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 Picking) Cards (1–10)

Block-style card

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.

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Cards made with shrink plastic

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.

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Cards using children’s photos

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.

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[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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