Handmade amulet gift ideas for someone special
When choosing a protective charm to give to someone important—family, friends, or a partner—it’s easy to wonder what would be best.
Buying one at a shrine or temple is certainly an option, but why not try conveying your feelings by gifting a handmade charm imbued with your wishes?
In this article, we’ll share ideas for materials, styles, patterns, and designs.
We’ve selected options ranging from easy-to-make to more elaborate, so we hope you’ll find them helpful when crafting your own.
Send a handmade charm that conveys a special, one-of-a-kind sentiment.
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Handmade amulet gift ideas for someone special (11–20)
Round omamori pouch
How about making a cute, rounded handmade charm using fabric scraps or any fabric you like at home? Prepare two pieces of fabric cut into circles.
Sew them together to create an adorable, rounded little pouch! Thread a cord through the opening and it’s done.
Adding a double “kanou” knot, a familiar charm decoration, will make it look even more like a traditional amulet.
Feel free to personalize it by putting a message or a 5-yen coin inside.
If you make it with the recipient in mind, your wish is sure to come true.
plastic sheet
Many of you might remember playing with shrink plastic sheets when you were kids! By baking them in a toaster, you can easily make small items and accessories.
Why not use shrink plastic to create a translucent charm and give it to someone special? It’s perfect for anyone who wants to make a one-of-a-kind amulet! Cut the plastic sheet into the shape of a charm.
Since it shrinks when baked, the key is to cut it larger than the final size.
Next, color it with oil-based markers in your favorite shades.
After baking it in the toaster, arrange letters, small pieces, or glitter to create a charm full of originality.
If you make a hole in the plastic beforehand, you can thread a cord or chain through it so it can be attached to a bag.
washi (traditional Japanese paper)
Washi paper has a tactile warmth.
There are many varieties, from elegantly muted colors to chic, stylish traditional patterns.
Let’s try making charms using this washi.
The method is very simple—like folding origami.
It could be fun to make them with children.
You can also tuck a letter or message card inside, so it’s great for creating fashionable envelopes or small gift pouches.
It’s an easy handmade craft you can enjoy at home or as a school recreation activity.
origami
Origami has long been a classic children’s pastime.
There are many types of origami paper, from traditional Japanese patterns to holographic designs.
Let’s use such origami paper to make authentic omamori (good-luck charms).
Some folding methods take about 3 minutes and feature simple, easy designs, while others are more intricate and take around 15 minutes.
Since there are many ways to fold them, choose the method that’s closest to the design you want to make.
If you use slightly sturdier paper or one with traditional Japanese patterns, your omamori will look even more authentic.
plum-shaped
Let’s use chirimen crepe and Japanese-pattern fabric scraps to make a unique omamori charm! The motif is the plum blossom, with its cute, plump shape.
Plums bloom from February to March, when the cold is still severe.
Because they bravely withstand the cold, they’ve long been cherished as lucky symbols.
Infuse it with the wish to “not be defeated by adversity,” and it will delight anyone facing an important task or match.
Plums are also associated with Sugawara no Michizane, the Shinto deity of learning, so they’re perfect for students preparing for entrance exams!
rabbit
Rabbits have long been revered in various regions as animals that pray for prosperity of descendants and attract good fortune.
How about a cute charm with a rabbit motif? With red origami paper and round stickers, you can easily make a rabbit amulet.
The folding method isn’t very difficult, so even those who aren’t good at origami will be fine.
Finish by placing a round sticker on it and writing “おまもり” (omamori) in hiragana on top, and it will have a very soothing look!
Handmade amulet gift ideas for someone special (21–30)
A floral charm made with resin
Some say you shouldn’t carry multiple amulets because the gods might quarrel, but handmade charms are so delightful that you can’t help wanting to keep them.
Why not try making a “flower charm” using a microwave? There are resins that harden like plastic when heated in the microwave.
The simple steps are: pour the hardening resin halfway into a mold like an ice tray, arrange your favorite flowers inside, then fill the mold to the top with the same resin.
There are plenty of tutorial videos on video sites, too.
You’ll see terms like UV light and molds, but try your best while picturing the smiling face of a student passing their exams!