll use a sheet of regular paper printed with your favorite photo on a home printer as the base.
Since the process involves ironing and using a sewing machine, it might be difficult for a child to make alone—so we recommend making it together with Mom or Dad.
A one-of-a-kind photo pouch is sure to be a special gift!
Handmade bookmark
Bookmarks are handy to have when reading a book.
Try making and gifting cute, original bookmarks with messages.
Using origami or cardstock is quick and easy, but if you use shrink plastic sheets (puraban), self-adhesive laminating film, and ribbons, you can create durable bookmarks that also look lovely.
You can find shrink plastic, laminating film, ribbons, and more at 100-yen shops, so it’s easy to get started.
Add your own messages or illustrations and give it a try!
Crane handprint art
A gift that lets grandparents always feel their grandchild’s presence is crane handprint art.
Use a handprint with the fingers stretched straight as the crane’s outstretched body, then add a cute design by drawing the face on the head and attaching legs.
As the saying goes, “Cranes live a thousand years,” and cranes have long symbolized longevity, making this a perfect idea for Respect for the Aged Day.
Plus, keeping a handprint from early childhood will one day spark the conversation, “Your hands used to be this tiny!”
pen holder
How about a pen holder as a practical gift? Pen holders made from toilet paper rolls are great because they make it easy to use children’s artwork.
First, create several sheets of drawing paper experimenting with various techniques such as spattering and marbling.
Next, wrap the paper around the toilet paper rolls.
Make several and vary the heights to create a more functional pen holder.
Attach them to a backing sheet of cardstock with glue, and you’re done! You’ll have a wonderful piece that brings back the children’s smiles whenever the pens are used.
Cute flower
When it comes to decorations for Respect-for-the-Aged Day celebrations, flowers are a must, aren’t they? Here’s how to make a cute flower decoration using origami.
First, fold a strip of origami paper into an accordion.
Then fold the accordion-folded paper in half so it’s half the length, and trim the tip into a rounded shape.
Be mindful of the paper’s orientation when you cut.
Make two of the same piece, then glue the ends together—and you’re done.
They look adorable if you make lots in different colors and sizes and hang them up.
Original uchiwa (hand fan)
Why not try making a hand fan (uchiwa), a classic item for staying cool in hot weather? Create an original piece by adding photos of your grandchild or your own illustrations.
First, use a smartphone app or similar tool to adjust your fan design and print it out.
Next, cut the illustration to match the shape of an uchiwa kit, which you can buy at 100-yen shops.
Finally, attach the front and back sheets to the fan’s base—and you’re done.
The simple steps make it easy and appealing for kids to take part too.
Grandchild’s album
For elderly people, an album where they can see their grandchild’s smile and growth is a gift they’ll never get tired of—perhaps the perfect present.
These days there are many options, such as using smartphone apps or services that select photos and create albums for free, but choosing and making an album with the photos the grandchild personally likes will likely be appreciated even more.
It’s easy to make—just pick the photos and slip them into an album—so it’s a great recommendation for Respect-for-the-Aged Day.
Adding messages to the album will surely make it an even more heartfelt gift that they’ll love.
Let’s make our family’s faces with paper clay!
Why not try making faces of Grandpa and Grandma using paper clay and acrylic paints? Focusing on parts like hair, eyes, nose, and mouth, you can create them with buttons and paper clay.
Making the children’s faces as gifts will surely delight them, too.
You can turn them into various items such as keychains, magnets, and pendants.
Since you’ll be using paper clay, it’s a safe and easy gift to make.
Picture your grandpa’s or grandma’s face as you create it.