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 with Love! Heartwarming Handmade Gift Ideas for Respect-for-the-Aged Day (1–10)
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.
Original message card
How about giving your grandparents a message card as a gift? Straightforward words filled with the wish for them to live a long life will surely touch their hearts.
Along with the content of the message, it’s also important to think about how to decorate the area around the words.
If you fill the decoration with things they like, it will convey what their grandchild loves; and if you include drawings for your grandpa or grandma, they’ll feel the grandchild’s affection as well.
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!
From Grandchildren! Heartwarming Handmade Gift Ideas for Respect-for-the-Aged Day (11–20)
herbarium
A perfect gift for a special day! Let me introduce herbariums.
A herbarium is a decorative item made by preserving flowers and leaves in oil inside a glass bottle.
They require no maintenance, and the flowers and leaves keep their beauty for a long time, making them a popular gift choice! What you’ll need: herbarium oil, a container, stickers, a clear sheet, and your favorite flowers and leaves.
It’s great that you can even find the materials at 100-yen shops.
Arranging different flowers and leaves creates a variety of moods, so it’s fun to experiment!
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!”
amulet
Omamori amulets, which hold various wishes, make perfect Respect-for-the-Aged Day gifts to pray for your grandparents’ long life.
Why not create your own original omamori, taking inspiration from the ones you see at temples and shrines? Cut the shape out of construction paper and attach a ribbon to make it easy to hang.
The most important thing is to include a message and your wishes for your grandpa or grandma.
You can write your wish prominently in the center, or tuck it inside like a letter—either way, your feelings will come through.
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!