Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and giving thanks. Engaging kids in creative Thanksgiving crafts not only keeps them entertained but also helps them express gratitude and learn about the holiday’s traditions. Here are some fun and easy craft ideas to celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving with your little ones.
1. Thankful Turkey Craft
What You’ll Need:
- Construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers or crayons
How to Make It:
- Cut out a turkey body from brown construction paper.
- Use colorful paper to create “feathers.”
- Have kids write something they’re thankful for on each feather and attach them to the turkey.
Why It’s Fun: This craft encourages kids to reflect on what they’re grateful for while creating a cute decoration.
2. Handprint Thanksgiving Placemats
What You’ll Need:
- Large sheets of paper or cardstock
- Paint
- Markers
- Clear contact paper (optional)
How to Make It:
- Dip kids’ hands in paint and press them onto the paper to create handprints.
- Add drawings or messages of gratitude around the handprints.
- Optional: Cover with clear contact paper to make the placemats reusable.
Why It’s Fun: Kids love messy paint projects, and these placemats add a personal touch to the Thanksgiving table.
3. Pinecone Turkey Centerpieces
What You’ll Need:
- Pinecones
- Craft foam or felt
- Googly eyes
- Glue
- Feathers
How to Make It:
- Glue googly eyes and a beak onto the top of the pinecone.
- Attach colorful feathers to the back to resemble a turkey’s tail.
- Use them as centerpieces or table decorations.
Why It’s Fun: This craft combines nature with creativity and doubles as festive décor.
4. Gratitude Tree
What You’ll Need:
- A small branch or tree limb
- A vase or pot
- Paper “leaves”
- String or ribbon
How to Make It:
- Place the branch in a vase or pot to create a “tree.”
- Cut out paper leaves and write things you’re thankful for on them.
- Attach the leaves to the tree with string or ribbon.
Why It’s Fun: This activity turns gratitude into a beautiful visual display the whole family can contribute to.
5. Paper Plate Pumpkin Pies
What You’ll Need:
- Paper plates
- Orange paint
- Brown construction paper
- Cotton balls
How to Make It:
- Paint the center of a paper plate orange to resemble pumpkin filling.
- Cut out a brown “crust” and glue it around the edge.
- Add cotton ball “whipped cream” on top.
Why It’s Fun: These adorable “pies” are easy to make and look good enough to eat!
6. Thanksgiving Headbands
What You’ll Need:
- Construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
- Markers or crayons
How to Make It:
- Cut strips of construction paper to fit around kids’ heads.
- Decorate with turkey feathers, pilgrim hats, or fall leaves.
- Tape or glue the ends together to form a headband.
Why It’s Fun: Kids can wear their creations during Thanksgiving dinner for extra festive flair.
7. Corn Husk Dolls
What You’ll Need:
- Dried corn husks
- String
- Markers
How to Make It:
- Soak the corn husks in water to soften them.
- Use string to tie the husks into a doll shape.
- Decorate the dolls with markers or fabric scraps.
Why It’s Fun: This traditional craft connects kids to historical Thanksgiving traditions.
8. Fall Leaf Sun Catchers
What You’ll Need:
- Contact paper
- Tissue paper in fall colors
- Scissors
How to Make It:
- Cut out a leaf shape from contact paper.
- Stick small pieces of tissue paper to the sticky side.
- Cover with another piece of contact paper and hang it in the window.
Why It’s Fun: These vibrant decorations bring the beauty of fall indoors.
Crafting is a fantastic way for kids to get into the Thanksgiving spirit while learning about gratitude and togetherness. These creative Thanksgiving crafts are easy to make and ensure a memorable holiday for the entire family.
Which craft will your kids try first? Let us know!