[For Seniors] Craft Ideas Recommended for New Year’s and the New Year
In winter it’s cold and you tend to feel reluctant to do anything.
At times like that, try adding some fun, absorbing craft activities.
In this article, we’ll share New Year–themed craft ideas you can enjoy, perfect for the season.
New Year’s brings a festive image, and it’s the perfect time to make New Year decorations.
As a New Year craft activity, enjoy origami with auspicious motifs, or try making New Year decorations at the end of the year in preparation for the holiday.
Each idea is sure to result in a gorgeous, delightful creation!
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[For Seniors] Recommended New Year Crafts and Activities (21–30)
Super Mario Fukuwarai
@kaccchan26 Happy New Year#supermarioSuper MarioFukuwarai#HandmadeToysInstant Toy#instanttoyLife with children
♬ Super Mario – 8 Bit Era
It looks like a fukuwarai game that you and your Mario-loving grandchild could really enjoy.
Since Mario has a mustache, it might be a bit more challenging as a fukuwarai, but that could make it even more fun.
You can make the parts out of the same cardboard, or create the base with paper and use cardboard for certain pieces to give them a 3D feel.
You’ll need to draw a picture of Mario when making it, so if you’re not confident, I recommend preparing an illustration you can copy first.
It would also be fun to make it with characters other than Mario.
Daifuku smile
@karitasunosato This is Hamanomiya Shochikuen Day Service 🤗 In January, we enjoyed New Year’s recreational activities 🫶✨CaregivingCertified Care WorkerTranslationRecreationFukuwaraiFun time
♬ Iko Iko (My Bestie) (feat. Small Jam) – Justin Wellington
This is a large-scale game of fukuwarai that you can enjoy like playing darts.
You toss the facial parts onto a large sheet with an outline of an Okame face to complete it.
You can play while seated, and there’s no need for a blindfold.
However, since the throwing positions are fixed, you’ll need to adjust your throwing strength so the mouth pieces land closer and the eye pieces land farther.
In other words, control is key.
It’s also important to throw the pieces horizontally so they don’t flip over, so keep that in mind and have fun.
[For Seniors] Recommended Craft Ideas for New Year’s/January (31–40)
Sumikkogurashi Fukuwarai
Why not try making a Fukuwarai game themed around the popular kids’ characters Sumikko Gurashi? The parts are quite small, so try playing without a blindfold.
If you know the characters, it’s easy—but if you don’t, you might be puzzled, wondering, “Which part is this supposed to be?” The hands in particular can be tricky if you don’t realize they’re hands.
Many older adults may not be familiar with Sumikko Gurashi, so you might end up creating some hilariously funny faces!
Cat Fukuwarai
This is a recommended fukuwarai for those who love cats! When you think of fukuwarai, the classic themes are okame or hyottoko, but this one features a cat motif.
In addition to the eyes and nose, try adding parts like ears and a tail to enjoy the game.
Since there are many kinds of cats, try making the base with your favorite breed.
If you have a cat, it might be fun to use a photo of your own pet for the fukuwarai.
After you’re done, enjoy the adorable expression of the finished cat.
Fukuwarai of the Seven Lucky Gods
@chokipeta_factory Can you name the Seven Lucky Gods?#Nursery schoolNursery teacher / Childcare workerProductionNew YearFukuwarai
♬ Hoshiyume Drop – TOFU
How about playing Fukuwarai with the Seven Lucky Gods for a bit of good fortune? Ebisu, Daikokuten, Fukurokuju, Bishamonten, Hotei, Jurōjin, and Benzaiten—having the full set is truly impressive! After you finish the Fukuwarai game, you could even use them as New Year wall decorations.
It seems the Seven Lucky Gods illustrations are being prepared for sale, so they should become available for purchase before long, but if you’re good at drawing, you can make your own.
Another option is to use coloring-page illustrations that are available for free.
Rabbit ornament
It’s a popular motif that instantly brightens up any room.
This adorable origami piece is also perfect as a New Year’s decoration.
The folding method is very simple, and the step-by-step instructions are slow and thorough, so even those who aren’t confident with origami can work on it with ease.
All you need are two 150 mm square sheets of origami paper, glue, and a marker.
It’s easy to prepare, making it great for crafting together with children! If you make it with older adults, the handwork naturally sparks conversation, creating a warm, relaxed time.
Looking at the finished piece while sharing New Year memories can also be a heartwarming way to connect.
Rabbit New Year decoration
This is a warm, handcrafted piece you can make with everyday materials like yarn and colored construction paper.
Create a fluffy pom-pom with yarn, fold the construction paper into an accordion fan, and place a colored-pencil rabbit illustration in the center to complete a decoration that beautifully blends New Year’s festivity with cuteness.
The charm lies in being able to make a softly textured piece without any special tools.
Display it in the entryway, on the wall, or on a shelf to instantly brighten the room and evoke the excitement of welcoming the new year.