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!
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- [For Seniors] Recommended Wall Decorations and Crafts for January
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- [April] Spring Origami for Kids: A Collection of Simple and Cute Ideas
For the New Year! A collection of fun origami ideas for childcare—make, decorate, and play (41–50)
kusudama (decorative paper ball used for celebrations)

Kusudama, which creates a festive atmosphere, is perfect for the New Year! If you use colorful origami paper, it becomes a very beautiful decoration.
The process might be a bit complicated, but if your family works together, it’s fun to make.
Displaying the finished kusudama at the entrance will lift the New Year spirit.
Working together happily will spark conversation and fill the time with smiles.
It will become a wonderful memory that brightly colors the start of the new year.
In conclusion
We’ve introduced origami that you can enjoy playing with at nurseries and at home during the New Year.
Some pieces become three-dimensional even with simple folding methods, sparking children’s creativity.
The time spent folding origami itself will surely become a warm moment of communication with family and friends.
Displaying the creations will instantly fill your room with a festive New Year atmosphere.
Savor the spirit of January and have fun with origami play!



