[May] A collection of craft ideas to try with 5-year-olds

bag-style accessory case

Make it with a clear file folder and paper plates! Here’s an idea for a small pouch that looks like a handbag.

It’s perfect for yourself, and also recommended as a gift for Mother’s Day or Family Day.

You’ll need paper plates, a hole punch, chenille stems (pipe cleaners), beads, a clear file folder, scissors, and double-sided tape.

If you place carnations made from the children’s handprints in the finished piece, it will make an even more wonderful gift.

Take this opportunity to give it a try!

Kashiwa-mochi castanets

[Handmade Instruments] With Paper Clay! Kashiwa Mochi Castanets [Children’s Day Craft]

Let’s get crafting for Children’s Day! Here’s a fun idea for making Kashiwa Mochi castanets.

Many preschools and kindergartens probably sing children’s songs like “Koinobori” together during Children’s Day events, right? Let’s make Kashiwa Mochi castanets that will come in handy for those moments! You’ll need cardboard or a milk carton, green construction paper, white air-dry clay, buttons, colored pens, glue, craft adhesive, and scissors.

It’s a delightful, event-specific craft—give it a try!

Koinobori Kendama

[Children’s Day Craft] How to Make a Paper Cup “Koinobori Kendama”

Recommended for Children’s Day events! Here’s an idea for a carp streamer kendama.

May brings Children’s Day, doesn’t it? Many of you may be celebrating at your preschool or at home.

Take this opportunity to make a carp streamer kendama.

You’ll need paper cups, twine, copy paper, washi tape, round stickers, clear tape, scissors, and glue.

The ease of gathering the materials is part of this idea’s appeal.

Try making and playing with this carp streamer kendama!

Magnet and fabric sticking play

It’s fun how they stick with a snap! Here are some ideas for magnet-and-fabric sticking play.

Let’s make fabric toys that even infants can enjoy! You’ll need fabric or felt, magnets, fabric adhesive, needles, and thread.

If you create popular characters or illustrations from picture books with fabric or felt, children will be captivated! Sew magnets into each piece, and they’ll snap together so kids can play over and over.

Please be very careful to prevent accidental swallowing of magnets.

koinobori rocket

[Children’s Day Craft] How to Make a Koinobori Rocket

Carp streamers burst out with energy and excitement! Here’s an idea for a Koinobori Rocket.

When you think of Children’s Day, many people picture koinobori, right? This time, let’s make a toy with a carp streamer motif that you can build and play with! You will need two paper cups, two rubber bands, decorative materials like stickers and colored paper, scissors, a craft knife, and clear tape.

The decoration is very flexible, so it’s sure to spark kids’ creativity!

Poppy

Origami in May — Poppies and Buds —

Beautiful like the real thing! Here are some ideas for making poppies out of origami.

Poppies belong to the buttercup family and are known for their brightly colored blossoms.

They often come in vivid shades like red, orange, and yellow, and their beauty makes them popular in gardens and flower beds.

This time, let’s try making poppies with origami! You’ll need origami paper, round stickers, glue, scissors, and a bamboo skewer.

Some steps can be a bit challenging, but it’s a good idea to finish them with help from a teacher or friends.

Let’s make a kabuto (samurai helmet)

Let’s make a special craft just for Children’s Day! Here are some ideas for making a samurai helmet (kabuto).

Even if you’ve finished your main craft for Children’s Day, this is a great idea for something fun to make and play with on the day itself.

Use construction paper in your favorite colors to make a kabuto, then decorate it with stickers and pens.

If you attach string or elastic to the finished kabuto, kids can wear it and enjoy it even more—guaranteed excitement! Be sure to give it a try.