DIY ideas for “Izena-tori” (first birthday fortune-telling) cards for a 1st birthday
A child’s first birthday—the first one since they were born—is a special day for both the child and the parents.
Many families celebrate the first birthday with a “choice-taking” ritual, where the item the child picks is said to predict their future.
If you’re thinking, “For this once-in-a-lifetime event, I want to prepare the cutest, extra-special cards!”, this is a must-see.
We’ve gathered plenty of DIY ideas for first-birthday selection cards.
From classic card styles to playful designs, decor-worthy pieces, and keepsakes you’ll treasure—there are lots of stylish, heart-fluttering ideas.
Use these as inspiration and have fun imagining, “Which one will they choose?” as you make them for your little one.
[For a 1st Birthday] DIY Ideas for “Erabitori” (First Birthday Fortune Picking) Cards (1–10)
Capsule-type card
https://www.instagram.com/p/CfVLfLYpGcC/Here’s an idea for a “future choice” card using capsules.
Write words related to the future on the surface of the capsule, and put dried flowers inside to make it.
Of course, instead of dried flowers, you can also put in toys or items related to different jobs.
Many one-year-olds like balls, so this seems like a wonderful idea that they’ll happily choose from.
However, since babies will treat them like balls, make sure to firmly seal the capsules together so they won’t break if thrown.
Collage-style card
https://www.instagram.com/p/CngEf7XpAGz/A collage card that uses photos capturing the expressions of a baby turning one year old.
Prepare illustrations that evoke various professions, such as athletes, scholars, and models.
Next, paste the baby’s face photo onto the face area of each illustration.
This lets the baby experience choosing a single card from a set of photos where their own face appears many times.
Both the chosen card and the ones not chosen can be kept in a keepsake photo book—such a cute item.
Try making these ‘selection’ cards that will spark hopes for the baby’s future.
Cards using illustrations
https://www.instagram.com/p/CnqZAxuv7rr/These are cards designed with illustrations themed around dreams and professions.
For example, use instruments for music or a palette for an artist—create illustrations that match each occupation.
Besides the illustration and theme, it’s also recommended to write notes on paper about future prospects and personality tendencies.
If you’re good at drawing, you can create your own original illustrations.
Why not make a warm, heartfelt card that carries wishes—not only for dreams or careers, but also sentiments like “I hope they grow up with love and hope”? If you frame the selected card and display it, it will become an even more eye-catching piece.
Tag-type card
https://www.instagram.com/p/CU8d9tBhTQv/Why not try making cute tag-shaped cards that can also be displayed as interior decor? Since each card is made with a hole punched in it, they’re great for attaching to backpacks or pouches.
Line up tag-shaped cards labeled with dreams or professions and let your baby choose one.
Because tags are generally small, they’re easy for a baby to grasp in their little hands.
You can write on store-bought tags or make the selection cards entirely by hand from scratch.
How about creating cards that are fun to display and fun to carry around?
Cards with charms
https://www.instagram.com/p/CjITnpOvMVg/These are cards with charms, derived from the word for “song” in Latin.
They can be used not only on the wrist but also as decorative accessories for bags and more.
When creating “career-picking” cards, attach charms that represent various professions to the cards or plates.
Adding cursive English lettering or ribbons will make them even more festive.
Whether chosen or not, each card is a cute, practical item you can use in everyday life.
Try making cards that are easy for a one-year-old to hold and simple to carry around.
Cards that become puzzles
https://www.instagram.com/p/CkLC9xGJo8t/Here’s an idea for “choice cards” made using a single photo as the background.
At first glance, the cards may look unrelated, but when you line them all up, they form one complete picture.
Why not try making them with a memorable baby photo or a family photo? All you need to do is print the photo onto cardstock, add a grid, cut along the lines, and write the labels.
If you want to print it with the grid already on it, a smartphone app should make that easy.
If you laminate each piece, your child can also use them as a puzzle toy when they get older.
Flag-shaped card
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb4yAZCp99w/A card inspired by flags, which are used as markers on signs or to display goals and messages.
In scenes celebrating a baby’s first birthday, just imagining their future, where they’ll shine, is exciting, isn’t it? Here’s an idea: write dream jobs and the like on cards and have the baby choose one.
Paper works fine, but combining fabric and a stick gives a gentle, soft look.
Try various ways to present them—have the baby pick one from a jar, or stand them up like beach flags!
Block-style card
https://www.instagram.com/p/CirC5R2p6OO/Even when it comes to “first-birthday choice” cards (erabitori), they come in many forms.
Here’s an idea that uses wooden blocks instead of cards.
The benefit of using blocks is that they can continue to be used as toys afterward.
Blocks are toys that can be enjoyed for a long time, making them perfect as keepsakes.
They’re also essential for developing a baby’s finger dexterity.
You can buy blocks at 100-yen shops or online.
As they can be dangerous as-is, be sure to sand down the corners to make them rounded before using them.
Cards made with shrink plastic
https://www.instagram.com/p/Clv_BPWJJd3/Selection cards made by heating a clear plastic sheet in an oven toaster.
Let’s create cards using shrink plastic (popular with kids)! First, draw illustrations on the prepared plastic sheet with themes like dreams or future careers.
Next, cut them into shapes such as keychains, then bake them in the oven toaster.
It’s also a great idea to add not only illustrations but the job title and a short message.
Even after the selection-card event is over, these transparent items can be displayed—let the baby choose one to keep as a charming memento.
Cards using children’s photos
https://www.instagram.com/p/CcUjNqxpo2z/Eruabitori cards that use photos capturing a baby’s adorable moments from birth until their first birthday.
Prepare square sheets of paper like colored cardstock, write future dreams or professions on them, and attach a photo.
If you’re making cards like chef or artist, it’s also nice to combine illustrations with the photos.
Since the baby will choose one card from many, you can host a heartwarming event while reminiscing about memories with your little one.
Try making erabitori cards that both babies and adults can enjoy together.