Christmas cards don’t have to be from a multipack. You can create beautiful origami Christmas cards that people will cherish with a little time and effort.

The best part? You don’t need any experience with origami! You just need some paper and enough patience to see all the many folds come to life. Although challenging, origami is a rewarding hobby that offers great satisfaction.

Christmas card origami ideas

Here are our favourite origami Christmas card ideas for adults:

Easy Christmas tree (fold flat)

This easy origami Christmas tree can be folded in under 90 seconds. All you need is a sheet of green paper or any other colour you prefer. It folds flat so you can send it in a regular envelope, and it also stands up by itself.

Origami square Christmas card 

This origami square Christmas card uses multi-coloured paper to create a dinky origami Christmas card and a matching envelope. You can place a photo inside the card or a note, poem or anything else you like. So cute!

3D Christmas tree card (pop-up)

This 3D Christmas tree card takes longer to make, but it’s well worth it. You make it with a regular piece of card for the body and assemble the origami sections separately. When you open the card, the origami tree comes to life.

3D Christmas tree card (pop-up alternative) 

If you’re not keen on the pop-up option listed above, try this one instead. The pop-up tree in this card is more intricate with a taller body and more elements. However, the 3D effect is more pronounced, making it a great showstopper.

Pull tab origami card

This pull tab origami card is perfect for every occasion. You pull the origami tab, which opens the card. So clever. It only takes a few folds, and you can make it with regular paper so long as you cut it to size. It’s definitely one of our favourites.

Origami layered cardstock card

Try this origami layered tree card if you have lots of paper to play with. The tree pops on the front of the card, and it folds flat for an envelope. Make it with tree pattern paper, and you’ll have professional-quality cards to give to loved ones.

More Christmas origami ideas

Here are our favourite Christmas origami ideas for decorations and gifts:

Origami paper gift box

Whether you need a small gift box or want to make hanging decorations, this origami paper gift box is ideal. You need 21 x 21 cm paper, glue and a ribbon. The gift boxes should last all Christmas and make great keepsakes.

3D paper star 

This is one of our favourite origami decorations! The 3D paper star is ideal for decoration and works well as an essential oil diffuser. It requires one sheet of A4 paper, which you cut to size to make different star sizes.

Origami Christmas wreath 

This origami Christmas wreath is the most intricate model on our list, but rest assured, it’s worth it! You need two 15cm origami sheets and glue to create one palm-sized wreath. They look fantastic and make ideal decorations and gifts.