Lovely childcare

Handmade gifts for Respect for the Aged Day! A collection of popular craft ideas in childcare

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
Nursery Teacher Mom Writertsukada moe
After working for five years at an after-school childcare club and three years at a nursery school, I began working as a freelance writer. I’m a mother of two children. Inspired by playing the flute in the school wind ensemble in elementary school, I joined a jazz club at university. I’ve also incorporated ukulele and piano performance into childcare. Playing, laughing, feeling sad, feeling frustrated—through all kinds of experiences, I want children to grow.

With Respect for the Aged Day coming up, how about enjoying some exciting craft projects with preschool and kindergarten children? Here, we introduce fun ideas tailored to different ages—like a glasses stand, a tea canister, and a cute fingerprint tree.

Encourage the children to create a one-of-a-kind, special gift filled with gratitude for their beloved grandparents.

Imagine the children’s smiles and their grandparents’ delight as you enjoy making heartfelt presents together! Since the children’s creations are regarded as works of art, the term “seisaku” (制作) is used in the text to mean “production/creation.”

Handmade gifts for Respect-for-the-Aged Day! A collection of popular craft ideas in childcare (21–30)

Handy accessory case

[Kindergarten/Preschool] Mother’s Day craft / easy / practical gift! How to make a cute trinket holder ♥

Handy accessory case

The cute apron motif is the highlight! Here are some ideas for a handy small-item organizer.

Small-item organizers are convenient containers or storage items for sorting and storing little things, accessories, and odds and ends.

This time, in addition to being practical, let’s make a heartwarming organizer handcrafted by children.

You’ll need an empty box, toilet paper rolls, origami paper (chiyogami), construction paper, glue, scissors, colored pencils, double-sided tape, a craft knife, and more.

Take this opportunity to give it a try!

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Flower pocket

Something infants can make! Here’s an idea for a flower pocket.

In addition to a cute flower design, it includes a pocket made from a paper plate.

Try slipping in a letter, message card, or photo and giving it as a gift to parents.

You’ll need construction paper, round stickers, patterned origami paper, ribbon, tissue paper for flowers, a paper plate, and paint.

After cutting the construction paper into a flower shape, add patterns with finger stamping.

Children in preschool classes can also paint with brushes in any colors they like.

It’s sure to become a gift that shows each child’s individuality.

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Frog amulet

@mammybear_
I made a frog amulet ♡#Nursery school Nagoya City Production Handmade amulets
♬ Takaramono – wacci

Let’s use photos of the kids to make adorable good-luck charms! Here’s an idea for a “Kaeru” (frog/return) charm.

Put your wish into it: that your loved ones return home safely from work or outings.

Create a unique, cute charm with a frog motif.

Dye paper using calligraphy paper or washi and watercolor paint diluted with water.

You can drop the paint with a pipette, or dip the paper into cups of paint to let it soak in.

Once it’s completely dry, cut it into frog shapes and paste the children’s photos on.

Adding the playful message “Buji Kaeru” (a pun meaning “return safely”) is cute too! After laminating, attach a ribbon and give it as a gift.

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Skeleton uchiwa (transparent handheld fan)

A unique idea you’ll want to display by the window! Here are some ideas for skeleton-style uchiwa fans.

What you’ll need: the fan frame (ribs), stickers and decals, frill lace, scissors, a craft knife, a hot glue gun, glue or tape, an A3 card case, and photos or flowers.

Uchiwa fans, which have recently become popular as “oshi-katsu” (supporting your favorites) items, can be turned into a skeleton design by inserting children’s photos.

Hold them up to the blue sky or a flower field and the changing background looks adorable.

Give it a try!

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tile coaster

Let’s customize a portrait illustration and make it into tile coasters! Here are some ideas.

Coasters are small mats for placing drinks, and they come in various materials like wood, plastic, glass, paper, and felt.

This time, we’ll use cork coasters—also available at 100-yen shops—to create handmade tile coasters.

What you’ll need: cork coasters or cork sheets, drawing paper with a portrait illustration, colored construction paper, glass tiles, self-adhesive laminating sheets, and craft glue.

Put your gratitude into it and give it as a gift.

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Lantern-style memo stand

Lantern-style memo stand | Great for Mother’s Day crafts ❣️ | #preschoolteacher #shorts

Lantern-style memo stand

Make it with a plastic cup! Here’s an idea for a lantern-like memo stand.

A memo stand is an item used to hold memos or cards upright.

It’s handy for placing on a shelf or table to keep memos organized and easy to see! Since it’s handmade, it’s both practical and warm in feel.

You’ll need a plastic cup, transparent origami paper, scissors, glue, a craft knife, and a message card.

If you turn on a light inside the plastic cup, it looks lovely—just like a lantern!

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[Respect for the Aged Day] Photo Frame

Here’s a craft idea that’s perfect as a Respect for the Aged Day gift! How about putting the children’s wonderful smiles into a photo frame and giving it to grandpa and grandma? Any photo frame design will do, but how about a camera-style frame with a circular cutout in the center? The teacher can pre-cut cardstock into the shape of a camera, and the children can decorate it with masking tape, stickers, ribbons, and more.

Adding a message or illustration on the back of the camera would also be lovely! To finish, insert your favorite photo and it’s complete.

This craft is sure to bring a smile to the recipient’s face, so why not give it a try?

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