Lovely Play & Recreation

For New Year’s! A collection of fun origami ideas to make, decorate, and play with in childcare

For New Year’s! A collection of fun origami ideas to make, decorate, and play with in childcare

Last updated:2026/1/20

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

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

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.

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first sunrise of the year

[New Year Origami] How to fold the first sunrise (Mt. Fuji, sun, clouds) with audio commentary ☆ Origami Mt. Fuji, sun, clouds tutorial / Tatsukuri

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.

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ema (votive wooden plaque)

How to fold an origami ema easily! New Year

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.

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shimenawa wreath

[New Year Origami] Easy and Cute Shimenawa Wreath How to Fold / Origami Shimenawa Wreath

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.

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pine

[Origami] Easy! New Year Pine Folding Method – Origami Pine

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!

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Treasure Ship

[Origami] How to Fold a Treasure Ship for New Year’s: Origami Treasure Ship

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.

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mandarin orange

[One sheet of origami] Mandarin orange 🍊 How to make a mandarin orange #mandarin #orange #simple #howto #origami #paperfolding #instructions

mandarin orange

The tangerine origami is done in no time—just fold it into a triangle and fold the corners along the creases! It’s also nice to draw fine patterns with a pen.

If you add eyes and a mouth, you’ll get an adorable character-like tangerine.

Changing the size so everyone in the family can enjoy different variations sounds fun, too.

Around New Year’s, it’s also recommended to place it on top of kagami mochi origami! The orange color gives a wintry feel, so kids are sure to love it.

When family and relatives gather, definitely give it a try as an origami activity everyone can enjoy together.

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