For New Year’s! A collection of fun origami ideas to make, decorate, and play with in childcare
Where do you start when preparing to welcome the New Year at a daycare or kindergarten? In this article, we’ve gathered origami ideas for the New Year that children can enjoy together.
From classic motifs like daruma dolls, lion dances, and kagami mochi to crafts that lead to play—such as playing fukuwarai with an otafuku mask or writing wishes on ema plaques—these are all projects that extend the fun after folding! There are no difficult steps, and we focus on activities that small hands can try with an adult’s help.
Once finished, use them as wall decorations or display them in the classroom to boost the New Year atmosphere!
For New Year’s! A collection of fun origami ideas for childcare—make, decorate, and play (1–10)
Mini New Year’s wreath made with origami
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEPhRTRzzkv/I want to make this with kids! It’s a New Year’s wreath you can create using origami.
Since it’s made from origami, it seems fun for the whole family to work together to make the parts and assemble them.
You’ll need 16 sheets of origami paper cut to quarter size, decorative items like mizuhiki cords, and glue or adhesive.
Origami in red, traditional Japanese patterns, and a touch of gold works well.
Its mini size makes it easy to display anywhere, which is a nice plus! You can also adjust the origami size to make a larger wreath.
ema (votive wooden plaque)
Why not try making ema (wish plaques) for the New Year with origami? Cut construction paper and paste it onto an origami base, then write your wishes or draw pictures on it—whatever you like.
Making them with your children can be a great opportunity to talk about dreams and goals.
Older adults can also enjoy shaping their New Year wishes while engaging their fingers.
Display the finished ema in your room as a charm to invite good fortune.
Let’s all make them together and welcome a happy New Year.
shimenawa wreath
Speaking of New Year’s, many households probably put up shimenawa decorations.
People often hang them on their front doors or even on their cars.
It’s said to be an important custom for welcoming the Toshigami (New Year deity).
Let’s try making a cute, sacred shimenawa as a wreath using origami! First, prepare 10 small sheets of origami paper.
Make several identical pieces and stack them together—before you know it, the wreath portion will be complete.
Decorating the wreath with plum blossoms, the zodiac animal of the year, or a shishimai (lion dance) figure will make it even more festive, so I highly recommend it.
first sunrise of the year
They say that if you watch the first sunrise of the New Year, you’ll spend the year happily.
For those who want to see it but can’t easily go out, we recommend making the first sunrise with origami.
Display it in your entryway or room and let everyone offer their prayers to the first sunrise together.
Combining Mount Fuji, clouds, and the sun makes it feel even more New Year-like.
Now, let’s make it all at once! Each folding method is very simple, so it’s easy to create.
If you make firm creases as you go, it will be easier to fold.
Be sure to have fun making it together with everyone.
Treasure Ship
It’s said that if you sleep with a treasure ship picture under your pillow, you’ll have a lucky first dream of the year.
It’s also considered a charm that wards off misfortune.
Since ships are seen as motifs that attract good fortune, it’s nice to carry one as a talisman, too.
How about making a treasure ship out of origami? It’s easier to fold neatly if you crease firmly.
There are many fine steps, so it helps boost concentration and stimulate the brain.
Make a lovely treasure ship and have sweet dreams! Try making one during the New Year holidays.
magic mallet
When it comes to auspicious New Year’s motifs, doesn’t the magic mallet (Uchide no Kozuchi) come to mind? It’s said that when you swing it, your various wishes are granted.
It’s a treasure carried by Daikoku-sama.
Displaying one at home seems like it would bring good fortune and positive energy.
Let’s make this magic mallet with origami.
You’ll need origami paper, round stickers, and double-sided tape or a tape glue runner.
First, fold along a diagonal to make a crease, then fold all four corners inward.
Once it forms a square, fold the corners to shape it into a magic mallet.
Finally, draw a flower using round stickers, and it’s complete.
maneki-neko (beckoning cat)
Maneki-neko are also sold as New Year decorations at places like Hatsumode shrines, aren’t they? Raising the left paw is said to bring prosperity in business, while raising the right paw invites money and good luck.
The benefits also differ by color, with effects such as good relationships, health, increased financial fortune, academic success, and luck in love.
It’s hard to choose just one, isn’t it? Pick your favorite color and try making a lovely maneki-neko! The key point is folding the cat’s face.
There are several layered folds, so the steps are a bit detailed, but be sure to create that cute, rounded look of the kitty.
pine
When the New Year arrives, you feel motivated to tackle the coming year with a fresh mindset, don’t you? A motif perfect for such a New Year is the pine.
It’s said to bring good fortune when displayed at the entrance.
Pine symbolizes eternal life and longevity.
By displaying a pine, which has strong vitality, it also conveys the wish to live healthily and energetically.
Why not make such a pine out of origami and hope for a healthy year ahead? First, prepare green origami paper.
The key is to make firm, crisp folds.
Finish by drawing details with a pen, and it’s done in no time!
Checkered frame
Decorating with New Year-themed motifs makes the holiday feel even more enjoyable, doesn’t it? The lattice pattern we’re introducing this time symbolizes eternity and prosperity, making it very auspicious.
Displaying it in your room can create a stylish atmosphere.
And guess what—you can make this lattice pattern with origami.
It’s easy to craft, so it’s suitable for everyone from children to seniors.
Start by choosing your favorite origami paper and begin folding.
The part where you create the lattice pattern involves some fine work, which is great for dexterity.
Combine it with motifs like plum blossoms, sea bream, and pine to make it stand out even more.
ritual arrow (hamaya)
Many people probably make a point of buying a hamaya (ritual arrow) when they go for their first shrine visit of the New Year.
It’s said that keeping a hamaya wards off misfortune and calamities and grants wishes for happiness and good health.
It’s considered best to display it in a high, dignified spot with a sacred atmosphere, such as on a household altar, by the entrance, or in the living room.
Let’s make a hamaya out of origami right away.
Although it may look difficult at first glance, the folding method is actually very simple.
You can easily make it just by cutting and gluing.
Add a little bell or an ema plaque, and you’ll have a splendid, festive hamaya!