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 (21–30)
amulet
When you visit a shrine for the New Year’s first prayer, don’t you always buy a good-luck charm? Carrying a charm to wish for happiness throughout the year somehow feels reassuring, doesn’t it? Let’s make an omamori (good-luck charm) out of origami to wish for your precious child’s happiness! It’s a good idea to have your child choose the origami pattern, too.
Traditional Japanese patterns that feel New Year–ish are great as well.
The folding method is very simple, so even a child can make one on their own.
If parents help with the finer details, it might be even easier to make.
eggplant
It’s said that the first dream you have in the New Year can come true.
Among the things considered lucky to see in that first dream is the eggplant.
The word for eggplant (nasu) is a play on the verb “to accomplish” (nasu), and is thought to lead to success.
This time, I’d like to recreate an eggplant with origami.
First, prepare a backing sheet, measure and draw the dimensions, and cut the origami paper to match those sizes to make each part.
Fold the fruit portion and the calyx separately.
Since the calyx is folded from a small piece of paper, it’s a good way to train your fine motor skills.
snake
Zodiac-themed origami is perfect for January as we welcome the New Year.
The zodiac animal for 2025 is the snake, but some children might hesitate to fold a snake, right? When we think of snakes, we imagine their unique look: long bodies slithering and a little tongue flicking out.
However, if you choose a design that looks nice when finished and draw a cute face on it, it transforms into an adorable snake craft.
You can also enjoy adding your own touches to the finished snake, like attaching it to a handmade calendar or wreath.
snake daruma
It seems that many places hold Daruma markets at the end and beginning of the year, where they sell lucky Daruma dolls.
A piece that combines the zodiac snake with a Daruma is perfect for January origami.
Some children might find snakes a little scary, but when you pair them with the round, plump Daruma, you can create something very cute.
The folding method has a few complex parts, but it’s a project that kids who like origami can enjoy.
Slightly challenging origami is recommended as something to fold together with small children during the relaxed New Year holidays.
daffodil
When it comes to flowers that bloom in January, daffodils come to mind.
Because daffodils bloom during the cold season, they’re considered auspicious flowers.
Since there aren’t many flowers that bloom in winter, their striking, beautiful blossoms can really lift your spirits.
There are many varieties, each with its own fragrance, which is very soothing.
This time, let’s make daffodil flowers with the children! First, choose your favorite color of origami paper.
Then make the crease, open it, and fold it again.
The petal section involves fine work, which helps develop dexterity and can also stimulate brain activity.
Thailand
Many families eat sea bream (tai) during the New Year, don’t they? The reason is that it’s considered a lucky fish.
There’s a wordplay connection with “medetai” (auspicious), and it’s also linked to the Seven Lucky Gods because Ebisu holds a tai.
Children might not be very used to eating fish, but I’d be happy if they become even a little interested by making the tai I’m introducing this time.
First, prepare one sheet of red origami paper.
It’s a simple fold, so even small children can make it easily.
Finally, draw the eyes with a pen, and in no time your tai is complete!
Hawk
A hawk known as a winter bird in January.
Amazingly, when it spreads its wings, it reaches about 2 meters, with distinctive black-and-white plumage and a large yellow beak.
It’s a bird that migrates to Hokkaido.
It’s also said that a small number live around Lake Biwa.
What’s more, seeing it in your first dream of the year is considered lucky.
How about recreating this auspicious hawk with origami? Start by folding a triangle.
Then follow the steps and fold the beak.
Since the beak requires delicate work, if it’s a bit difficult, please have an adult help.
Pochi-bukuro (small decorative envelope for gifting money)
During the New Year, there are surely children who look forward to receiving otoshidama (New Year’s money).
There are envelopes for otoshidama decorated with characters from anime and games, as well as patterns like traditional Japanese designs and polka dots.
It might be fun to make these otoshidama envelopes together with the children before giving them.
If you use origami, you can make them without scissors or glue, so even small children will find it easy.
Receiving otoshidama in a pochibukuro you made yourself is likely to become a cherished memory.
Origami paper comes in many patterns, so try making them with a design you like.
maneki-neko (beckoning cat)
A beckoning cat raising one paw and gesturing “come here.” True to its name, it’s displayed at New Year’s as a lucky charm that invites good fortune.
Let’s welcome good luck with an origami maneki-neko.
Its complex folding steps make it a perfect project to tackle over the New Year holidays when you have more time.
By the way, it’s said that the benefits differ depending on whether the right or left paw is raised.
Generally, raising the right paw invites money, while raising the left paw invites people or customers.
Why not enjoy folding while mixing in trivia like this?
pine
There’s a traditional trio of lucky plants in Japan known as pine, bamboo, and plum (shōchikubai).
Pine is said to symbolize eternal life because it doesn’t lose its needles even in the cold of winter.
Lucky pine origami makes a nice addition to New Year’s decorations at home or a charming ornament for your room.
How about making bamboo and plum in origami as well? Depending on the piece, some folds may be a bit complex.
This is a time when children often spend more time with family, so try tackling slightly more challenging origami together.