Mother's Day & Father's Day Family Day Gift-Making Ideas
In recent years, with the diversification of families, more and more preschools are adopting a “Family Day” instead of limiting celebrations to Mother’s Day or Father’s Day.
How about making gifts with the children to express everyday gratitude and say “thank you” to their beloved family members?
This time, we’re introducing craft ideas for gifts you’ll want to make for Family Day.
We’ve gathered lots of ideas that let you use simple materials and recyclables—such as handprints, footprints, and photos that capture children’s growth, as well as practical items for everyday use.
Please use these as a reference.
Since we’re introducing ideas that make the most of each child’s individuality, we use the term “seisaku” (制作), meaning “craft-making/production,” in the main text.
[Mother’s Day & Father’s Day] Family Day Gift-Making Ideas (1–10)
desk calendar
A desktop calendar is a highly practical gift that you can use forever by simply changing the calendar section! It’s a really fun craft: use cardboard for the base, then glue construction paper on top, and decorate with tissue paper or origami.
Try making it together with your child, with a parent providing support according to the child’s age.
It’s also great to include a portrait or photo of Mom or Dad, or to lay out your child’s handprints or footprints.
With just a bit of creativity—like a design showing your child holding hands with their father—you can turn it into a piece that really tugs at a parent’s heartstrings!
Flower Magnet
Stick them on your fridge or whiteboard as decoration! Here are some ideas for flower magnets.
They’re also great as Mother’s Day gifts! You’ll need white drawing paper cut into circles, tissue paper for flowers, two large and two small felt circles, two plastic bottle caps, two magnets, craft glue, vinyl tape, scissors, and glue sticks.
If you draw a portrait of your mom and give it together with the flower magnet, it’s sure to convey your appreciation.
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!
Flower pocket
https://www.instagram.com/p/C3cm7MDP58P/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.
Frog amulet
https://www.tiktok.com/@mammybear_/video/7245203750795611400Let’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.
Skeleton uchiwa (transparent handheld fan)
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CdKhCUNlF4_/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!
Mosaic tile-style photo frame
https://www.tiktok.com/@hoiku.seisaku/video/7375856089792892168Let’s get everything you need at the 100-yen shop! Here’s an idea for a photo frame that looks like mosaic tiles.
A handmade photo frame is a wonderful way to convey the giver’s heartfelt feelings as a thoughtful gift.
Original designs created by children add a special touch and will become a keepsake for parents as well.
Attach photos or portraits to a clear file or laminating film, then decorate around them with transparent origami paper stuck onto nano tape.
Finish it off with a ribbon, and you’re done!