gift idea : origami

fold me up, fold me down

ISN’T IT so fascinating how two kiddos born of the same two parents can be so vastly different? My guys are both kind, funny, bright and loving, but their similarities pretty much end there. My little guy is most frequently found in a fantastical world of his own making. He has a GiGANTIC and wondrous imagination and could spend days fully entertained by a single twisty tie. My older son on the other hand, is firmly rooted in reason. His equally active imagination has never been to The Land of Make Believe, but instead is stirred by Rube Goldberg-style machines, elaborate Danny MacAskill tricks and epic ski lines. When he was little, he asked me in all earnestness if Santa was going to come into his room and watch him sleep. He was super creeped out. I mean, it makes sense. The jolly man’s already in our house, the logical next step is that he might go for a wander. And my guy is ALL about logic. He has always busied himself with tinkering and building and engineering and solving problems. He builds elaborate bike jumps and epic race car tracks. He assembles the big Lego sets so that his little brother can actually play with them. He has folded probably close to one million paper airplanes of every possible combination to test their speed, distance and accuracy. And when he discovered origami in second grade, it was true love at first sight.

IN MY observation, LOTS of kids go through a serious origami phase, often starting around age 7 or 8, and it’s easy to see why. The paper is bright and colorful and sometimes has really cool patterns. And, of course, it’s so satisfying to follow the complicated series of steps and end up with something recognizable. My son would then attempt to make a giant version or a teeny tiny version or a whole family of his latest creation (the frogs might’ve been my favorite). He still loves the Art for Kids Hub videos that teach origami in super understandable steps. He learned the hard way that not everyone on YouTube knows what they’re doing, but Rob does and he makes it fun and sets the kids up for success (also an AWESOME and inexpensive subscription, which you know I’m all over).

THERE ARE TONS of awesome resources out in the world for learning and practicing origami and they make excellent gifts for kids or adults that would enjoy the zen process. It’s such a great activity for busy minds and fidgety hands. Taro’s Origami is an excellent resource for learning all about the art form and the paper-making process. They make some of the best paper you’ll find and the studio even offers live online classes with Taro’s professional folders for all levels, which would be a spectacular gift. And if your folder would be wowed by cool patterns, Aitoh is an authentic brand that has an endless offering of super cool paper to delight. So if you love an analytical little and need a good gift or rainy day distraction, check out these fun origami activities and watch their pride swell as they create something dazzling from a humble sheet of square paper. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

origami gifts for folders of all ages

> Jumbo Origami Paper is a fun BIG variation on the standard origami paper and it comes in 30 colors >

> Djeco Origami Kits come in fun themes, perfect for learning new shapes >

> Learn to fold 15 different animals with this Origami Zoo Kit that also includes a fold-out map of the zoo and stickers for adding the finishing touches >

> My First Origami Kit is the perfect starting place for beginners with 22 different projects to practice with, plus stickers >

> You can’t actually fold this Origami Boat, it’s a super cute Oli & Carol natural rubber bath toy, perfect for little siblings of avid folders >

> Make 20 different customized paper airplanes with this cool Paper Airplane Squadron Kit >

> Oh man, I loved making Origami Fortune Tellers when I was little and this bright, colorful set comes with lots of different themes >

> There are 200 brightly colored, double-sided sheets in this Rainbow Colors Origami Paper Pack to keep the imagination running wild >

> This Kusudama Origami Book has stunning, elaborate folds to make traditional Japanese paper spheres >

> Learn to fold 30 different origami designs using a single dollar bill with The Dollar Bill Origami Book >

> This Star Wars Origami Kit is a must for any Star Wars lover. Learn to fold all of your favorite characters >

> Foldology is an origami puzzle game for more advanced folders with 100 brain-teasing challenges from beginner to expert >

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