Originally from Japanese culture, kawaii has now become a worldwide phenomenon. Translated in the West as “pretty” or “cute”, the term refers to characters, toys and even drawings that have something in common: they are adorable, cute and irresistible. Although it is a very old concept, it was not until the creation of the Japanese Licca-chan doll in 1967 that it gained special relevance and captivated the attention of the little ones at home.
Twenty years later, the phenomenon spread to the whole world with Hello Kitty, the iconic character of the Japanese stationery brand Sanrio. Coming from the pen of designer Yuko Shimizu, this charming kitten became in a very short time the symbol of kawaii identity, winning the hearts of both children and her parents.
More recently, many other characters have joined the kawaii phenomenon, the last of them, the popular Pokémon, a character that crossed the borders of kawaii art to enter the daily lives of adults and children alike. Without a doubt, it is a very cool trend that many children love and that helps them discover the world around them with different eyes. So whether the little ones at home are already familiar with kawaii or if they don’t, an excellent way to introduce them to this concept is through drawings.
What distinguishes kawaii drawings?
Kawaii drawings are unique. They are very cute characters, with childish and delicate traits that make them particularly adorable. They are usually distinguished by having disproportionate bodies with a very large head, huge eyes, and a small nose. It is interesting that most of them have no facial expression, the characteristic to which they owe their cute and familiar appearance since it allows children to easily identify with the character.
Although the most popular kawaii drawings usually represent Hello Kitty, Pokémon or other well-known kawaii characters, there are many other versions as well. There are kawaii drawings of small animals, plants and even inanimate beings such as clouds, emoticons or different foods. A whole universe of figures so that the little ones at home can choose their favourites.
10 Kawaii drawings for children, beyond Hello Kitty and Pokémon
1. Unicorn in the clouds
Easy kawaii Unicorn drawing to print and color
With this adorable unicorn, children can unleash their imagination and choose their favorite colors. There is no limit to creativity! The little ones can combine all the shades they want. Once finished, they can give the drawing to a family member or friend or, if they prefer, hang it in their room.
2. Potted cacti
Little lovers of the marine world will be delighted to color this nice happy turtle, surrounded by butterflies, flowers, hearts and stars. It is not necessary for children to adjust to reality, so they can use the colors they want to color. When they’re done, they can use it to decorate a greeting card, to hang in their room, or to give to someone special.
Little nature lovers will be delighted to bring this beautiful potted cactus to life. Being a very simple drawing, it is perfect even for little ones who are starting to develop their fine motor skills and outlining their line. They do not have to be realistic, children have complete freedom to choose the colors they prefer.
3. Sleeping puppy
What could be cuter than a sleeping puppy? It is a beautiful kawaii drawing that children can color as they please. In addition to the puppy, there are many other elements around him, so the little ones can use different colors to bring the drawing to life. Without a doubt, an adorable image that will later be used to decorate a postcard or a notebook.
4. Sitting Sheep
Ideal for the little ones at home who are developing their manual skills with drawing, it is a very easy image to color. By having several representations around it, it is a perfect exercise to stimulate children’s creativity since children will be able to choose different color combinations to identify each little sheep.
5. Smiley ice creams
What kid doesn’t like ice cream? Without a doubt, this kawaii drawing will be a success since the little ones will be able to color their favorite ice creams. Whether it’s mint, chocolate or strawberry ice cream, there are so many flavors to choose from, you can even draw your favorite toppings. Of course, keep an ice cream handy in the fridge because once they finish they will probably want one.
6. Standing Elephant
It is a simple but very beautiful drawing, perfect for the little ones at home to bring out the artist they have inside. It represents a small standing elephant, surrounded by some clouds that children can color while they let their imagination run wild. It is not necessary that they adjust to reality, so they can choose the colors they prefer.
7. Happy heart
Most children love to draw hearts, so they will have the opportunity to bring this beautiful bouncy heart to life. They can use the colors they want, yes, do not forget the small details of the drawing. Once finished, they can be used to decorate a greeting card, a notebook or simply to hang in their room.
8. Cloud Group
This drawing is perfect for older kids who have developed some manual skills as it has different superimposed planes. It is a nice set of clouds that you can color as you please, using some of your favorite colors. There is no limit to the imagination, so you can combine as many colors as you want.
9. Young Mermaid
Ideal for children who already have some manual skills, this is a kawaii drawing of a mermaid that they will surely love to color. There are many color combinations available, so that the little ones can choose the shades that they like the most to bring this mermaid to life. Once the drawing is finished, they can give it to a friend or family member.
10. Happy Turtle
Little lovers of the marine world will be delighted to color this nice happy turtle, surrounded by butterflies, flowers, hearts and stars. It is not necessary for children to adjust to reality, so they can use the colors they want to color. When they’re done, they can use it to decorate a greeting card, to hang in their room, or to give to someone special.