Getting ready for Thanksgiving can be busy, but taking time to sit down and make crafts with kids makes the season even more special.
I’ve found that even simple projects bring big smiles and create memories that last a lifetime. You don’t need fancy supplies or long steps, just a little time, patience, and creativity.
In this guide, you’ll find fun ideas you can try with toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary kids. Each project is easy to follow, colorful, and perfect for adding a personal touch to your holiday.
Quick Thanksgiving Crafts for Toddlers
Simple, colorful, and low-mess Thanksgiving crafts designed for toddlers. Perfect for short attention spans while boosting creativity, coordination, and fun.
1. Corn Kernel Sun Catchers
Cut bubble wrap into corn shapes. Color each bubble like a corn kernel, then attach a green paper stalk. Seal between sheets and hang in windows where sunlight shines through.
The glowing colors look festive and fun. This craft is simple, bright, and perfect for toddlers, offering a cheerful touch for Thanksgiving decorations.
2. Paper Plate Turkey Faces
Hand toddlers a paper plate and precut feathers, eyes, and beak shapes. Let them glue everything in their own way. Attach a string loop at the back to hang up.
Supplies are basic, cleanup is easy, and each plate becomes a smiling turkey. It’s quick, playful, and a fun Thanksgiving decoration for any wall.
3. Leaf Rubbings with Crayons
Place leaves under paper, hold crayons sideways, and gently rub to reveal outlines. Use fall colors like orange, red, and yellow. Trim and mount on construction paper for display.
Kids learn about nature while improving motor skills. This calm, mess-free activity makes a seasonal Thanksgiving decoration that combines creativity, learning, and autumn beauty.
4. Sticker Turkeys
Give toddlers cardstock turkey bodies and sheets of stickers with feathers, eyes, and shapes. Let them arrange stickers however they like to form fun turkeys.
Add a name tag and tape it to windows, walls, or fridges. This craft requires no scissors or glue, making it an easy, low-prep Thanksgiving activity that kids love.
5. Pom-Pom Corn on the Cob
Cut a corn shape from yellow paper, then glue colorful pom-poms in rows to create kernels. Add green paper husks around the edges for contrast.
The bright colors and soft textures appeal to toddlers while keeping mess minimal. It’s a cheerful, hands-on Thanksgiving craft that kids enjoy making and families enjoy displaying together.
Fun Thanksgiving Crafts for Preschoolers
Playful Thanksgiving crafts made for preschoolers. Hands-on projects that develop creativity, motor skills, and holiday excitement with bright, easy materials.
6. Feather Collage Turkeys
Provide paper turkey cutouts and colorful craft feathers. Preschoolers glue feathers to form bright tails, then add eyes, beak, and feet.
Encourage them to use patterns or rainbows for variety. These fluffy, fast turkeys are fun to make and look festive on classroom walls, bulletin boards, or home spaces. A playful Thanksgiving craft.
7. Coffee Filter Leaf Art
Cut coffee filters into leaf shapes. Preschoolers color with markers, then lightly spray with water to blend colors into a stained-glass effect. Let them dry flat, then tape them on windows or string them together into garlands.
The bright, glowing leaves look cheerful and seasonal. This simple, mess-light craft adds fall charm to Thanksgiving celebrations.
8. Pilgrim Hat Headbands
Cut black paper strips into bands sized to each child’s head. Add a black top piece and a yellow buckle for detail. Tape ends to close.
Kids can label with names or add doodles. These wearable pilgrim hats are quick to make, fun to wear, and perfect for classroom Thanksgiving songs, plays, or photos.
9. Thanksgiving Story Stones
Paint small rocks with Thanksgiving pictures like turkeys, pumpkins, pies, or leaves. Once dry, use them as story prompts. Preschoolers can arrange stones to tell seasonal tales, boosting imagination and sequencing skills.
This creative craft turns simple stones into tools for play, learning, and shared group storytelling activities during Thanksgiving celebrations at school.
10. Tissue Paper Mosaic Pumpkins
Draw pumpkin outlines on cardstock. Tear small orange and green tissue paper squares, crumple lightly, and glue to fill the shapes. Add brown stems at the top.
The textured mosaics dry quickly and stand out in bright fall colors. Preschoolers enjoy the hands-on process, and the finished pumpkins make lively, festive Thanksgiving wall art.
Creative Thanksgiving Crafts for Elementary Kids
Engaging Thanksgiving activities tailored for elementary students. These crafts combine creativity, learning, and skill-building while producing festive, decorative holiday keepsakes.
11. 3D Paper Pumpkins
Cut strips of orange paper, stack together, and staple at both ends. Gently fan them into a round pumpkin shape. Add a green paper stem and leaf.
Make pumpkins in different sizes to decorate mantels, tables, or classrooms. Lightweight, sturdy, and colorful, these crafts are festive Thanksgiving centerpieces that kids can proudly display anywhere.
12. Gratitude Bookmarks
Cut cardstock into strips. Kids decorate them with drawings, patterns, and short thankful words. Punch a hole at the top and tie on yarn or ribbon.
Encourage each child to write something they’re grateful for. These simple bookmarks make great gifts, reading reminders, or table favors, spreading Thanksgiving gratitude through fun and creativity.
13. Leaf Crowns
Measure strips of paper to fit as headbands. Glue on colorful paper or faux leaves to form crowns. Add stickers, acorns, or glitter if desired. Tape ends to close.
Kids love wearing them for parades, family photos, or Thanksgiving songs. This fun seasonal craft lets children become little “harvest kings and queens” on Thanksgiving.
14. Thanksgiving Word Collage Posters
Provide poster board, magazines, scissors, and glue. Kids cut out Thanksgiving words, foods, and fall images, then paste them onto posters. Add handwritten gratitude phrases for a personal touch.
This craft encourages creativity and builds literacy skills while producing colorful collages. Display them as classroom or home decorations during Thanksgiving week celebrations.
15. Folded Paper Cornucopias
Roll brown paper into cones and tape securely. Cut paper fruits and vegetables, color them, and glue inside. Add a small label identifying “cornucopia.”
Display them as wall art, table décor, or classroom props. These festive harvest crafts are easy to make and help kids understand Thanksgiving’s traditional symbols of plenty and gratitude.
Turkey-Themed Crafts
A collection of Thanksgiving crafts centered around turkeys. From handprints to headbands, these projects celebrate the season’s most iconic bird.
16. Handprint Turkey with Glitter Feathers
Trace kids’ hands on paper and cut them out. Fingers become feathers. Outline feathers with glue and sprinkle glitter for sparkle. Add eyes, beak, legs, and a small name banner.
These sparkling turkeys are easy to make, personal, and perfect to display near the Thanksgiving table, spreading cheerful, handmade charm throughout your home.
17. Toilet Paper Roll Turkey with Felt Wings
Paint a toilet roll brown, then glue felt feathers at the back. Add a paper beak, googly eyes, and red wattle to the front. Write a name on the body.
These sturdy, recycled turkeys double as table place markers. Fun, sustainable, and festive, they brighten Thanksgiving meals while teaching kids creativity and reusing materials.
18. Pinecone Turkey
Stand pinecones upright using small clay feet. Attach colorful paper or foam feathers at the back. Add googly eyes and a clay beak on front. Each turkey looks unique thanks to natural textures.
These rustic decorations make cute Thanksgiving centerpieces or shelf displays, mixing nature with playful creativity for a festive seasonal touch.
19. Paper Bag Turkey Puppet with Movable Beak
Decorate a lunch bag with colorful feathers, googly eyes, and a turkey face. Cut a paper beak, attach with a brad so it opens and closes. Kids can perform skits and tell stories using their puppets.
This simple Thanksgiving craft combines fun, creativity, and learning while encouraging confident, playful storytelling through homemade turkey puppets.
20. Turkey Napkin Rings Using Pipe Cleaners
Roll the cardboard into a small ring, cover with paper, and glue a turkey face to the front. Twist pipe cleaners into loops to form feathers and attach them behind. Slide rolled napkins through the rings.
These handmade turkey napkin holders add kid-made charm to the Thanksgiving table while giving children pride in helping decorate dinner.
21. Cupcake Liner Turkey Feathers
Flatten cupcake liners, fold in half, and arrange in layers as turkey feathers. Glue behind a paper turkey body, then add eyes and a beak. Kids can mix patterns for unique looks.
These lightweight turkeys are colorful, simple, and great for wall or window decorations, brightening classrooms or homes with festive Thanksgiving cheer.
22. Clothespin Turkey Place Holders
Paint clothespins brown, then glue tiny feathers, eyes, and a beak on top. Clip them onto folded name cards. Kids write guest names and set the table themselves.
These playful turkeys double as place holders and décor. They’re practical, charming, and spark smiles while giving children a role in preparing the Thanksgiving dinner.
23. Turkey Headbands with Colorful Paper Feathers
Make a headband from paper strips, then glue bright paper feathers standing tall across the back. Add a turkey face in front with eyes and a beak. Secure the headband to fit each child’s head.
Kids love wearing these colorful turkey crowns to parades, school activities, or family gatherings before Thanksgiving dinner.
24. Egg Carton Baby Turkeys
Cut egg carton cups and paint them brown. Glue paper feathers behind each cup and add tiny turkey faces with googly eyes. Arrange several together as a group centerpiece or window display.
These mini turkeys are budget-friendly, recyclable, and fun for kids to make, offering festive Thanksgiving décor that families love showcasing.
25. Button-Feather Turkeys
Draw a turkey body on sturdy paper. Surround it with colorful buttons arranged like feathers. Add eyes, beak, and wattle to complete the look. Buttons give playful texture and patterns, turning a simple drawing into standout artwork.
This Thanksgiving craft is easy, creative, and produces charming decorations for walls, classrooms, or family dining areas.
Thankfulness Crafts
Gratitude-focused Thanksgiving crafts that encourage kids to reflect, write, and share appreciation, creating keepsakes full of heartfelt holiday meaning.
26. Gratitude Tree with Paper Leaves
Draw or mount a large tree trunk on poster board. Kids cut out colorful paper leaves and write thankful words on each. Glue leaves onto branches, adding more daily until Thanksgiving.
This growing display becomes a meaningful centerpiece for classrooms or homes, reminding everyone of gratitude while creating a lasting seasonal Thanksgiving tradition.
27. Thankful Jar with Colorful Note Cards
Decorate a small jar with paint or stickers. Cut note cards in bright colors, then write one thankful word or sentence each day. Fold and place inside.
On Thanksgiving, read notes together as a family. This simple craft builds a gratitude habit, strengthens bonds, and turns ordinary jars into treasured Thanksgiving memory holders.
28. Gratitude Chain Using Paper Links
Write thankful thoughts on paper strips, loop them, and glue ends to form links. Keep adding daily until you have a chain long enough to hang across rooms, doorways, or boards.
The growing chain becomes a visual reminder of gratitude during Thanksgiving. Kids love watching it expand while practicing writing and reflection together.
29. Draw & Write What I’m Thankful For Sheets
Give children paper divided into drawing and writing halves. They draw a thankful scene and write a sentence about it. Collect pages into class books or display them together on walls.
This activity combines art and writing, helping kids express gratitude meaningfully. Simple yet powerful, it captures personal Thanksgiving reflections in lasting keepsakes.
30. Thankful Sun Craft
Cut a large yellow circle for the sun. Around it, glue strips of colored paper as rays. Kids write thankful words on each strip. Hang the bright sun on walls or doors.
This cheerful Thanksgiving craft spreads warmth and positivity, reminding everyone to focus on gratitude.
31. Thankful Turkey
Make a turkey body from paper, then cut colorful feather shapes. Kids write gratitude words on each feather and glue them behind the body. Add googly eyes, beak, and wattle to finish. Display proudly near the table.
This Thanksgiving turkey decoration doubles as a gratitude exercise, sparking conversations about thankfulness with family members.
32. Mini Gratitude Booklets
Fold several sheets of paper into small booklets. Kids decorate covers with drawings or stickers. Each page holds a thankful note or drawing. Staple or tie with yarn to bind.
Throughout Thanksgiving week, children add entries and share them with family. These booklets become keepsakes, filled with personal reflections that capture holiday meaning.
33. Blessing Rocks
Collect smooth stones and wash them clean. Paint each in bright fall shades. Use paint pens to write thankful words like “love,” “family,” or “home.” Seal for durability. Arrange rocks in bowls, gardens, or porches.
These tactile, lasting decorations spread gratitude and provide meaningful, hands-on keepsakes kids proudly display or gift during Thanksgiving.
34. Classroom Wall of Thanks
Provide sticky notes or paper squares. Each student writes or draws one thankful thought, then pins it onto a classroom wall or board. The display grows daily as more ideas are added.
This Thanksgiving craft builds community, encourages reflection, and highlights kindness. It’s a simple, collaborative activity that fills spaces with gratitude messages.
35. Family Thankful Banner
Cut triangles of cardstock and decorate with drawings, words, and colors. Punch holes and string them together to form a banner. Add one new piece daily before Thanksgiving. Hang across a mantle, wall, or doorway.
This evolving decoration celebrates gratitude and becomes a warm, personal Thanksgiving centerpiece families enjoy adding to together.
Fall & Harvest Crafts
Seasonal Thanksgiving crafts inspired by autumn leaves, gourds, and harvest textures. Nature-based projects that bring warm seasonal colors indoors.
36. Leaf Suncatchers with Tissue Paper
Cut a leaf frame from thick paper, stick clear contact paper behind it, and fill the opening with colorful tissue paper squares. Cover with another contact sheet, trim edges, and tape to windows.
Sunlight shining through makes the colors glow beautifully. This easy Thanksgiving craft brings warm, seasonal charm to homes and classrooms.
37. Painted Rocks with Thankful Messages
Collect smooth stones, clean them, and paint in warm fall shades like orange, yellow, and brown. Use paint pens or markers to write thankful words or draw seasonal icons. Arrange in bowls, trays, or entryway baskets.
This simple Thanksgiving craft mixes creativity and reflection, producing decorative keepsakes that inspire gratitude whenever displayed.
38. Indian Corn Wreath Using Real Kernels or Beads
Cut a wreath base from cardboard. Glue colorful kernels or pony beads in small clusters around the circle to resemble Indian corn. Tie a ribbon at the top for hanging.
This textured, durable craft makes a festive Thanksgiving decoration for doors, hallways, or classrooms while introducing children to traditional harvest symbols creatively.
39. Paper Pumpkin Pie Slice with Whipped Cream Cotton Ball
Cut orange triangles for pie slices and brown strips for crusts. Glue together, then top each slice with a cotton ball “whipped cream.” Write a thankful word on each slice. Display several slices on a plate or tray.
This playful Thanksgiving craft looks like dessert, spreads gratitude, and doubles as charming holiday décor.
40. Acorn Necklaces
Draw and cut paper acorns. Kids decorate with crayons, markers, or stickers. Punch holes, thread with yarn, and tie to wear. Add names or thankful words for extra meaning.
These simple necklaces are festive and personal, making fun accessories for school parades, Thanksgiving parties, or family gatherings before sharing dinner together.
41. Harvest Collage Using Nature Finds
Take kids outdoors to collect leaves, twigs, seeds, and small nature treasures. Glue finds onto cardstock to form baskets, fields, or pumpkin shapes. Add short captions if desired.
Each collage is unique, textured, and seasonal. These rustic Thanksgiving crafts are budget-friendly and meaningful, connecting children with nature while producing warm holiday wall art.
42. Corn Husk Doll Making
Soak dried corn husks until soft. Layer and tie them to form doll heads, arms, and skirts. Add faces with markers and decorate with scraps of fabric.
These traditional harvest dolls teach simple crafting techniques while creating meaningful keepsakes. Children enjoy shaping husks and learning history through hands-on Thanksgiving crafts that honor tradition.
43. Paper Scarecrow Puppets
Provide scarecrow outlines for coloring. Kids add yarn hair, fabric patches, and drawn faces. Glue onto craft sticks to make puppets. These scarecrows become playful tools for storytelling or Thanksgiving skits.
Simple, cheerful, and easy to store, the puppets bring harvest characters to life and encourage imagination during holiday celebrations with family or classmates.
44. Multi-Seed Art Board
Draw simple designs like flowers or pumpkins on cardboard. Outline with glue, then press sunflower seeds, beans, or other small seeds into place. Fill backgrounds with colored markers.
These textured boards mix natural materials and art, creating rustic Thanksgiving crafts that stand out as wall or shelf decorations, celebrating fall’s rich harvest textures.
45. Painted Gourd Crafting
Provide kids with small pumpkins or dried gourds. They paint faces, colorful patterns, or gratitude words. Finished gourds can be grouped in baskets or centerpieces.
This open-ended craft celebrates creativity while using natural materials. It’s quick, fun, and festive, adding seasonal charm to Thanksgiving décor while giving kids freedom to design personally.
Table & Decoration Crafts
Kid-friendly Thanksgiving crafts designed for table settings and décor. Projects personalize your holiday space with charm, creativity, and handmade touches.
46. Pumpkin Seed Mosaic Art
Glue pumpkin seeds onto sturdy paper in fun designs like turkeys, pumpkins, or leaves. Once dry, paint the seeds with fall shades to add color.
The textured artwork is simple but eye-catching. Kids love creating patterns, and the finished mosaics brighten shelves, walls, or tables as personalized Thanksgiving decorations for families to enjoy.
47. Leaf-Shaped Place Cards
Cut leaf shapes from cardstock in fall colors. Decorate edges with markers or glitter. Write each guest’s name in the center. Prop cards on pinecones or lay them on plates.
These handmade place cards guide seating while adding seasonal style. They’re simple, festive, and bring a warm, personal touch to Thanksgiving table settings.
48. Kid-Made Placemats
Provide large sheets of cardstock for kids to decorate with drawings of turkeys, pumpkins, or gratitude words. Laminate for durability and reuse. Children proudly set the table with their handmade placemats.
They add color and personal flair to Thanksgiving meals while protecting surfaces, making dinner time fun, festive, and kid-friendly for everyone involved.
49. Pumpkin Jar Centerpieces
Paint jars orange, then add green paper leaves to the lids. Fill with faux flowers, fall items, or battery candles. Group several together on the table.
These kid-made jars resemble pumpkins and create warm Thanksgiving centerpieces. They’re easy to reuse, budget-friendly, and let children see their work displayed proudly at family holiday gatherings.
50. Handprint Candle Holders
Wrap jars or flameless candles with paper sleeves decorated with colorful handprints. Secure with tape or glue. When lit, the handprints glow warmly.
These safe, sentimental decorations preserve little hands as keepsakes. Families love displaying them yearly, turning this Thanksgiving craft into a tradition filled with personal meaning and cozy holiday charm together.
Group Crafts & Classroom Projects
Collaborative Thanksgiving crafts for classrooms or families. Encourage teamwork, gratitude, and festive creativity through shared seasonal projects and displays.
51. Collaborative Mural of Thanksgiving Scenes
Cover a wall with butcher paper. Kids work in groups, drawing turkeys, pumpkins, harvest fields, or family meals. They add labels and notes of gratitude. Over days, the mural grows into a large, colorful Thanksgiving scene.
This project encourages teamwork, reflection, and creativity while filling classrooms or halls with vibrant holiday spirit and joy.
52. Gratitude Quilt Banner
Give each child a square of paper. They decorate it with thankful words and drawings. Tape squares together in rows, adding borders to resemble a quilt. Hang the banner across walls or hallways.
This collaborative Thanksgiving craft highlights gratitude, builds classroom community, and makes a large, shared decoration full of personal meaning.
53. Hallway Gratitude Chain Arch
Have students write thankful words on paper strips. Loop and glue strips into long chains. Drape them over hallways or doorway arches to create a tunnel. Families can add links during school pickup.
By Thanksgiving, the arch becomes a community project filled with gratitude, reminding everyone of kindness, connection, and shared holiday spirit.
Tips for Parents & Teachers
Thanksgiving crafts are more enjoyable when kids learn and have fun simultaneously. These simple tips can help:
- Use large, easy-to-hold supplies, such as chunky crayons, stickers, or pre-cut shapes.
- Keep steps short and introduce one instruction at a time.
- Focus on sensory fun by using textures, colors, and stick to the process rather than striving for perfect results.
- Connect art with simple lessons about gratitude, kindness, and family.
- Cover tables with butcher paper or old newspapers for easy pickup.
- Use washable markers, glue sticks, and spill-proof paint trays.
- Keep wet wipes and a trash bag nearby so you can clean as you go.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving crafts bring families, classrooms, and communities closer. They spark laughter, build memories, and let kids express themselves in meaningful ways.
With simple supplies and a little time, you can turn ordinary moments into lasting traditions. Share these projects, try new ideas, and let your kids lead the way.
This holiday, make space for creativity, gratitude, and togetherness. Gather your supplies, invite the kids, and start crafting today. Share your art with us in the comments!
