fun gift for crafty kids (and adults!)

Here in Michigan, it looks like today is the last nice day for possibly a very long time. Which means we like to stock up on inside activities this time of year. We have a few tried and true toys that our kids keep coming back to, but if I really want to get them something that’s going to keep them busy, I will get them an activity. Something they can learn and create. This year we’re trying these all-in-one origami kits from the Quarto Group.

These kits come with everything you need to create origami art. Fun printed paper already cut to the perfect size as well as directions, The Origami Animals Super Paper Pack comes with 232 origami sheets and instructions for creating the basic form and using that to create 10 more animals. Fold and Fly is for creating butterflies, birds and flying animals and it comes with the coolest paper that looks just like the animal prints.  Paper that really looks just like butterflies!

Just like any craft, different origami animals are better for different ages.  My 9 and 11-year-old children needed a bit of help to create their animals.  But once we get the hang of it, I’m hoping that it will get easier and easier for them.  The paper in Fold and Fly is already printed with lines and numbers, so it’s easy to visually see just what you need to do.  The paper in Origami Animals isn’t already printed since each paper can be used to make multiple animals.  So it can take a bit of trial and error to see if you’ve made it correctly.  The good news is that, once you learn how to make the basic form, all the animals are made from that.

And origami isn’t just for kids!  I have to admit, I have fun figuring out how to make these fun animals, too!  So we can have a family craft day!  Does your family love creating new things?  What are some of your favorite indoor activities?