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)
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.
Heart Pochi-bukuro (small envelope for gifting money)
Adorable heart-patterned money envelopes are an especially great idea for women.
All you need is a 15 cm × 15 cm sheet of pink origami paper.
After making several mountain folds, cut along the folded section with scissors and unfold to create a heart shape.
Don’t try to make a perfect heart all at once—first cut out the general outline, then trim gradually to form the rounded curves.
Finally, flip it over and tuck in both ends, and it instantly transforms into a cute money envelope! You can also try many variations just by changing the color of the origami paper, so give it a try!
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.
A collection of handmade money envelope ideas: from simple to elaborate (21–30)
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.
In conclusion
We introduced lots of handmade ideas for pochibukuro.
From easy ones made with origami to interactive designs using construction paper, there was a wide range of ideas—did you find a pouch you’d like to try making? When giving New Year’s money or a small token of thanks, using a handmade pochibukuro made with care will surely delight the recipient.
Try making the perfect pouch to suit the person you’re giving it to.