Lovely Play & Recreation

Cool origami that boys will love and want to fold

Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!
Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

When it comes to origami that boys love, cool vehicles and weapons are definitely the most popular! One of the best parts is that once you finish making them—like airplanes, trains, swords, or kunai—you can play with them right away.

In this article, we’ve gathered special ideas that will make boys who are tired of ordinary origami light up with excitement.

You’ll find lots of creations that tickle the hearts of boys who love cool rides and epic battles.

Once you’re done, have fun playing with friends or displaying them in your room!

Moving mechanisms and playable toys (11–20)

Mini Basketball Game

Origami toy: Mini Mini Basketball Game

Mini Basketball Game

If you want to make an origami toy that lets you play using plenty of fingertip action, this one is recommended! Here’s a mini basketball game.

Set the ball in the launcher, push with your finger to shoot the ball, and try to score in the hoop.

It may look complicated, but if you crease firmly, you can fold it smoothly.

It’s recommended for older kindergarteners who can use their fingers skillfully.

It also sounds fun to try making it with slightly larger origami paper.

Definitely make it and have fun playing!

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origami cracker

Make it with a square sheet of paper! Super Easy Origami Popper

origami cracker

When it comes to origami toys that are super simple yet keep kids totally absorbed, the “cracker” (paper popper) comes to mind.

I’m sure many parents played with it at least once, too.

While many people may have made it with newspaper, this is the origami version.

It’s very easy to make! Fold the origami paper in half into a square twice, then squash-fold it into a triangle on both sides—and you’re done! Anyone can make it easily, so if your child likes it, it’s fun to make together.

Even kids who first look puzzled and say, “What’s this?” will perk up the moment it makes a sound!

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A mysterious triangle you can squash infinitely

[Easy Origami] A mysterious triangle that can be collapsed infinitely — how to make it

A mysterious triangle you can squash infinitely

How about making and playing with a mysterious triangle you can squash endlessly? Not only can you enjoy it over and over, but that uniquely soft, pleasant feel of origami might just become addictive.

Using double-sided origami paper makes it even more colorful, so it’s highly recommended.

At first glance it looks like it’s made with lots of sheets, but the great thing is you can actually make it with just three.

Once you create three identical parts, all that’s left is assembling them! Curious boys will probably find the assembly process exciting too.

Go ahead and make it with your kids, checking each step together as you go.

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Suisui Snake

Origami toy “Suisui Snake” (Sliding Snake)

Suisui Snake

Sui-Sui Snake: pinch and release the bulging part of the snake’s body, and it will glide smoothly.

It’s really fun to play with, so please try making one! If you make firm creases in the origami as you fold, it will be much easier to form the box shape later.

Gently pinch the snake’s belly and press it into a triangle; this strengthens the spring action that makes the snake glide smoothly.

Using origami in various colors will make it colorful and visually striking.

Try racing them with your friends!

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Magic Spiral Cube

[Playable Origami] Surprisingly Easy! Stretchy and Fun! How to Fold a Magic Spiral Cube [Origami] Playable Simple Craft

Magic Spiral Cube

Spin it and it stretches! Here’s how to make a Magic Spiral Cube packed with fascinating surprises.

It looks very difficult, but you can actually make it by preparing multiple identical parts and assembling them—once you get the hang of it, it’s surprisingly easy.

You might have each child make one part and then connect everyone’s pieces together.

When assembling, be sure to glue or use double-sided tape firmly so it won’t break even after repeated play.

Try making and playing with different variations—long ones, short ones, colorful ones, and more.

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In conclusion

Origami that delights boys is a small adventure born from a simple sheet of paper.

From cool vehicles to weapons, there’s something special about the moment when imagination takes shape at your fingertips.

The time spent playing with the finished creations or displaying them in a favorite spot will surely become a cherished memory.

Please enjoy the world of creativity that begins with a single sheet of origami.