Paper Crafts Origami Origami for Kids

10 Creative Cootie Catchers

origami fortune teller and cootie catcher

Mini Eco

Cootie catchers, sometimes known as paper fortune tellers, have long been a favorite activity of elementary-and middle-schoolers, but folks of all ages can enjoy these origami paper crafts. Origami is the Japanese word for "paper-folding," though the art of paper-folding arose separately in Japan, China, and Europe at different times.

Although you might remember how to fold a cootie catcher from a piece of lined notebook paper, it's also fun to find one that's been designed in a special theme. When you find the one you like, simply download, print, and fold the paper template, and then grab a friend to have a little nostalgic fun. 

  • 01 of 10

    Origami Cootie Catcher

    Origami cootie catcher
    The Spruce / Chrissy Pk

    If you need to refresh your memory on how to make one of these origami fortune tellers, this easy-to-follow tutorial will have you caught up in no time. 

  • 02 of 10

    Shark Cootie Catcher

    Shark Cootie Catcher
    Easy Peasy and Fun

    Those who love sea creatures will adore this printable cootie catcher in the theme of a shark fortune teller. The template is free to download and print at home. These shark cootie catchers double as puppets. If the kids want their own animals, there are other creatures to choose from, too, including tigers, peacocks, and unicorns.

    Shark Cootie Catcher from Easy Peasy and Fun

  • 03 of 10

    Kids' Cootie Catcher Game

    Printable cootie catcher kids game
    The Idea Room

    Not all cootie catchers tell your fortune. With this free printable cootie catcher from The Idea Room, kids will enjoy brain teasers and riddles that are on the inside, rather than the standard fortunes.

    Printable Cootie Catcher Kids' Game from The Idea Room

  • 04 of 10

    Kindness Cootie Catchers

    Kindness cootie catchers
    Coffee Cups and Crayons

    Teach the kids the concept of "paying it forward" with a Kindness Cootie Catcher, a nice idea from Coffee Cups and Crayons. Instead of fortunes or riddles, the interior of the folded paper gives ideas for how to complete an act of kindness for another person. 

    Kindness Cootie Catchers from Coffee Cups and Crayons

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  • 05 of 10

    Harry Potter Sorting Hat Cootie Catcher

    Harry Potter sorting hat cootie catcher
    Nourishing My Scholar

    "Harry Potter" fans will love this Sorting Hat-themed cootie catcher printable. This fortune teller will decide which Hogwarts house you should belong to Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin. 

    " Harry Potter" Sorting Hat Cootie Catcher Printable from Nourishing My Scholar

  • 06 of 10

    Boredom Buster Cootie Catcher

    Boredom buster cootie catcher
    The Dating Divas

    This boredom buster cootie catcher is part of a pack of free activities for keeping kids busy and stimulated during holidays or at parties. The printable pack also includes quiet activities such as coloring sheets and craft activity sheets.

    Boredom Buster Cootie Catcher from The Dating Divas

  • 07 of 10

    Fortune Teller Wedding Favors

    Fortune teller wedding favors
    BLOVED Blog

    Give your wedding guests a chance to get to know one another printable cootie catchers. Place these cootie catchers at the table for your guests to play with, and they will laugh and become quick friends by the end of the cocktail hour. 

    Fortune Teller Wedding Favors Printable from BLOVED Blog

  • 08 of 10

    Summer Fruit Fortune Tellers

    Summer fruit fortune tellers
    Pysselbolaget

    Although this printable cootie catcher is blank on the inside, the outside design is a super-cute fruit print. Come up with your own messages or fortunes for parties (or just for fun). 

    Printable Summer Fruit Fortune Tellers from Pysselbolaget

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  • 09 of 10

    Color It Yourself Fortune Teller

    Color it yourself fortune teller
    A Word From Aunt B

    This printable cootie catcher has a lovely pattern that you can color in yourself, either with watercolor paints, pens, or pencils. After you're done coloring, write in messages and fold it up. 

    Color It Yourself Printable Fortune Teller from A Word From Aunt B

  • 10 of 10

    Customizable Origami Fortune Teller

    Origami Fortune Teller Mini Eco
    Mini Eco

    Create your own customized cootie catcher with a blank printable. Once you have downloaded, printed, and folded the craft, you can write in fortunes, riddles, games, or your choice of message on the inside.

    Customizable Origami Fortune Teller Printable from Mini Eco