Thanksgiving is the perfect time to get kids involved in the holiday spirit with crafts that are both fun and meaningful. From turkey-themed art projects to gratitude-inspired creations, these Thanksgiving crafts for kids are simple, educational, and ideal for keeping little hands busy while celebrating the season of thankfulness.
1. Paper Plate Turkey Craft
One of the easiest Thanksgiving projects, this craft turns a simple paper plate into an adorable turkey. Kids can paint the plate brown, cut out colorful feathers from construction paper, and glue them around the edges. Add googly eyes, a beak, and a wattle for the finishing touch.
2. Gratitude Tree Craft
Teach kids about thankfulness with a handmade gratitude tree. Use a vase filled with branches and cut out paper leaves. Have children write what they’re thankful for on each leaf, then hang them on the branches.
3. Handprint Turkey Cards
Turn your child’s handprint into a turkey masterpiece. Trace their hand on construction paper and decorate it with feathers, eyes, and a beak. Write a Thanksgiving message inside and send it as a heartfelt handmade card.
4. Pinecone Turkeys
This nature-inspired project uses pinecones, felt, and googly eyes to create cute little turkeys. Glue felt feathers on the back, add eyes and a beak, and use them as decorations or name cards for your Thanksgiving table.
5. Thanksgiving Hats and Headbands
Let kids design their own festive hats. They can make turkey crowns, pilgrim hats, or feather headbands using colored paper, glue, and markers. This craft is perfect for a classroom activity or family gathering.
6. Mason Jar Candle Craft
For a calming and creative project, have kids decorate mason jars with fall-colored tissue paper using Mod Podge. When the jars dry, place a battery-operated candle inside to create a warm, glowing Thanksgiving decoration.
7. Leaf Collage Craft
Take kids on a short nature walk to collect colorful leaves, then let them create their own leaf collages. They can glue the leaves onto paper, draw around them, or use them to form creative shapes and patterns.
Final Touch: A Thanksgiving Filled with Creativity
These Thanksgiving crafts for kids are more than just fun projects — they’re a way to teach gratitude, creativity, and family togetherness. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, these activities will fill your home or classroom with laughter, color, and the spirit of Thanksgiving.