[For Seniors] Hinamatsuri Recreation: Fun Ideas for Games, Crafts, and Snack Making
How about some recreation ideas for older adults to enjoy during the Hinamatsuri season? We’ve handpicked ideas that naturally get the mind and body moving while having fun—such as seated games like target practice and bowling with Hina-doll motifs, shell matching, enjoyable crafts for display, and seasonal snack activities.
These special, season-only events provide positive stimulation for physical and cognitive functions in older adults.
Enjoy time filled with smiles while chatting with those around you.
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[For Seniors] Hinamatsuri Recreation: Fun Ideas for Games, Crafts, and Snack-Making (41–50)
Fluffy, melty strawberry bavaroisNEW!
You can also make bavarois easily by using Fruiche mix, which sets when combined with milk.
In addition to milk, fold in whipped heavy cream to the Fruiche.
That alone completes the bavarois base.
Normally, bavarois is made by combining a sauce of eggs, milk, and sugar with whipped cream and setting it with gelatin.
It usually takes some effort, but this easy method makes it perfect as a snack activity for seniors.
Pour the bavarois base into containers, chill until set, and top with strawberries and whipped cream to finish.
If you like, drizzle strawberry jam or strawberry sauce on top to make it look even nicer and taste even better.
[For Seniors] Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day) Recreation: Fun Ideas for Games, Crafts, and Snack-Making (51–60)
Stick Hina DollsNEW!
We’ll make Hina dolls by putting to use toilet paper rolls that are often thrown away.
Fold washi-patterned origami so that it wraps around wooden sticks.
Give them items like a fan and a shaku to create the Emperor and Empress dolls.
Use toilet paper rolls covered with origami or construction paper to make a base.
Make two slits in the base.
Since the Emperor and Empress are attached to wooden sticks, insert the sticks into those slits to finish.
You can create lovely pieces using everyday materials.
It looks like older adults would enjoy making these too.
Toy capsule Hina dollsNEW!
Let’s make use of the plastic capsules that come with gachagacha/gachapon toys, which usually contain small toys or trinkets.
Attach paper towels to the capsules using glue diluted with water.
Do the same and attach paper towels to small pieces of Styrofoam.
Use washi-patterned origami on the capsule toy, arranging it like a kimono.
With a hot glue gun, adhere the paper-towel-covered pieces to the capsule toy, add hair and decorations, and you’re done.
If you make two—an Emperor doll and an Empress doll—you’ll have a splendid Hina dolls set.
It looks good enough as interior decor and is likely to delight older adults as well.
Handmade Hina decorations made of feltNEW!
Felt crafts have a soft, fluffy touch that gives a sense of warmth.
Hina decorations made from felt would suit the atmosphere of the Peach Festival.
You can also use chirimen fabric to make the Emperor and Empress dolls.
Make two bases as well, and add peach blossoms made of felt or chirimen fabric.
If you attach a string, you can hang it on the wall, or you can paste it onto a backing board.
Using artificial flowers—like the ones sold at 100-yen shops—for the blossoms would also result in a lovely piece.
Enjoy creating it while chatting with seniors and having fun arranging the design.
Double-flowered style three-dimensional peach blossomNEW!
This is a charming origami activity that invigorates the mind and body while welcoming the arrival of spring.
Layering each petal one by one to create a three-dimensional finish encourages fine finger movements and concentration, providing great stimulation for the brain.
In this idea, a 7.5 cm sheet of origami paper is cut in half, and five of those pieces are used to make a single flower.
All five are folded into identical parts and combined, and when assembled, the petals become double-layered for a very festive look! Creating a slight hollow in the center also adds depth.
Instructions for folding buds and making branches are included as well, so try this heart-brightening recreation that lets you enjoy both the joy of making and the pleasure of decorating at the same time.
Just cut and paste: felt Hina dollsNEW!
These are cute Hina dolls you can make using only items from a 100-yen shop.
Since they use spherical Styrofoam, the finished pieces have a plump, rounded look.
You’ll use chirimen fabric with adhesive on one side, and felt with double-sided tape applied.
Because there’s no sewing involved, it should be easy for older adults to try this craft as well.
If you make both the Emperor and Empress dolls, you’ll have a splendid Hina display.
It’s also lovely to decorate them by making a base from an empty box, for example.
Seeing the decorations might even help older adults recall Hinamatsuri celebrations spent with their families.
Yarn Winding Hina DollsNEW!
Let’s try making hina dolls by winding yarn around cardboard.
This craft also seems suitable for hand and fingertip training for older adults.
Take cardboard cut into the shape of a hina doll and wind yarn around it from top to bottom.
It will end up looking like the layered robes (junihitoe) that hina dolls wear.
Because it’s yarn, the more you wind, the more plump and three-dimensional it becomes, enhancing the doll’s cuteness.
Attach yarn for the hair, draw the face, and it’s complete.
It’s a versatile craft: you can mount it on a backing sheet or use it as a part for hanging decorations.