[Childcare] Fun Craft Ideas for Hinamatsuri (Girls' Day)
When you think of Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day), many people probably picture hina dolls.
Some kindergartens and nurseries make hina dolls together with the children in the lead-up to the festival.
This time, we’ve gathered ideas for making hina dolls.
Many can be made with familiar materials like paper cups and origami, so be sure to try them at school or at home.
Customize the colors and designs to create a one-of-a-kind, original hina doll!
Make lots and enjoy a bright and festive Hinamatsuri.
Because children’s creations are treated as works, we use the term “制作” (production/creation) in the text.
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[Childcare] Fun Hinamatsuri Craft Ideas (21–30)
Fluffy paper-tissue Hina dolls
Here’s a cute decoration idea using tissue paper that feels soft and fluffy to the touch! Start by making it like a pom-pom: accordion-fold the tissue paper, staple it in the center, then fluff it out to create three-dimensional petals.
Next, attach the faces of the Empress (Ohinasama) and Emperor (Odairisama) made from colored construction paper, and you’re done! It’s simple and turns out adorable.
Put some extra care into decorating the paper plate base to give it a festive look! You could even make smaller ones and turn them into a full-fledged Hina display.
Wobbly Hina Dolls
Let’s make a cute Hina doll with a wobbly head using a chenille stem and paper cups.
Cut off the bottom third of a paper cup and draw the face and hair.
Turn another paper cup upside down and attach a spring-shaped chenille stem to its bottom.
This cup will be the body, so cover it with origami paper to dress it in a kimono.
After attaching a ritual baton or a fan, place the face cup over the top of the chenille stem, and you’re done! When you play with it, gently tap it with your finger so the chenille stem doesn’t bend.
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The center of a paper plate becomes the Hina dolls’ kimono, while the rim transforms into a wreath base! Cut out the middle of the paper plate, cut it in half, and attach origami paper.
Add faces made from colored construction paper, fold the plate, and glue on a fan and a scepter—your Odairi-sama and Ohina-sama are complete! Cut colorful origami paper into small pieces and attach them around the rim of the plate.
Then stick the dolls in the center to finish your Hinamatsuri wreath! Punch a hole, thread a ribbon through, and decorate your room.
Handprint and Footprint Hina Dolls
The children’s small, adorable handprints and footprints transform into beautiful kimono for the Hina dolls! Paint the hands and feet to make prints, then cut around them once dry.
Create the Emperor and Empress faces using colored construction paper, and attach them to a paper plate along with the handprints and footprints.
To add a festive touch, make a fan out of origami paper, stick it to the back of the plate, and position it so it peeks out from the front.
Finally, punch a hole in the plate so it can be hung, thread a ribbon through, and it’s complete! Because it preserves a record of their growth along with the artwork, the finished piece will become a cherished keepsake for the family.
origami
Origami hina dolls and imperial dolls are a classic! You can get origami paper anytime, anywhere, and many people keep some on hand.
In a way, it’s a craft idea that needs almost no prep.
The folding method introduced here makes only the kimono part; you finish by drawing the faces with a pen.
As you’ll see, it’s super simple, so even small children can give it a try.
Plus, use your favorite patterned washi tape to make them even cuter! It’s an easy way to get into the Hinamatsuri spirit.
Paper cup Hina dolls
These are adorable Hina dolls made by stacking paper cups! Wrap origami around a paper cup for the body to create the kimono, then place half of a white paper cup over it.
Next, cut another paper cup into hair shapes for the Empress (Ohina-sama) and Emperor (Odairi-sama), color them black, and place them on top.
Use the leftover pieces of paper cup to make accessories like a scepter, fan, and crown, glue them on, and draw the faces to finish.
Since the base is a paper cup, they’re very stable! After making them, display them in various places like at home, in daycare, or on kindergarten display shelves.
Paper-plate Hina dolls
Paper plates turn into Hina dolls in no time! Fold a paper plate in half and cut around the edge in a cloud-like shape.
Stand it up with the open side down, then stick masking tape in a V shape at the center to recreate the kimono collar.
Layering two strips makes it look even more like a kimono—highly recommended! Next, attach a ritual baton and a fan in the center, and add faces so they peek out from the collar, and you’re done! It’s super easy—just folding and sticking—so you can enjoy making it even with children who aren’t yet comfortable using scissors.