DIY ideas for “Izena-tori” (first birthday fortune-telling) cards for a 1st birthday

9 years of experience as a nursery school teacherShibata Risa
I am an active nursery school teacher with 9 years of experience. After graduating from university, I worked at a daycare center. The time I spent happily with children—playing piano, singing songs, and doing finger-play—are priceless memories to me. Currently, while raising three children of my own, I work at an after-school day service, engaging with children and providing individualized developmental support. Drawing on my diverse experiences as a childcare worker and as a mother, I hope to express and convey my thoughts through writing.

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-Telling) Cards (11–20)

Cards made with icing cookies

Here’s an idea for using iced cookies as “career choice” cards for a baby’s first birthday.

Iced cookies—where you draw pictures and write words with icing—can be quite challenging for beginners.

However, there are websites that explain the process in detail for novices, so don’t give up and give it a try.

If you’re drawing illustrations, it’s recommended to choose motifs that are easy for babies to recognize, like bears or rabbits.

There are also custom-made iced cookies designed for these selection cards, so try searching for them and use them as references.

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Character design card

These are “Erabitori” cards featuring characters from anime and manga.

Let’s create vibrant cards using illustrations that depict various dreams and professions! By using characters from long-standing works like Disney or Snoopy, the cards can become keepsakes to cherish even after the event is over.

You might also craft cards filled with warm wishes—such as “We hope you grow up surrounded by love” or “We hope you make many friends.” When choosing the cards, be sure to design them so that babies can enjoy them visually as well.

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Cards made with texture art

Texture art characterized by the tactile feel and material qualities of paints and canvas.

Let’s create warm, handcrafted “first birthday choice” cards.

First, use a painting knife or similar tool to paint on the prepared canvas.

Vary the patterns by changing your pressure and the way you move your brush.

Arrange the cards—each labeled with a dream or profession—so the baby can intuitively pick one.

Why not make a one-of-a-kind set of choice cards that can be displayed as fashion items or interior decor?

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Humanoid card

Here’s an idea for turning “erabitori” cards into little human figures.

Normally, the cards use illustrations or text to represent occupations, but in this version you create people—like a musician or a chef—out of colored construction paper and use them as the cards.

If you enjoy crafts or want to make a slightly different style of erabitori cards, give this a try.

The figures look very cute, so babies are likely to love them.

If there are older siblings, making them together will make even more special memories.

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Drawing card for brothers and sisters

For a more memorable “erabitori” (first birthday) card, how about asking the older brother or sister to draw pictures or write messages on it? Even if their drawings and writing aren’t perfect yet, the illustrations and words they create for their little sibling will surely make your family’s memories even more special.

Spending time drawing while talking about the baby’s future will be happy in itself.

If the big brother or sister wants to help celebrate the baby, by all means, let them take the lead.

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In conclusion

How did you like the handmade ideas for the “erabitori” (first birthday choosing) cards? Everyone came up with such creative designs, and just looking at them was fun. Beyond the card ideas themselves, a little ingenuity in how you display them could help you take wonderful birthday photos, too. As you look back on your child’s growth so far, try making a lovely handmade card filled with love. Wishing you a memorable and joyful first birthday!