Simple origami for kids: cute, playable origami ideas
This time, we’re introducing lots of cute, playable origami that are perfect for kids.
Origami is a great indoor activity that you can focus on regardless of the weather, making it perfect for time at home.
Seasonal animals, creatures, and toys you can play with after folding are fun for adults too!
You can watch videos to check each step, so even if you find origami difficult, don’t worry.
If it’s too hard for your child to do alone, a parent or guardian can fold together with them and show them how fun origami can be.
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Simple origami for kids. Cute, playable origami ideas (121–130)
strawberry candy
Let’s make the dreamy dessert you see at festivals and fruit shops! Here are some ideas for strawberry candy apples (candied strawberries).
You’ll need three pieces of red origami cut into quarter-size squares, pale orange or brown origami, glue or double-sided tape, and pens or colored pencils.
Let’s make these popular candied strawberries out of origami—they look adorable, and the crisp texture when you eat them is part of the fun.
It’s best to start by making them together with a parent or teacher so you can feel confident.
Give it a try!
Super Mario’s mushroom
When it comes to indispensable items for Mario, Nintendo’s iconic character, the Super Mushroom is a must, right? With its red cap covered in white polka dots, almost no stem, and a rounded, cute shape, it’s just adorable.
To make a Super Mushroom with origami, you’ll need one square sheet of red origami paper and one sheet of light orange origami paper that’s a quarter of that size.
There are many other two-sheet mushroom folding methods, but this one is unique because you glue the two sheets together partway through the process.
After that, you finish by folding to refine the shape.
It’s so fun that items from the games can be made with origami, isn’t it?
Piplup
How about making Piplup, a character that enjoys unwavering popularity among Pokémon? First, fold the origami in half into a triangle twice, with the blue side facing inward.
Open it once, then fold the left and right corners up toward the top.
Flip it over, fold one layer all the way down to the bottom, unfold it, then fold it again to a little below the center, and fold it back up once more.
Next, fold back the left, right, and bottom parts of the face to adjust the shape.
Finally, tuck in the top corner and balance the figure to finish the origami.
After that, draw the distinctive large yellow beak and black eyes to bring out Piplup’s characteristic cuteness!
Spinning shuriken
When you hear “shuriken,” you probably picture something you throw to play with.
But this origami shuriken spins when you blow on it! First, crease a cross on the paper, then fold the left and right edges to meet the central vertical crease.
Fold the top and bottom edges toward the center to make a square, and continue folding so it takes on a pinwheel shape.
Overlap the center sections to create a three-dimensional form, then fold back an edge to make a mouthpiece for blowing.
Your spinning shuriken is complete.
Hold it pinching around the center and blow—whoosh—watch it spin!
Origami Mickey Headband
Let’s make a Mickey headband using four sheets of origami paper! The basic folding method is simple: fold the paper into a triangle, then keep folding along the creases you’ve made.
Both the base and the ears are very easy folds, so even children can give it a try.
Fold two identical pieces for the base and connect them, then insert the ear pieces to complete the Mickey headband! If you add a ribbon, it turns into a Minnie headband.
When wearing it, use hairpins or attach it to a real headband to secure it in place!
Jibanyan
Here’s how to fold Jibanyan from the explosively popular game Yo-kai Watch.
There’s a step at the beginning where you cut part of the origami paper, but it’s not difficult.
If you use different colors of origami paper, you can also make other yokai like Fuyunyan and Robonyan!
smartphone
Many children like smartphones, don’t they? Here’s a way to fold a paper smartphone that kids can enjoy, too.
It’s easy—you just fold to create a frame.
Finally, draw various app icons on the screen area.
With your original paper smartphone, pretend play will be even more fun!
Rose flower
This is a way to fold an adorable rose using a single sheet of origami paper.
There are many steps, but it’s simple, so you can fold it quickly.
Younger children may want help from an adult.
Make them in various colors and use them as party decorations—you can enjoy creating the decorations together with the kids.
Pikachu
Here’s how to fold Pikachu, a character that’s hugely popular with both kids and adults.
The steps are the same as the traditional crane up to a certain point, so if you know how to fold a crane, you’ll be able to make this pretty quickly! Once you’re done, try drawing different Pikachu faces on it.
Mysterious Ring
Why not try making a mysterious, magic-like ring that changes color with a quick twist? All you need are two sheets of origami or colored paper in different colors.
First, stack the two sheets and fold them in half.
Fold to the width you want for the ring, then cut along the fold.
Open it up, cut it in half, and glue the pieces together with the colored sides facing out.
Once they’re joined, fold the strip into thirds, then tape two parts together with the same colors facing the same direction—and you’re done.
There’s a little trick to it, but a ring that changes color in an instant is sure to be a hit with everyone.
In conclusion
With origami, you can really make anything depending on your ideas! Origami is also great for boosting children’s concentration and developing fine motor skills, so be sure to enjoy it with friends and family. By having fun with origami together, you might discover new sides of the children. Once you can fold simple models, try challenging more advanced ones!