10 Fun Thanksgiving Crafts Kids Will Love!

Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, gratitude, and coming together with family and friends to celebrate the blessings in our lives. It’s a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories as we gather around the table and share stories of what we’re thankful for.

One of the best ways to embrace the spirit of this joyful holiday is through creativity. Engaging in fun Thanksgiving crafts not only sparks imagination but also strengthens family bonds, as everyone can participate and express their unique perspectives.

In this post, we’ll explore ten delightful craft ideas that are perfect for kids and will help your family get into the festive spirit, all while having a great time together!

Craft Ideas

1. Handprint Turkey

Get ready to make a cute and memorable handprint turkey that your kids will love! This craft not only captures their handprints as a keepsake but also adds a personal touch to your Thanksgiving decorations.

Materials Needed:

• Construction paper (various colors)
• Brown paint
• Colorful markers or crayons
• Scissors
• Glue
• Googly eyes (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Materials: Gather all the supplies in a spacious area where your kids can work comfortably. Lay down some newspaper or a plastic covering to catch any paint spills.
2. Paint the Handprints: Have your child dip their hand into the brown paint and press it firmly onto a piece of construction paper. This will form the body of the turkey. Let it dry for a few minutes.
3. Add Feathers: Once the handprint is dry, use different colors of construction paper to cut out feather shapes. Encourage your child to get creative with the colors and sizes!
4. Attach the Feathers: Using glue, attach the paper feathers around the turkey’s body, making it look vibrant and festive.
5. Add Features: Use markers or crayons to draw on a beak, wattle, and feet. If you have googly eyes, glue those on to give your turkey a fun, whimsical look!
6. Finish Up: Allow everything to dry completely before displaying your masterpiece on the Thanksgiving table or hanging it as decoration.

This handprint turkey is not just a craft; it’s a wonderful way for kids to express their creativity while celebrating the holiday!

2. Thanksgiving Place Cards

Personalizing place cards for the dinner table adds a special touch to your Thanksgiving feast, making each guest feel valued and welcomed. It’s a simple yet thoughtful way to show your appreciation and can spark great conversations as everyone finds their designated spot.

Plus, this craft allows kids to get creative and express their artistic flair, making the meal even more memorable!

Materials Needed:

• Cardstock or sturdy paper in various colors
• Markers, crayons, or paints
• Scissors
• Ribbons, stickers, or decorative stamps
• Hole punch (optional)
• Twine or string (optional)

Creative Ideas for Designs:

1. Nature-Inspired: Use leaves, pinecones, or other natural elements to embellish the cards. Kids can glue on small leaves or use a stamp to create leaf prints for a rustic feel.
2. Theme-Based: Consider creating place cards that match your table theme. If you’re using a fall palette, warm colors like orange, yellow, and red can complement your decorations beautifully.
3. Personal Touch: Encourage children to draw something about each guest, like their favorite hobbies or a little memory they’ve shared. This adds a personal touch and can lead to fond discussions during dinner.
4. Interactive Cards: Make the place cards interactive by including a fun fact or a question about what each guest is thankful for this year. This can serve as a delightful icebreaker during the meal.
5. Creative Shapes: Instead of traditional rectangular cards, let the kids design cards in fun shapes like leaves, pumpkins, or turkeys to enhance the festive atmosphere.

With these ideas, the Thanksgiving table will not only be beautifully set but will also reflect the love and thoughtfulness of those gathered around it!

3. Paper Plate Pilgrims

Get ready to embark on a fun craft adventure by making charming paper plate pilgrims! This activity allows children to dive into a bit of history while sparking their creativity, as they fashion lively characters to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Materials Needed:

• Paper plates (plain white or colored)
• Construction paper (black, white, and any other colors for clothing)
• Markers or crayons
• Glue
• Scissors
• Googly eyes (optional)
• Fabric scraps or felt (for added texture)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Paper Plates: Start with a paper plate as the face of your pilgrim. You can flip the plate upside down if you’d like it to represent the pilgrim’s hat as well.
2. Create the Hat: Cut out a rectangle of black construction paper for the hat band. Glue this around the upper edge of the plate. For the pilgrim hat’s top, cut out a large oval or rectangle to glue in the center—feel free to play with shapes here!
3. Add Facial Features: Using markers or crayons, have the kids draw eyes, a nose, and a mouth on the plate. If you have googly eyes, they can add those for an extra touch of fun!
4. Dress Your Pilgrim: Cut out clothing shapes from colored construction paper, such as dresses, shirts, and aprons, to glue on. Encourage kids to get creative—how about a bright red dress or a blue vest?
5. Hair and Accessories: Using scraps of paper or fabric, kids can add hair to their pilgrims. They might also enjoy making small details like bows or collars from the paper.
6. Display Your Creations: Once everything is dry, find a special spot to display these delightful paper plate pilgrims. Kids can even create a whole scene for their characters to “stand” in, using cardboard for a backdrop!

Tips for Decorating:

• Encourage kids to think about the different ways pilgrims have been depicted throughout history and incorporate unique designs into their creations.
• Allow for some collaborative creativity by having children work together to create a whole group of paper plate pilgrims for a fun Thanksgiving display.
• Take the opportunity to discuss the story behind Thanksgiving and what it means to them while they craft!

This engaging craft not only fosters creativity but also provides an interactive way to learn about the Thanksgiving tradition while having a delightful time together!

4. Leaf Rubbings

Leaf rubbings are a wonderful way to explore nature’s beauty and bring a touch of the outdoors inside. Collecting leaves can be a fun adventure—head out to your yard, local park, or any green space to find a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.

Look for leaves that are flat and have interesting textures, as these will create more detailed rubbings.

Materials Needed:

• Fresh leaves (various shapes and sizes)
• Paper (plain or textured works well)
• Crayons or chalk (in multiple colors)
• A hard surface for rubbing (such as a table or clipboard)
• Scissors (optional, for trimming edges)
• Glue (optional, for crafting with rubbings)

Instructions:

1. Choose Your Leaves: Once you’ve collected a selection of leaves, pick a few that catch your eye. Make sure they are free of dirt and other debris.
2. Position the Leaves: Place the leaf’s underside up on a flat surface and lay a sheet of paper over them.
3. Create the Rubbing: Select a crayon and peel off the paper wrapper. Hold the crayon on its side and gently rub over the paper where the leaves are underneath. The texture of the leaves will transfer onto the paper, creating a beautiful impression. Encourage kids to use different crayons and techniques for varied results!
4. Finishing Touches: Once the rubbings are done, remove the paper to reveal the artwork. If desired, kids can use scissors to trim the edges for a cleaner look.

Ideas for Using Finished Rubbings:

• Nature Collage: Combine multiple leaf rubbings to make a vibrant collage. This can be a great decoration for Thanksgiving or any nature-themed event!
• Greeting Cards: Cut the rubbings down and use them as the front of homemade cards; they make lovely notes for friends and family.
• Seasonal Decor: Attach the rubbings to a piece of string or twine to create a garland, perfect for hanging around the house as a touch of seasonal flair.
• Art Portfolio: Encourage children to gather their leaf rubbings into a portfolio, showcasing their favorite pieces over time.

Leaf rubbings not only foster creativity but also provide a wonderful opportunity for kids to connect with nature while crafting!

5. Thankful Tree

The Thankful Tree is a heartwarming project that encourages everyone to reflect on gratitude during Thanksgiving. This interactive activity not only beautifies your home but also fosters meaningful conversations about what we appreciate most in our lives.

Materials Needed:

• A large piece of cardboard or poster board for the tree trunk
• Brown construction paper or craft paint for the bark
• Colorful construction paper for the leaves (red, orange, yellow, green)
• Scissors
• Glue or tape
• Markers or pens
• String or twine (optional, for hanging leaves)

Instructions:

1. Create the Tree Trunk: Start by cutting out the shape of a tree trunk from the cardboard or poster board. For a more textured look, you can use brown construction paper or paint the trunk with craft paint.
2. Assemble the Tree: Glue or tape the trunk to a wall or a sturdy base, giving it the prominence it deserves. Feel free to add branches extending from the trunk with additional cardboard pieces if desired!
3. Cut Out Leaves: Next, use the colorful construction paper to cut out leaf shapes. You can make them as simple or as intricate as you like; a variety of shapes adds visual interest!
4. Write Messages of Gratitude: Hand each family member or guest a leaf and a marker or pen. Ask them to write down something they are thankful for on each leaf. This could be anything from family and friends to favorite memories or experiences.
5. Attach the Leaves: Once everyone has shared their messages, gather together to attach the leaves to the Thankful Tree. You can glue them directly to the trunk or hang them using string or twine for a whimsical touch.
6. Share and Celebrate: Take a moment together to read each person’s leaf aloud, creating a beautiful and heartfelt atmosphere. This shared experience not only strengthens bonds but also deepens appreciation.

The Thankful Tree is a joyful addition to any Thanksgiving celebration, reminding us of all the blessings in our lives while creating a festive focal point that everyone can engage with!

6. Pumpkin Lanterns

Creating pumpkin lanterns is a fun and festive way to celebrate the autumn season! These cheerful decorations bring a warm glow to your home and are perfect for Halloween as well as Thanksgiving. Plus, making them together is a great way for families to bond over crafts.

Materials Needed:

• Small pumpkins (miniature or regular size)
• Non-toxic paint or markers (in bright colors)
• Battery-operated tealight candles (for safety)
• Craft knife or pumpkin carving tools (to be used by adults only)
• Paintbrushes (if using paint)
• Glitter or stickers (optional, for extra decorations)
• Bowls (for scooping out pumpkin seeds and guts)

Instructions:

1. Choose Your Pumpkins: Pick out a few pumpkins that you want to turn into lanterns. Each family member can choose their own, allowing for personal creativity.
2. Prepare the Pumpkins: Adults should carefully cut off the top of each pumpkin to create a lid. Scoop out the insides, placing the seeds and guts in a bowl. Kids can help wash the seeds for roasting later!
3. Decorate the Pumpkins: Once the pumpkins are hollowed out, let the kids get creative! They can use non-toxic paint or markers to draw faces or designs on the outside. For a bit of sparkle, consider adding glitter or stickers to enhance their creations.
4. Add the Lighting: Place a battery-operated tealight candle inside each pumpkin to illuminate it safely. This creates a lovely, flickering glow that makes the lanterns even more inviting.
5. Display Your Lanterns: Once decorated and lit, arrange your pumpkin lanterns on a table, porch, or window sill. They can serve as charming outdoor decorations or cozy indoor accents for your Thanksgiving festivities.

Making pumpkin lanterns not only encourages creativity but also creates a sense of togetherness as everyone shares their unique artistic expressions! Enjoy the festive atmosphere they bring to your home.

7. Cornucopia Craft

The cornucopia, also known as the “horn of plenty,” is a timeless symbol of abundance and nourishment. Traditionally associated with harvest festivals and Thanksgiving, it represents the bountiful offerings of the earth and serves as a reminder to appreciate the blessings in our lives.

Creating a cornucopia craft allows families to engage in a meaningful activity while reflecting on the significance of gratitude and abundance during the holiday season.

Materials Needed:

• Brown construction paper or a paper plate (for the base)
• Scissors
• Glue or tape
• Assorted artificial fruits and vegetables (e.g., small foam or plastic apples, grapes, corn)
• Decorative elements such as ribbons, stickers, or markers
• Optional: burlap or textured fabric for added flair

Instructions:

1. Shape the Cornucopia: Start by cutting the brown construction paper into a cone shape, or use a paper plate to form the base. If using a paper plate, cut the rim to create a curved edge resembling a horn.
2. Decorate the Base: If desired, cover the cone with textured fabric or decorate it with markers, stickers, or paint to resemble a traditional cornucopia.
3. Fill the Cornucopia: Carefully arrange the artificial fruits and vegetables inside the cone, filling it with a vibrant mix to showcase the abundance. Glue or tape them in place to keep them secure.
4. Display Your Creation: Once assembled, find a prominent spot in your home to display the cornucopia. It can become a stunning centerpiece on your dining table, a festive adornment on the mantle, or even a welcoming decoration at your front entrance.

Creating a cornucopia craft not only enhances the festive atmosphere but also encourages thoughtful conversations about gratitude and sharing during the Thanksgiving season. Enjoy this delightful project as a family, celebrating the abundance in your lives together!

8. Thanksgiving Greeting Cards

Encouraging kids to express their gratitude through Thanksgiving greeting cards is a delightful way to promote creativity while spreading joy to family and friends. These handmade cards can warm hearts and make memories even more special during the holiday season.

Materials Needed:

• Blank cardstock or construction paper (in autumnal colors)
• Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
• Stickers or stamps (Thanksgiving-themed, if available)
• Glue and embellishments (e.g., sequins or fabric scraps)
• Scissors
• Envelopes (optional, for mailing)

Instructions:

1. Choose Your Card Size: Start by cutting the cardstock or construction paper into your desired card size. A standard size is convenient, but allowing kids to experiment with different shapes adds an element of fun!
2. Design the Front: Let the kids get creative! They can draw fall-themed images like turkeys, pumpkins, or leaves. Encourage them to use stickers or stamps to enhance their designs. This is a great opportunity for them to express what Thanksgiving means to them.
3. Write Messages Inside: Invite the children to write heartfelt messages of gratitude inside the cards. Prompt them with ideas, like thanking family members for specific things they’ve done or sharing a cherished memory. Their words will surely resonate with the recipients!
4. Add Finishing Touches: Once the cards are designed and the messages are written, they can add final embellishments such as glitter or fabric scraps for a unique touch.
5. Distribute or Mail the Cards: Enjoy the moment when the kids select their favorite cards to give to family members or friends or prepare them to mail out to loved ones far away.

By making Thanksgiving greeting cards, children not only learn the value of gratitude but also create a tangible expression of their love and appreciation for those around them. This craft becomes a cherished part of your holiday celebrations, fostering connections between generations.

9. Acorn Animals

Creating acorn animals is a fun and imaginative way for kids to connect with nature while expressing their creativity. These charming little creatures can be made using simple materials you may find during a walk in the park or in your backyard.

Materials Needed:

• Acorns (whole and broken)
• Small twigs or sticks (for arms and legs)
• Pinecones (optional, for added body parts)
• Googly eyes or small beads
• Glue (craft glue or hot glue with supervision)
• Scissors (for adult use)
• Natural materials like leaves for decoration

Instructions:

1. Gather Acorns: Start your adventure by collecting acorns of various sizes and shapes. This keeps the kids engaged and excited about their crafting project.
2. Choose Your Design: Encourage the kids to think creatively about what animals they want to make—perhaps a squirrel, a hedgehog, or even a whimsical creation of their own invention!
3. Construct the Body: Select acorns to serve as the body. Typically, a larger acorn can be the main body, while smaller ones can be used for heads. If using pinecones, they can add extra dimensions to the animals.
4. Add Limbs and Features: Use small twigs to make arms and legs, inserting them into the acorn for stability. Attach googly eyes or beads onto the head for adorable expressions. Let the kids glue on additional features, like leaves for ears or a twig for a tail.
5. Personalise and Decorate: Encourage the children to get creative with colors and textures! They can paint their acorn animals or use natural materials to add unique touches.
6. Display Your Creations: Once finished, find a special spot to display the acorn animals—perhaps a windowsill or a nature-themed centerpiece for your holiday gathering.

Making acorn animals not only fosters creativity but also provides an opportunity for kids to explore the diversity of nature. Watching their imaginative ideas come to life will surely bring joy and laughter to your Thanksgiving celebrations!

10. Thanksgiving Wreath

Wreaths are a wonderful way to embrace the festive spirit of Thanksgiving, bringing warmth and cheer to your home. These decorative pieces can be made from various materials, allowing you to infuse your personal style while celebrating the season.

A Thanksgiving wreath not only enhances your front door but also serves as a lovely reminder of the gratitude and abundance that the holiday represents.

Materials Needed:

• A foam or wire wreath form
• Dried flowers or fall foliage (e.g., mums, leaves, wheat)
• Faux or real pumpkins (small)
• Ribbon (autumn colors or patterns)
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Scissors
• Optional: decorative accents such as pinecones or berries

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Wreath Form: Begin by laying out your wreath form and gathering all your materials. This will help you visualize the finished product before you start assembling.
2. Attach Foliage: Start by gluing dried flowers or foliage around the wreath form, ensuring you cover it evenly. Mix and match colors and textures to create a rich, autumnal look. Work your way around the wreath until your desired fullness is achieved.
3. Add Pumpkins: Once the base is complete, select small pumpkins and glue them onto the wreath at various spots. This will add a festive touch and create a focal point for your design.
4. Create Ribbons: Cut lengths of ribbon and create bows or loops to attach to the wreath. This will add dimension and a pop of color to complement the natural elements you’ve used. Glue them securely in place.
5. Incorporate Accents: For an extra touch of charm, feel free to add pinecones, berries, or any other decorative accents around the wreath. These little details can enhance the overall aesthetic and capture the spirit of the season.
6. Hang and Enjoy: Once your wreath is complete, find a beautiful spot to display it, whether on your front door or a wall inside your home. Take a moment to appreciate your handiwork and the festive spirit it brings to your Thanksgiving celebrations!

Crafting a Thanksgiving wreath can be a delightful family project, encouraging creativity and teamwork. As you hang your wreath, it becomes a vibrant symbol of the togetherness and gratitude that defines this special time of year.

Conclusion

As we’ve explored, these fun and engaging crafts offer not only a creative outlet but also a wonderful opportunity to bond with your children. From making Thanksgiving greeting cards to crafting charming acorn animals and festive wreaths, each project is a chance to create lasting memories that you’ll cherish for years to come.

We encourage you to gather your little ones and dive into these activities together—your shared laughter and joy will be the highlight of your holiday season!

We’d love to hear about your crafting experiences, so feel free to share your stories and photos in the comments or on social media. Happy crafting!