[For Seniors] Hinamatsuri Recreation: Fun Ideas for Games, Crafts, and Snack Making

Small peach blossom ornament

[Elderly Recreation] Rec Craftsman Series Part 258: “Small Peach Blossom Decoration [Hinamatsuri/Girls’ Day/March 3rd/Handmade/Floral Decoration/Crafting/Fine Motor Skills/Functional Training]”

Speaking of Hina Matsuri, it’s the Peach Festival.

Making peach blossom decorations and displaying them in your room really lifts your spirits, doesn’t it? Let’s try making a small peach blossom ornament using empty jars and supplies you can find at a 100-yen shop.

Simply layer colorful sand—called color sand—in several tiers inside an empty bottle or jar, and insert an artificial peach blossom.

The artificial flowers from 100-yen shops are remarkably realistic, aren’t they? Adding decorations like string, ribbon, or colorful stickers to the jar makes it even cuter.

Since it’s small and can be displayed anywhere, it would likely be appreciated as a gift, too.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem

Making bonbori lanterns with origami

How about folding not just the Hina dolls and peach blossoms, but also some “bonbori” lanterns out of origami for a Hinamatsuri vibe? Bonbori are essential to the Hina display, casting a soft, gentle light that enhances the festive mood.

They’re very easy to make! Just fold two colors of origami paper separately and stick them together to finish.

Using washi paper for the lantern part makes it look extra gorgeous and elegant.

Why not decorate your room with them alongside Hina dolls made from origami and other crafts?

Ohinama roly-poly doll

Okiagari-koboshi Hina doll

Let’s make a roly-poly doll (okiagari-koboshi) that sways and stands itself back up, in the shape of Hina dolls! For the Hina doll part, glue construction paper that looks like a kimono onto a paper cup, then attach a face made from construction paper to a toothpick and stick it into the paper-cup body.

For the wobbly base, put oil clay inside an empty capsule toy case.

Place the Hina doll on top of the capsule, and it’s done! There are no difficult steps, so it’s easy for seniors to make too.

How about gifting one to your grandchildren?

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

Recollections of Hina Matsuri memories

Ms. Miyuki’s memories of the Doll Festival

When it comes to Hina Matsuri memories among older adults, it may be the women who have more to share.

Many will recall things from their childhood, like “I was celebrated on Hina Matsuri” or “I had such a fun experience.” Men, too, can join in with more recent memories—“This is how my daughter’s Hina Matsuri was,” or “I bought Hina dolls for my grandchild.” Let’s all share whatever memories come to mind and enjoy a lively chat together.

Remembering like this also serves as brain training, making it a recreational activity that kills two birds with one stone.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem

Making Hina dolls with paper cups

For the Peach Festival! Easy craft: adorable wobbly Hina dolls made with paper cups ♡

Why not try making cute Hina dolls using paper cups? You can make them with things you already have at home, like two paper cups, tape, and origami paper.

You can also prepare the accessories and faces in advance.

I think it’s wonderful for everyone to get together and each make their own Hina doll.

Hinamatsuri card

Fuku-Fuku Hinamatsuri Card

How about making a festive-looking Hina Matsuri card? It’s very easy—just cut origami paper along the templates with a craft knife or scissors and paste the pieces in place.

If you make not only the Emperor and Empress dolls but also plum blossoms and paper lanterns to decorate together, you’ll end up with a gorgeous card.

It would be lovely to give to friends and family gathered for the Hina Matsuri celebration.