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Pretty Papercrafts: Download Free Kits for Kids, Perfect Last-Minute Gifts for Model Makers and Origami Lovers

Added the beloved day of December 24, 2007  -  Add to your del.icio.us

If you're scrambling to find really cool, last-minute gifts for older children that actually engage their minds and keep them from running around the house and wreaking havoc, Papercrafts are absolutely perfect. Tremendously popular in Japan, these print-and-build paper models come in an array of designs, from simple zoo animals to ultra-realistic motorcycles that will have you doing double-takes.

The best part? You don't need to drive out to the store or pay a dime. They're instant and free! All you need is a color printer, paper and about a half-hour of your time. Just download the Papercraft designs, which come in PDF files along with instructions, and print them out. You easily could print a good batch and slip them in a portfolio or a pretty frame box to easily make a nice, quick gift.

Believe it, or not. One of the best selections we found online was from Yamaha Motors. They have many designs beyond vehicles. You'll also find lots of animals, a beautiful Autumn Festival mikoshi (pictured in upper left of the four-shot photo below), holiday themed designs and even a special Christmas edition with a sleigh and two reindeer. Yamaha also has video instructions online for many designs.

You'll find another great selection at the Disney Experience (which is a fan site, not an official Disney site). On Dec. 22, 2007, the site added a page specifically for paper models, and we're suprised at the vast selection. Find designs for 'Find Nemo', 'Pirates of the Caribbean', 'Alice in Wonderland' creatures, Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion and more. Our favorites are Sleeping Beauty's Castle and the Wicked Wench Pirate Ship (pictured above).

You can find many designs online, some very simple and some very complex, some that require X-ACTO tool kits and some that only require scissors. However, if you're a thumb-fumbler or have younger kids, try designs at DLTK's Paper Crafts.

Find our favorite selections here:
- Papercrafts by Yamaha Motors
- Disney Experience Paper Models

Here are other blogs with cool papercraft designs:
- Paper Forest
- Paper Inside
- Papercraft Paradise
- Papercraft World
- PaperKraft
- Papier Modelle

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