Enjoy in January! Origami ideas for kids
January brings the big event of New Year’s, and many children are surely looking forward to it.
The New Year makes not only kids but also adults feel fidgety and excited.
In this article, we’ve put together origami ideas that are perfect for the New Year.
We’ll introduce easy origami ideas for children.
These are all ideas that even kids who aren’t confident with origami can enjoy, so try them together with parents or friends.
They’re also great fun when kids get bored during family or relatives’ gatherings.
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Enjoy in January! Origami Ideas for Kids (1–10)
Cute origami shimenawa wreath
Recommended for those who want to make it with children, too! Let’s use origami you have at home to create a wreath like a shimenawa.
You’ll need origami in various colors, glue or double-sided tape, and scissors.
After learning how to make a basic shimenawa-style wreath from a video, it’s great that you can freely enjoy decorating it by combining flowers, zodiac animals, and more.
It’s wonderful to make one wreath together as a family, but it can also be fun for each person to make their own, filled with their personal touches and feelings.
koma
While simply folding and playing is part of origami’s charm, when it comes to small children, isn’t it preferable to have creations they can play with after making them? That’s why I recommend this spinning top.
Although the folding is slightly challenging, if you follow the steps carefully, you’ll end up with a piece that spins smoothly like a hand spinner.
Elementary school children should be fine, but for younger kids, it’s best to make it together with them.
Be sure to check it out.
kagami mochi (traditional Japanese New Year rice cake decoration)
When it comes to New Year’s origami, kagami mochi is a classic.
This design is easy enough for even small children to fold.
It’s perfect for passing the time over winter break and for enjoying together when the whole family gathers.
Since it doesn’t use scissors or glue, it’s safe and lets all generations join in with peace of mind.
Make it with colorful origami paper and it’s sure to bring a smile every time you see it.
Hang the finished kagami mochi on the wall to feel the arrival of the new year.
It creates a festive New Year’s atmosphere, and the kids are sure to love it.
Enjoy in January! Origami Ideas for Kids (11–20)
menko (a traditional Japanese card-and-coin-flipping game)
Menko is a game that has long been loved by children.
The rules are simple: slam your own menko near the target menko, and if you flip it over, you win.
Some children may already play it.
This piece is based on that very menko.
Of course, you can actually use it to play, and since it uses two sheets of origami paper, it’s reasonably durable.
The method is similar to making a paper shuriken, so it’s a craft that even young children will find easy to make.
kite
Kite flying is a classic New Year’s tradition, isn’t it? You might think making a kite is difficult, but actually, it’s easy to do at home! If you use a plastic bag, even small children can have fun making one.
Use colorful tape and markers to create a one-of-a-kind kite.
The smiles on children’s faces as they look up at their kite soaring high on the wind will surely become a wonderful memory.
Making kites together is a lively, hands-on activity that deepens communication between parents and children.
It’s perfect for family time during the New Year.
lion dance
New Year’s is exciting for both children and adults.
How about trying an origami shishimai (lion dance) that everyone can enjoy? This shishimai is made by combining parts of various sizes, so the whole family can work together to create it.
With some creativity in colors and patterns, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind original shishimai! It’s perfect as a New Year’s decoration and also great for craft time at school or in the community.
Making it together as a parent and child will create wonderful memories.
Even those who aren’t confident with origami can have fun by helping one another.
Experience the warmth of handmade crafts to brighten the New Year.
Easy lease
When it comes to December traditions, Christmas wreaths are a staple.
Many children become interested when they see wreaths in December, don’t they? Girls in particular tend to show a strong interest in things like this.
That’s why I recommend this simple wreath.
You connect several pieces of origami to make a wreath, and by using washi paper with decorative patterns instead of plain origami, you can create a wreath that evokes a New Year’s atmosphere.
Such wreaths are perfect for the vibe in January as well, so give it a try.