With the Year of the Dog waning and the Year of the Pig right around the corner, I’ve been browsing the web and uncovering some of best Chinese New Year crafts for kids! Even if you’ve never celebrated before, the Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, is a fun way to help kids learn about another tradition and in a celebration of prosperity, joy, and good luck — things I think we could all use a little more of.
I’ve put together some year of the pig Chinese New Year crafts that run the gamut of skill level, so kids of all age can find something fun to work on. Happy crafting, everyone.
Top image: Chinese New Year easy paper pig craft at Easy, Peasy, and Fun | Chinese New Year fortune cookies at Cookies and Calligraphy
Related: The prettiest Chinese New Year craft brings good luck all year long.
I’m digging this cool Chinese New Year firecrackers paper craft as a much safer and quieter alternative than real pyrotechnics. Plus, Wes at Chinese American Family includes an entire fascinating history of the firecrackers — in fact, his site is a cultural treasure trove and I’m sure you’ll find tons of education and inspiration there.
These Chinese New Year fortune cookies at Cookies and Calligraphy are perfect for older kids who can wield a hot glue gun, or for any parent who wants to pack an extra surprise in their kid’s backpack or lunchbox for the big day — even if the fortune is, Don’t forget to bring home your lunchbox.
I think this Chinese New Year easy paper pig craft is so cute and clever, and I love the way it slightly resembles a Chinese lantern while also paying homage to this year’s Zodiac animal. Find the tutorial on Easy Peasy and Fun.
If you’re looking for a more interactive craft that doubles as a game, I love this Chinese New Year Zodiac matching game at Squirrels of a Feather that helps kids learn a few words in Chinese, too. I suggest starting with pig, though.
Related: A cool DIY dragon craft for Chinese New Year.
For a simple craft that even preschoolers can manage, try free printable Year of the Pig coloring page at The Imagination Box which has a wonderfully cool, modern graphic. Because it’s free, print plenty — kids may want to make as many versions as there are colors in their crayon box.
Yes, I know that origami is Japanese, but I’m still thinking this adorable Chinese New Year pig face origami at Red Tart Art is a fun piggy-themed craft for the season. I appreciate that it’s beginner-level origami, so even younger kids can follow the instructions, if with a little help from you.
One more idea: Check out these wonderful Chinese New Year banners from China Family Adventure, and kids can decorate their doors with lovely, traditional wishes like “Love and safety wherever you.”
