A collection of handmade money envelope ideas: from simple to elaborate
Pochi-bukuro are small envelopes used to give New Year’s money or a little token of thanks.
You can easily find them at convenience stores and 100-yen shops, and if you go to a stationery store or bookstore, you’ll see plenty with character themes and elaborate designs.
But if you’re going to give one, why not put your heart into it and make it by hand?
In this article, we’ll introduce a range of DIY pochi-bukuro ideas—from simple ones that are easy to make to more elaborate versions with clever mechanisms.
There are designs with a New Year’s feel and ones inspired by the zodiac, so be sure to use them as a reference.
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A collection of handmade money envelope ideas: from simple to elaborate (11–20)
Penguin money envelope
Let’s try folding a cute and unique money envelope with a penguin on the front, using origami.
It may look complicated at first glance, but if you follow the steps, it’s easy to make.
First, fold the base origami paper.
Choose any color you like or one that matches the image you have in mind.
Once you’ve folded the basic penguin envelope, move on to the decorative part.
This will be like the obi of a kimono, so pick your favorite origami paper.
Here’s where you can show your own personality.
Receiving such a handmade, cute money envelope would make anyone very happy.
Elegant square pochibukuro (small gift envelope)
Let’s try folding a stylish, grown-up-style pochibukuro that you can use not only for New Year’s but also for everyday tips or small tokens.
These aren’t just for children—adults can use them too.
By choosing different origami patterns and colors, you can create chic pochibukuro suitable for adults.
It’s handy to be able to make a simple little envelope from whatever paper you have on hand when you want to give a small gratuity.
Selecting washi or traditional Japanese patterns gives it a calm, refined feel.
If you prepare a few in various patterns and colors, they’ll come in handy in a pinch.
The folding method isn’t difficult, so it’s worth mastering.
Kabuto helmet-themed money envelope
Let’s use colored paper to make a handy pochibukuro (small gift envelope) for New Year’s otoshidama or small gratuities.
Instead of a square sheet like origami paper, this time we’ll use a rectangular sheet.
By folding a single sheet step by step, you’ll end up with a complex and impressive helmet-shaped pochibukuro.
A three-dimensional, intricately made pouch is sure to delight the recipient.
By changing the size of the rectangular paper, you can create a pouch in the size you prefer.
Why not express your gratitude with a handmade, heartfelt pochibukuro?
Fuji-style folded money envelope
The Fuji-fold pochibukuro is a charming Japanese money envelope made by literally folding it into the shape of Mt.
Fuji.
Centered around mountain folds and simple turn-backs, the Fuji fold is easy enough even for those who aren’t confident with origami.
There’s a step where you align the two side triangles in the middle—just be careful not to let the edges slip out of place.
Once you get the hang of it, try using different origami papers and materials to make your envelopes even more festive.
Mt.
Fuji is considered auspicious, so the recipient is sure to be delighted!
Pinwheel gift envelope
How about a pinwheel-themed pochibukuro that gives off a fresh, breezy impression? The pinwheel folding method isn’t very difficult—you create several crease lines while keeping the finished shape in mind, then simply stack them so they intersect at the end.
A great bonus is that it looks very stylish and cool.
It may take a bit of practice at first, but once you get the hang of it, there are many repetitive steps, so you can make lots of them.
Since pinwheels also carry the meaning of “sending wind,” they’re a great idea for a pochibukuro when you want to give someone a supportive push.
Clover Square Pochi-bukuro (small gift envelope)
Clover-themed pochibukuro that evoke happiness are perfect for the festive New Year season.
You can easily make them with origami, and they offer a unique touch unlike typical pochibukuro.
Their vibrant look, combined with the fun of opening them, will give children receiving their New Year’s money an extra sense of excitement.
It’s an idea you’ll definitely want to try—so charming you’ll hardly want to throw it away.
A collection of handmade money envelope ideas: from simple to elaborate (21–30)
Floral Pochi-bukuro (small decorative envelope)
Origami flower money envelopes are sure to delight children with their delicate look.
Their unique shape and decorations, different from typical envelopes, can heighten the festive feel of New Year’s and build even more excitement for otoshidama.
They’re certainly gorgeous even when made with solid-color origami paper, but using chiyogami or other patterned papers makes them even more original, so it’s highly recommended.
These envelopes are perfect for giving otoshidama to girls in particular—both the giver and the recipient are sure to feel the excitement.