Birthday Medal seniors would be happy to receive
For those looking for a handmade birthday gift: this time, we’re introducing a “medal” craft.
Medals make great keepsakes as a symbol of effort and achievement.
Some older adults may associate them with the Olympics.
Why not present such a nostalgic medal for their birthday? If the craft allows for a message, it’s nice to add their age and a “Congratulations.” We also recommend hanging it around their neck and taking a commemorative photo.
We hope this helps them look forward to their birthday.
Birthday Medals That Seniors Will Be Happy to Receive (1–10)
Clover Medal
Here’s a medal featuring a clover, a symbol of happiness.
It’s a perfect idea not only for birthdays but also as a small gift! There’s no need for difficult folds—anyone can make it easily, which is part of its charm.
As you fold step by step, the clover shape gradually appears, making it a fun origami project.
You can express your individuality by using not only green paper but also your favorite colors or patterned origami! It would also be delightful to arrange it like a brooch or a pendant.
Rosette ribbon medal
Would you like to try folding a “rosette ribbon medal” that’s perfect for celebratory occasions? The term rosette originally referred to the decoration on a medal, but nowadays it’s used with the nuance of a chest ornament.
Many of you have probably seen them at weddings or school entrance ceremonies.
We’ll recreate a medal inspired by such rosettes using origami.
The finished medal makes a lovely gift as is, and you can also write a message in the center and give it to someone.
Paper Cup Medal
Here’s an idea for making a medal out of a paper cup.
First, prepare a paper cup, cut the rim, and then fold it.
Think of folding it radially with the bottom as the center.
Once it’s formed, decorate it and attach a string to finish.
A fun point is that the medal’s look changes depending on how you decorate it.
You can add stickers or draw illustrations—both are great.
Including a birthday message is nice, too.
Feel free to get creative and try it your own way.
Three-dimensional gold medal
A three-dimensional gold medal arranged from a paper fan! It’s very economical because you can easily make it using gold cardstock from the 100-yen shop.
The cut-out character “金” (gold) really stands out, so the recipient might feel like they’ve actually won a gold medal! First, cut the cardstock into strips and fold them accordion-style.
Next, tie the center with clear fishing line, spread out both ends, and secure them with clips.
Once you shape it into a circle, the medal base is complete.
You don’t have to stick to the character “金”—for a birthday, for example, using the recipient’s name or age would also create a striking and beautiful result.
medal with a ribbon
How about making an easy origami “medal with a ribbon” to give as a gift? It would be a hit at birthday parties in senior care facilities, too! No special techniques are required—if you can fold a crane, you should be able to take on this project.
Origami is also effective for dementia prevention, so it’s great for seniors to make themselves as well! You can write a message in the center of the medal or decorate it with a small ribbon made from a smaller sheet of origami—both are lovely ideas.
Try using check patterns, heart patterns, or traditional Japanese designs, and choose the paper to match the image of the person you’re giving it to.
Paper plate medal
You can make a medal using a paper plate.
First, prepare a paper plate and punch a hole in it.
Next, decorate the paper plate by sticking on cut pieces of origami paper, and so on.
Once you’re done, write a congratulatory message on a piece of cardstock and attach it with masking tape.
After that, thread a string through the hole you punched at the beginning, and it’s complete.
The charm is that it works both as a medal and like a message card.
Since you write on a separate piece of cardstock, it’s okay even if you make a mistake when writing.
Colorful medal
This is a medal that features a colorful look and a three-dimensional feel, created by decorating a circular base made from origami with construction paper, string, and more.
Since construction paper is layered on top at the end, any creases on the origami will be hidden.
Carefully forming a clean circle with fine folds adds to the medal’s volume.
Cut the construction paper to match the circular origami.
Choose colors and design patterns creatively to complete your original medal.
Because the origami peeks through the gaps in the construction paper, it’s recommended to keep a cohesive color scheme in mind as you make it.
