[Childcare] A Collection of Origami Ideas for Hinamatsuri: Let’s Make Them with Kids!
As the Hinamatsuri season approaches, nursery schools and kindergartens have more opportunities to enjoy making crafts with origami.
In addition to the Emperor and Empress dolls, there are many motifs you can create with origami, such as lanterns, diamond-shaped rice cakes, and peach blossoms.
In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of origami ideas perfect for Hinamatsuri.
We’ve collected projects suited to various ages and stages of development—from simple steps to more intricate ones that require a bit of fine work.
Be sure to use them in your childcare setting and enjoy Hinamatsuri!
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[Childcare] Hinamatsuri origami ideas: Let’s make them with kids! (21–30)
Confectionery box

An easy craft to include for Hinamatsuri is a “candy box” you can make with a single sheet of origami paper.
To create the right atmosphere, we recommend using Japanese-patterned paper.
Start by placing the white side up and folding it into a triangle.
Open it, refine the shape, and the key is to reveal the pattern by flipping sections as if turning pages.
There are some detailed steps, but the work itself is simple, so proceed while checking each step one by one.
Once the shape is set, carefully open it so the creases don’t come undone.
Adjust it into a box shape and it’s complete.
You can also fill the finished candy box with hina-arare, making it fun to enjoy even after you’ve finished making it.
shell

One classic motif for Hinamatsuri crafts is the “shell.” It’s an idea that’s easy to use both in childcare settings and at home.
Since it can be made from a single sheet of origami paper, it takes little effort and is great for working on with children.
Place the origami with the white side up, fold it into a triangle, then fold it in half again.
Open it up, and while keeping the center in mind, squash-fold it into a square.
As you trace the creases with your fingers and refine the shape, you’ll get a neat shell.
The finished shell can be used as a background for Hina dolls or as a wall decoration.
By changing the colors and patterns, you can give the same shape a unique look and enjoy comparing the different results.
balloon

Incorporating “balloons” into Hinamatsuri crafts brings a different kind of fun.
The moment flat origami puffs up is surprising for children and helps spark their interest in the event.
The folding is simple, with many basic steps like folding in half and overlapping corners, so children can make them on their own and feel a sense of accomplishment.
By choosing colors thoughtfully, you can also express the Hinamatsuri vibe.
The finished balloons can be arranged around the Hina dolls or displayed three-dimensionally, expanding the ways to decorate.
It’s recommended when you want to add motion and enjoyment to your usual Hinamatsuri.
3D tricolor dango
https://www.tiktok.com/@hoikushi_bank/video/6942804580736584962Introducing a 3D tri-colored dango made from origami.
You’ll need three colors of origami paper (for the dango colors) and a bamboo skewer.
First, fold each sheet into a balloon.
Once you’ve made all three colors, simply stick them onto the skewer one by one, and you’re done! You can enjoy the crafting process, and then use what you made for pretend play.
It might also be fun to take a spring walk with the dango you made together with the kids.
In conclusion
We introduced origami ideas perfect for Hinamatsuri.
From imperial dolls and bonbori lanterns to peach blossoms, all of them are activities children can enjoy together in early childhood settings.
By using washi-patterned origami paper and drawing faces, each piece can reflect individual personality.
Be sure to enjoy origami time with the children while feeling the spirit of the seasonal celebration.



