Origami ideas boys will want to make!
We’ll introduce origami ideas and instructions that boys will love, including playable origami toys, favorite creatures, and items perfect for pretend play.
Many of these can be made with just one sheet of origami paper, so even young children can give them a try.
Once you master the folds, try making them in different colors and patterns, or draw eyes and designs with a pen to add your own originality.
If you draw a picture on construction paper and paste your origami on top, it will add a three-dimensional feel and make a wonderful piece of art.
If you’re a boy who wants to try origami, have fun and give it a go!
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- Simple origami that can be folded from a single sheet
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- Popular characters that are easy to make with origami. A collection of creations you can enjoy with children.
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Ideas for Origami Boys Will Want to Make (1–10)
shuriken
Shuriken, used by ninja to attack distant opponents, have a unique design with sharp points on all four sides that’s quite appealing.
The standard method involves combining two halves of folded paper, and because you insert the two parts into each other, the result is a sturdy shuriken.
If you use two colors of origami paper, you can make two colorful shuriken.
Try combining different colors to create your favorite shuriken.
Since the four points are quite sharp, it’s dangerous to throw them at people.
It might be better to set up a target and throw them at that instead.
A crane with legs
The classic origami crane doesn’t have legs, right? But the crane introduced here does! Its head and wings are the same as a regular origami crane, but it sprouts legs, giving it a slightly strange and amusing look.
The folding method is almost the same as the usual crane.
The steps change at the very end, when you spread the wings and form the head.
Normally, you would create a tail-like part, but here you make a cut there and turn that section into legs.
Fold both sides into an accordion about three times each, and then spread out the whole figure, including the wings, to finish.
poop; poop (informal)
It may have a strong image of being disliked as something dirty, but many people probably can’t help but laugh when it shows up.
This is an origami piece that uses that symbol of dirty jokes as its motif, aiming more to emphasize cuteness.
It’s simple—just keep adding stepped layers to a triangle—and lightly twisting the tip is an important point to give it the right feel.
By drawing a cute face at the end, you complete that character.
Using colorful origami paper further reduces the sense of realism and makes it more approachable as a character.
Origami Ideas Boys Will Want to Make (11–20)
Decoy boat
A simple ship design with a sail sticking up from the base—its appearance is plain, but it’s filled with playfulness.
It’s an origami model used as a kind of magic trick: you have someone hold the tip of the ship and close their eyes; when they open them, they find they’re holding a different part, even though they never let go.
The secret is that, while their eyes are closed, you shift the creases and transform the model into a different shape.
The key to making this trick ship is to prepare fine creases ahead of time so that the transformation is possible.
Keep the balance in mind as you finish: pre-setting the transformation creases, folding softly so the movement isn’t noticed, and so on.
spinning top
Tops are fun, aren’t they? Their shapes may differ, but they’ve always been popular toys across eras.
So how about making one yourself? And not just any top.
If you design it with a diamond-shaped axle, it spins incredibly well.
Give it a try and see for yourself! Another plus is that since it’s made with origami, it’s easy to customize the shape and color.
Adding a little extra touch—like drawing illustrations or sticking on decals—can be fun too.
shark
Here’s an origami shark idea that’s perfect for boys who like strong animals.
You’ll make the shark using a single sheet of light blue origami paper.
Draw the face however you like with a pen—go for a cute, stylized look or make it realistic and scary.
As for how to play with it, a fishing game is recommended.
First, attach a paper clip to the shark.
Then use a magnet tied to the end of some twine to fish the shark up.
It would be fun to compete with friends to see who can reel theirs in the fastest.
Snap camera
Isn’t an origami mochi with a gimmick pretty rare? So, I’d like to introduce an idea called the “Pachin Camera.” It’s about folding origami into a camera-like form.
Part of it is built so that, when you unhook an interlocking section—like crochet loops—it makes a snapping sound, similar to a shutter.
The folding process is a bit complex, but once you make it, you can play with it over and over.
You can also draw details like the lens as illustrations to complete the look.