A beautifully simple introduction to origami — three compact kits from Avenue Mandarine, the French edutainment brand belonging to the Clairefontaine Rhodia group, each one containing everything needed to fold a single animal in multiple colourways with no previous experience required. My Little Origami is one of those products that is genuinely as good for children as it is for adult beginners — the pre-printed sheets guide the folding process visually, the paper is high quality enough to handle repeated folding without tearing, and the finished models are charming enough to display.
Each kit contains 20 sheets of 12 x 12cm origami paper printed on both sides — 10 different designs, each repeated twice — plus a folding instruction sheet. The paper is 70gsm Clairefontaine paper, thin and flexible enough to fold cleanly and hold creases precisely, but with the resistance to handle the repeated folding that an origami model demands without splitting or tearing at the creases. Because both sides of each sheet are printed, the finished model has decorative patterning throughout rather than a plain white reverse — giving the completed animal a lively, illustrated quality.
The pre-printed fold lines on the sheets guide the folding sequence from the start, making the technique accessible for complete beginners and for children from age 5 upwards. Each kit is themed to a specific animal — the sheets are decorated with patterns that suit the character of that animal. Completed models are a generous size: the rabbit is 16.5cm tall, the cat 18.5cm, and the dog 16.5cm.
We stock three designs: Rabbit (OR507C), Cat (OR508C), and Dog (OR509C). Each is sold individually.
Contents per kit: 20 x 12cm square origami sheets (10 designs x 2 repeats), printed on both sides, plus folding instructions. Suitable for ages 5 and over. Complies with CE toy safety standards.
Is origami suitable for young children? Yes — the My Little Origami kits are specifically designed for children from age 5 upwards. The pre-printed fold lines simplify the process considerably, making it accessible for younger children who would find standard origami instructions difficult to follow. The activity develops concentration, motor skills, and spatial reasoning in a genuinely enjoyable way.
Do I need any previous origami experience? No — the pre-printed sheets guide the folding sequence visually, and the instruction sheet walks through the complete process step by step. These kits are designed specifically for beginners of all ages.
How many finished models can I make from one kit? Each kit contains 20 sheets in 10 different designs repeated twice — so two models can be made, each from a different combination of patterned sheets. Because the sheets can be selected and combined in different ways, the finished models will each have a unique appearance.
Are these suitable as gifts? Yes — the compact, self-contained format and the charming animal themes make the My Little Origami kits an excellent gift for children and adults with an interest in craft, particularly as a first introduction to origami. They also work well as a quiet, focused activity for car journeys, holidays, and rainy days.
