[Childcare] Simple winter-themed origami craft ideas
In winter, there are many days of harsh cold, so we often have more opportunities to play indoors with origami.
So this time, we’re introducing simple origami ideas with a winter theme.
We’ve gathered lots of fun origami ideas you’ll want to try, featuring motifs for Christmas, New Year’s, and Valentine’s Day, as well as designs that evoke the feeling of winter.
Be sure to include them in your indoor winter activities.
How about using the finished origami to play, or decorating your room’s walls or doors to create delightful winter memories?
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[Childcare] Simple Winter-Themed Origami Craft Ideas (1–10)
mandarin orange
When it comes to classic winter fruits, mikan (mandarins) are a must! On cold winter days, you can’t help but want to eat mikan while sitting under a kotatsu.
With their distinctive orange color and cute shape, mikans also make a great origami motif! They’re perfect for a cozy craft during the chilly season at home.
The charm is in the super simple method that’s easy for kids: fold the origami paper into a triangle twice to make creases, flip it over, then fold the corners using the creases as a guide—and you’re done! You can add a stem using a green round sticker or draw patterns with a pen.
By changing the size of the origami paper, you can make mikans in various sizes, so be sure to try it together with the kids.
Christmas tree
How about making an origami craft with a Christmas tree theme? You can make it from a single sheet of origami paper, so it’s great for creating together with children.
Use green origami paper, crease it toward the center, then fold it from top to bottom.
Next, fold both sides toward the center, open the top section, and shape it into a tree silhouette.
For decorations, attach stars and circles made from colorful origami paper.
You can display the finished tree on a wall or take photos of it to create winter memories.
It’s sure to be a lovely item that brightens up preschool and kindergarten classrooms.
Long-tailed tit (Shima-enaga)
The long-tailed tit that can only be seen in Hokkaido—also known as the “snow fairy”—is beloved across generations for its adorable appearance! How about trying an origami version of this charming bird? It’s a fun craft to make together with animal-loving kids.
Use black origami paper so that the white underside becomes the bird’s head and body, while the black side forms the wings.
By making fine folds at the corners, you can create a rounded, fluffy look.
To finish, draw its beady eyes, beak, and feet with a pen.
It would also be lovely to make a parent-and-child pair by using different sizes of origami paper.
[Childcare] Simple winter-themed origami craft ideas (11–20)
gift box
Winter is a season full of delights for children.
To make winter even more enjoyable, why not try a gift box made of origami? With just one sheet of paper, you can easily create a present box decorated with a ribbon! The steps are simple, so even small hands can have fun freely.
You can also color the white back side of the paper in any color you like, or use double-sided origami for a more festive finish.
It nurtures children’s creativity and improves their fine motor skills—perfect to try this winter.
gloves
Glove origami is a craft activity that you can enjoy with children while imagining the chill of winter.
If you decorate with colorful origami paper, it will give the room a bright, festive feel.
Because the shape is simple, the children’s individuality really shines through in their creations.
Displaying the finished gloves on the wall can make the cold season feel warm and cozy.
The process of folding origami is a great opportunity to develop children’s fine motor skills, and folding together with teachers or guardians helps deepen communication.
It’s a perfect origami idea for making winter memories.
Kadomatsu
How about making a kadomatsu origami together with parents and children—perfect for the winter season? Kadomatsu are traditional Japanese decorations that embody the sanctity and festiveness of welcoming the New Year.
The origami version is easy to make: simply create three bamboo pieces and glue them together at the end.
Once finished, display it in your room and enjoy the winter atmosphere.
You can also explain the origins and meaning of the kadomatsu while folding the paper together, making it a fun way to learn about Japanese culture.
Kagami mochi
Kagami mochi is a great recommendation for New Year’s decorations and seasonal origami.
It’s a fun way to try origami with children while learning about traditional Japanese customs! Another nice point is that the steps are simple.
With a single sheet of origami paper, you can make kagami mochi with two stacked rice cakes.
Speaking of kagami mochi, the daidai (bitter orange) on top is also distinctive.
You can make this with a smaller piece of origami paper, so give it a try! You can also add decorations with thread or yarn, and include a sanpō (ceremonial wooden stand) to create even more of a New Year’s atmosphere.