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)

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.

Raise the rankinglower

sasashina

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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!