11 origami crafts for kids

Today is National Origami Day! Why not celebrate by sitting down with your child and some paper and learning to master the ancient and soothing art of origami? Your child can stand to gain a ton of cognitive and motor benefits, as well as a peek into Japanese culture.

A Kid- Friendly History of Origami

Origami is a crafting method in which only paper is used. The paper is folded geometrically to create shapes that anchor themselves in place. No glue or scissors are allowed in traditional origami, but its modern variant—kirigami—allows the use of scissors and glue.

Long ago in Japan, paper was a luxurious product only available for the wealthy. So, it was considered elegant to display it beautifully in the home. This is why the art of folding paper came to be.

By the 1950’s origami had been introduced to the United States by an author named Lillian Oppenheimer. It became quite a popular pastime, inspiring organizations and conventions devoted to origami.

Benefits of Origami Crafts for Kids 

Origami is a uniquely beneficial activity for kids because it requires the same analytical skills used to solve a puzzle. An origami craft is a lot like a puzzle in many ways and can require more brainpower to complete than you might expect. This is because the geometrical folds which make up the craft are based on principles of trigonometry.

Origami is also extremely beneficial to the fine motor areas of the brain. The folds in origami require manual precision and dexterity, which means your child’s fine motor skills will get a considerable workout.

Origami can be very soothing, mindful, and meditative. Because it requires so much focus, concentration, and precision, it encourages kids to devote all their attention to one task, increasing their ability to focus in the future!

11 Origami Crafts for Kids on National Origami Day!

A Classic Crane

Paper cranes are one of the most memorable and iconic origami figures. When we think origami, they may very well be the first thing that comes to mind. Teach your child to make this classic fold here, at The Spruce.

Fun Fortune Tellers/ Cootie Catchers

It’s hard not to look back with nostalgia on these little paper fortune tellers. Practically a currency in elementary schools, origami fortune tellers or “cootie catchers” as they’re sometimes called, are crafts your child may already be familiar with. Check out Easy Peasy and Fun’s ultimate selection of cootie catcher tutorials for a fun way to shake up this classic craft. They have paper fortune tellers shaped and designed like any animal you can think of, plus more!

Cute Rings!

Give your kids an opportunity to make their own jewelry with this DIY origami ring tutorial from Red Ted Art. This one is super beneficial to the fine motor skills because it requires so many tiny folds.

A Dazzling Unicorn

Unicorns are everywhere these days, and why not? There’s nothing more enchanting and imaginative than these trendy mythical beasts. So, go ahead and jump on the unicorn train with this beautiful origami unicorn craft from Willow Day. (NOTE: This is technically kirigami because it uses materials besides the paper, but wow, does it ever deserve a spot on this list for the cute factor!)

Charming Gift Boxes

Another perfectly practical craft for kids and adults alike, these delightful little gift boxes were designed for valentine’s day but work well for any occasion on which your child wants to show some love to a friend or family member. Get the full tutorial from Artsy Craftsy Mom here.

Funky Faces!

Ok, this one is really cute. Have your child create a self-portrait in origami with this tutorial from Pink Stripey Socks. Self-portraiture helps kids boost their self-expression and self-esteem. So, why not break out the origami paper and start making faces?

A Frog that Really Jumps!

Kids will love playing with these dynamic, jumping origami frogs all day! For an entire afternoon’s entertainment, try out this origami lesson from It’s Always Autumn. Making and playing with these tiny leaping toys not only keeps your child entertained, it beefs up their fine motor skills as well!

Curious Cats

If your child has kitten-fever, direct them to this purr-fect origami craft from Fat Mum Slim. These adorable little kittens make terrific decorations for just about anything. Try sticking some magnets or magnetic tape to the back for a fridge ornament!

A Royal Crown

Once your child has practiced the basics a bit, they can attempt this regal fold and declare themselves the king or queen of origami! This monarch’s headgear can be made at home with instructions from What We Do With Paper and Glue, here.

A Floating Boat

Here’s an origami fold that will float anyone’s boat, literally! These simple and fun paper boats can make for hours of entertainment. Race them in the storm drain, float them in a bath, or play in the sink with them. The possibilities are nearly endless with this super simple beginner’s origami project. Find out how to make them here, at The Spruce. This one comes with a bonus hack—color the origami paper on both sides, thoroughly, with crayon to make your boat extra waterproof!

A Marvelous Mermaid

For more aquatic-themed adventures, tackle this mermaid craft from Pink Stripey Socks. They can easily be turned into mermen or neutral mer-people for kids of all genders. They’re so fun to decorate and can act as a kind of self-portrait for kids, encouraging them to use their imaginations to speculate what they would look like if they were mer-people!

We hope these origami craft ideas for kids will help you and your little ones celebrate National Origami Day to the fullest. For the hottest tips and tricks on how to make every day a celebration, keep on following The Holiday Helper on the Wondrfly blog.

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