Handkerchief and Towel Play! A Collection of Fun Play Ideas
Here are some fun ideas for playing with towels and handkerchiefs you can find in preschools and kindergartens! In addition to the classic “Handkerchief Drop,” we’ve packed in lots of playful ideas, from games using handkerchiefs to exercises using towels.
The activities are designed so teachers can join in and have fun too, so be sure to try them with the children! Because the rules are simple, the games can get exciting—and you can also raise the difficulty for a challenge.
Feel free to adapt the activities to suit the children’s ages and interests.
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Handkerchief and Towel Play! A Collection of Fun Play Ideas (1–10)
Drop the Handkerchief
A traditional game loved for generations! Let’s introduce “Drop the Handkerchief.” All you need is a handkerchief.
How to play: Choose one child to be “It” and give them the handkerchief.
The other children sit in a circle facing inward.
It’s good if they close their eyes at this time.
“It” walks around the outside of the circle and drops the handkerchief.
The child who has the handkerchief dropped behind them chases “It” and tries to tag them.
If “It” is tagged, they remain “It” for another round; if not, the person holding the handkerchief becomes the new “It.”
Animals made with hand towels
A flat hand towel transforms into a three-dimensional animal! Here are some animal ideas you can make with a hand towel.
All you need is a hand towel.
It could be fun to change the towel’s color to match the animal! With this idea, your hand towel turns into a bear, a bunny, and an elephant.
You can also enjoy customizing them by using rubber bands or adding ribbons, so try making them and playing with your child.
The steps may feel a bit complicated at first, so it’s best to work together with a teacher or a guardian.
Towel Run-Run ExerciseToshihiko Niizawa
Let’s have fun dancing with a towel! We’d like to introduce Toshihiko Shinzawa’s “Towel Run-Run Exercise.” All you need is a face towel.
This routine is great because you can loosen up your body while dancing with the towel.
It looks perfect as a warm-up, with twists and backbends.
In the second half, there are playful elements like rolling up the towel and swaying it, which makes it really fun! You’ll probably find yourself smiling as you play.
Come on, give it a try and dance along!
Handkerchief and towel play! A collection of fun play ideas (11–20)
Handkerchief Theater
All you need is a handkerchief and you’re ready to go! Here are some ideas for a handkerchief theater.
All you have to prepare is a handkerchief.
With the teacher’s words and movements, the handkerchief will quickly start to look like a mask or a mountain.
Children will be captivated by the story as their imaginations grow! It’s great before going for a walk or to fill small gaps of time.
Larger handkerchiefs are easier to pretend into various objects, so pay attention to the size you use.
Give handkerchief theater a try!
Daruma doll made with a handkerchief
Here’s an idea for making a “Daruma-san” game with a handkerchief.
All you need is a handkerchief or a scarf.
Many of you have probably played the staring game with the chant “Appuppu!” This idea is a playful twist where you cover the face with a handkerchief and then reveal the hidden face right at the “Appuppu!” cue— the surprise is so fun it becomes addictive.
It’s a great idea for interactive play with infants.
Another plus is that you can play without any preparation, just using a handkerchief! Give it a try.
[Children’s Song] Chu-chu Kokko, Stop
![[Children’s Song] Chu-chu Kokko, Stop](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/f7LIh9Cj2Fs/sddefault.jpg)
Let me introduce the traditional children’s song “Chucchuk Kokko Tomare.” All you need is a handkerchief—something light works best.
It’s a great idea for rhythm play and bonding play with infants.
As teachers or caregivers move the handkerchief up and down or toss it, the child’s gaze will likely follow, becoming fully engaged.
Once they get used to it, you may even see the child tossing the handkerchief and playing on their own.
Be sure to have fun and enjoy playing together with the child!
Banana made with a handkerchief
When it comes to handkerchief games, many of you probably made and played with them as children.
Here’s a fun idea: make a banana out of a handkerchief.
All you need is a handkerchief.
Pinch the center and pull it upward, then fold up the corners—and your banana is complete! If you treat the corners as the peel and “peel” them back, the banana inside appears, which is really fun! There are nursery rhymes and fingerplay songs about bananas, so singing while you play can keep children even more engaged.
Give it a try!