[Childcare] Let's make toys you can play with using origami!
Traditional origami play has long been popular across a wide range of ages, from young children to the elderly.
Origami helps develop dexterity and concentration, and gives kids a sense of accomplishment when they finish a piece—benefits that positively support their growth.
In this article, we’ll share several ideas for origami-made toys that will make origami time even more fun.
From nostalgic creations you probably made at least once as a child, to models with amusing motions, to surprising toys that make you say, “You can make that with paper?”—there are plenty of exciting ideas to spark joy!
Make them with your family or friends and have a blast together.
Give them a try and enjoy playing with everyone!
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[Childcare] Let’s make toys you can play with using origami! (21–30)
Infinite Cube
Let me introduce an infinity cube that moves like a funny snake.
Prepare one and a half sheets of origami paper.
Cut one full sheet lengthwise into eight equal strips, and cut the half sheet into four equal strips.
Apply glue to the corner of one strip and attach another strip at a right angle.
Fold the lower strip upward, and fold the other strip over the top.
Keep repeating the same folding motion, using your fingernail to crease firmly each time.
At the end, glue it to secure everything in place, and it’s done.
To make it tumble down stairs, stack and glue together five pieces of cardstock cut to the same shape on the front and back to add weight.
Give the infinity cube a try!
boomerang
How about making a cool boomerang that flies into the air and comes back to your hand? Prepare a sheet of origami marked with a cross, then first fold the paper in half, and fold it again so that the tip of the triangle points downward.
Next, fold the smaller triangle, and fold the larger triangle along the guideline.
Open the smaller folded section, fold the inner part, and fold the larger part again.
After folding the triangular piece back, insert the creased part into the slot to complete one module.
Make four identical modules, insert each corner into the next, and your boomerang is complete.
Pay attention to your throwing angle and wrist snap, and have fun playing with it!
[Childcare] Let's make toys you can play with using origami! (31–40)
A flapping pigeon
Focus on movement! Here’s an idea for a flapping pigeon that moves.
Many children are drawn to moving toys, right? While origami often brings to mind flat creations, it turns out you can make pieces that move and flap, too! This time, let’s make a cute, flapping pigeon.
All you need is one sheet of origami paper and a pen.
Pigeons are familiar birds for children, aren’t they? If your child enjoys spotting pigeons while out on walks or trips, give this a try!
Rabbit finger puppet
@easyorigami101 Origami Finger Puppet. Easy Origami Bunny Finger Toy https://youtu.be/LTm1HL8sSc8?si=5Q23IkC2QwqvtPh1#Origami#origamitutorial#origamitoy#easypapercraft
♬ 1,2,3,4 (One, Two, Three, Four) – Fun Elektro Mix – Funbeat
Add a splash of color to your fingers! Here are some ideas for making a rabbit finger puppet.
You’ll need a 10 cm square sheet of origami paper and some pens or colored pencils.
It’s a fun idea you can wear on your finger to play, but the process is a bit complex.
Since making a rabbit finger puppet with a 10 cm square origami sheet requires precise folding and finger movements, it’s best to work on it together with a parent or teacher.
By adding designs with pens or colored pencils, you can create an even more colorful and unique finger puppet.
Even though it’s small, once it’s finished you can wear it on your finger and have lots of fun!
A bird eating food
https://www.tiktok.com/@orukirulab/video/7421829142955527440The moving neck is so fun! Let me introduce an idea for a bird that eats food.
For children, birds are fascinating—flying freely through the sky, with vibrant colors and beautiful songs—and they naturally spark curiosity.
Since birds are familiar creatures we often see in daily life, let’s try making one with origami.
It’s also exciting that you can create a unique mechanism where the neck moves using just a single sheet of origami! You can even make bird food using beads or scraps of origami paper!
Infinite spin
Let’s make an “Infinite Spinner,” a toy you can keep turning round and round like an origami kaleidoscope! Prepare six paper strips from construction paper.
Using two colors with three strips each makes it look extra cute.
Overlap the ends at a 90-degree angle and glue them, then fold the papers alternately.
When the strips get short, connect the remaining strips and repeat the steps.
Once everything is connected, trim any excess with scissors.
Glue the end faces together, and you’re done! The process is very simple, so why not make one as a toy for your child?
Sumikkogurashi Ring Toss
Let’s make a ring toss game themed around the kid-favorite “Sumikkogurashi.” You can create the targets using materials like origami paper, plastic wrap, and toilet paper rolls.
Draw the characters from Sumikkogurashi on the targets or attach ones you’ve folded from origami.
Once the targets are ready, stick them onto a base and you’re done.
It’s also fun to draw each character’s face on the rings.
Adding decorations with point values next to the character targets makes it extra cute.
With this adorable ring toss, playtime will be even more fun!
