Origami Reindeer

Get into the holiday spirit with this charming origami reindeer!

Perfect for festive decorations and holiday cards.

This origami reindeer is a delightful paper craft that captures the essence of the holiday season.

This adorable design not only adds a cute touch to your decorations but also serves as a fantastic homemade gift idea. Each reindeer can be folded quickly, allowing you to create an entire herd in no time!

Creating this paper reindeer is a fun activity for all ages. Whether you’re looking for a holiday project with your kids or wanting to impress your friends with unique decorations, this craft will bring smiles and laughter.

You can customize your reindeer with various colors, patterns, and even add accessories like tiny scarves or bells to make them stand out.

These charming reindeer can be used in various ways—attach them to gift packages, use them as table settings, or string them together to create a festive garland. The options are endless! Plus, they make wonderful decorations for your home during the holiday season, adding a personal touch that store-bought items can’t replicate.

As you gather around the table for some creative time, enjoy the experience of folding paper and bringing your reindeer to life.

The joy of creating something with your own hands is unmatched, especially when shared with family and friends.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create your own origami reindeer.

Let’s get started!

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Fun and engaging for all ages.
• Quick to fold, perfect for group activities.
• Customizable with different colors and accessories.
• Use these origami reindeers to make cute reindeer garlands or reindeer Christmas ornaments!
• Great for holiday decorations and gift embellishments.
• Don't be put off by the number of steps to make this reindeer. We have broken down how to make these cute paper reindeers to make it easier to understand!

Skill Level

★★★☆☆ (Easy to Intermediate)

Materials Needed

• Square Colored Paper, such as origami paper. You could also use lightweight cardstock. We recommend using 6 inch x 6 inch (15cm x 15cm) origami paper to start off with).
• Markers – For adding eyes or other details.

Paper Type & GSM

Choose a light to medium weight paper for ease of folding and durability. Brown craft paper or textured paper can add a nice touch to your reindeer.

Instructions

Step 1: Start with the color you want your reindeer to be facing down. Arrange it to sit like a diamond.

Step 2: Fold the bottom point to meet the top point.

Step 3: Unfold previous step.

Step 4: Fold the left point to meet the right point.

Step 5: Unfold previous step.

Step 6: Fold the left corner to meet the centre point.

Step 7: Fold the same point back to the left, meeting the edge of the crease.

Step 8: Unfold previous step.

Step 9: Fold the flap to the left, matching the edge of the paper with the crease you made in step 7.

Step 10: Fold the triangle part of the flap towards the back.

Step 11: Fold the top point to meet the bottom point.

Step 12: Fold the paper in half from left to right, along the existing middle crease line.

Step 13: Lift the top flap and squash fold. This will form a square shape.

Step 14:  Flip your paper over from left to right.

Step 15: Fold the top flap over to the right along the centre crease and then squash fold.

Step 16: Fold the top right edge (top layer only) to meet the middle.

Step 17: Fold the top left edge (top layer only) to meet the middle.

Step 18: Flip your paper over from left to right.

Step 19: Gently lift the top left layer of the bottom section and hold it towards the left.

Step 20: Fold the layer that sat underneath the top left layer towards the right.

Step 21: Place the top left layer back down into position.

Step 22: Fold the top right flap to the left.

Step 23: Repeat steps 19 to 22 for the right side.

Step 24: Rotate your paper 180 degrees.

Step 25: Fold the top layer down matching the corners of the flap.

Step 26: Flip your paper over from left to right.

Step 27: Fold the top right edge to meet the middle crease.

Step 28: Fold the top left edge to meet the middle crease.

Step 29: Fold the triangle found on the top right inwards.

Step 30: Fold the same triangle back out again slightly. This will form an ear.

Step 31: Repeat steps 29 and 30 for the left top triangle.

Step 32: Fold the top right narrow strip down on a diagonal.

Step 33: Fold the top of the same strip up slightly on a diagonal.

Step 34: Repeat steps 32 to 33 for the left narrow strip.

Step 35: Fold the bottom point up slightly.

Step 36: Fold both the left and right corners of the paper in slightly.

Step 37: Flip your paper over.

Step 38: Fold the bottom point up slightly and tuck it behind the top triangle.

Step 39: Decorate your reindeer with markers, googly eyes, or stickers. Completed origami reindeer.

Tips For Success

• Practice Your Folds – Ensure each fold is precise to create a clean shape.
• Experiment with Accessories – Add unique touches like googly eyes or ribbons for personality.

Color, Paper Ideas, and Variations

While traditional brown is perfect for reindeer, consider vibrant colors or patterns for a modern twist.

You could also create a reindeer family with different sizes to add variety to your decorations.

How to turn these into a garland

The versatility of this origami reindeer allows you to transform them into delightful decorations for various occasions.

To create a festive garland, simply fold multiple reindeers and use a needle and thread or string to connect them, spacing them evenly.

This garland can be hung along mantels, doorways, or walls, adding a cute touch to your holiday decor.

How to turn these into ornaments

Alternatively, to make charming ornaments, you can attach a piece of string or ribbon to the top of each reindeer, allowing them to be hung from your Christmas tree or around your home.

This simple addition not only makes your reindeer easy to display but also adds a personal touch to your holiday decorations.

Whether as part of a garland or as ornaments, these origami reindeer will bring joy and cheer to your celebrations!

FAQ

Other Crafts You Might Like To Try:

• Easy Talking Origami Fish
• 3D Origami Christmas Tree
• Paper Card Holder
• Origami Fox
• Origami Wreath
• DIY Brush Stroke Ornaments
• Origami Boat (With Square Paper)