Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for kids to explore creativity and practice new skills while celebrating the season. This collection features 15 fun, easy-to-make crafts that use simple supplies you likely already have at home. Each project is kid-friendly, engages little hands, and yields keepsakes that families will love to treasure. Whether you have a short activity break or a cozy, crafty afternoon, these ideas are ready to inspire imagination. “Let every craft be a little celebration of thanks.”
Below you’ll find a variety of hands-on projects—from simple paper crafts to small, decorative centerpieces—that emphasize safety, creativity, and family fun. Read through each section to pick the perfect activity for your kid’s age and mood. And remember, the goal is enjoyment—so feel free to adapt materials and steps to fit your day.
Craft 1: Paper Turkey with Handprint Tail Feathers
This playful turkey uses a handprint to create colorful tail feathers, turning a simple footprint into a festive centerpiece. Kids love watching their own hands become the tail of a turkey! “Colorful feathers make it feel magical.”
- Construction paper in red, orange, yellow, brown
- White paper for the turkey body
- Glue or glue sticks
- Googly eyes or a marker to draw eyes
- Scissors
- Step 1: Trace a hand on brown paper and cut out the handprint for the tail.
- Step 2: Cut a small orange triangle beak and a red wattle from paper.
- Step 3: Glue the handprint feathers in a fan behind a white oval body.
- Step 4: Add eyes with googly eyes or draw them with a marker.
- Step 5: Finish by attaching the beak and wattle, then let it dry.
Display this cheerful turkey on a mantel or table. “Snap photos now—these pretend feathered friends last for years.”
Craft 2: Leaf Printing Turkey
A splashy, nature-inspired craft that uses real leaves to print a colorful turkey design. Collect leaves outside for an extra late-season walk. “Every leaf tells a tiny autumn story.”
- White cardstock or construction paper
- Paints in autumn colors
- Foam brushes or small brushes
- Leaves (various shapes and sizes)
- Paper plate (optional for stamping)
- Step 1: Paint a large oval for the turkey body on a sheet of paper.
- Step 2: Use leaves as stamps to create colorful tail feathers around the body.
- Step 3: Add a beak, eyes, and legs with markers or cut-paper pieces.
- Step 4: Optionally seal with a light spray of water or let dry.
These prints make a vibrant wall display. “Nature brings the best color palette.”
Craft 3: Pinecone Turkey Craft
A rustic, textured turkey perfect for a fall-themed table display. Pinecones add a natural, tactile element. “Tiny details can make a big statement.”
- Pinecone (large or medium)
- Brown cardstock for the beak and feet
- Googly eyes
- Glue and a little glitter (optional)
- Markers for facial features
- Step 1: Glue the pinecone to a small base or a folded piece of paper to help it stand.
- Step 2: Create a fan of paper “feathers” or use painted felt pieces glued around the cone.
- Step 3: Attach the beak, eyes, and feet; decorate with a touch of glitter if desired.
- Step 4: Let dry completely before displaying.
Place by the entryway to greet guests with a friendly pinecone turkey. “Nature-made crafts are timeless.”
Craft 4: Gratitude Tree Wall Art
A collaborative project that invites kids to reflect on what they’re thankful for. Leaves hold messages of gratitude. “Tiny notes become a big heart.”
- Paper or cardboard for the tree silhouette
- Colored paper or stick-on leaves
- Glue or pushpins
- Markers for writing
- Step 1: Draw or cut out a tree trunk and branches on a large sheet of paper.
- Step 2: Cut leaf shapes and write a note of gratitude on each leaf.
- Step 3: Attach leaves to the branches to fill in the tree.
- Step 4: Write a family message at the bottom and display in a common area.
Keep the leaves flowing with new notes throughout the season. “Gratitude grows when shared.”
Craft 5: Paper Plate Pilgrim Hat
A classic hat turned into a quick, cheerful decoration. Easy to assemble and removable for dress-up play. “Big brim, big fun.”
- Paper plates
- Black construction paper for the hat band
- Gold or yellow paper for the buckle
- Glue and scissors
- Step 1: Cut out a ring from the bottom of the plate to create the hat crown.
- Step 2: Attach a black band around the crown.
- Step 3: Add a small gold buckle in the center of the band.
- Step 4: Let dry and set on a table or hang as decor.
Pair with a Pilgrim-inspired table setting for a festive vibe. “Dress up the table, brighten the day.”
Craft 6: Cornucopia Cone Centerpiece
A cheerful paper cornucopia filled with fruit and leaves creates a warm seasonal display. Simplicity meets Thanksgiving charm. “Fill it with small delights.”
- Construction paper or a large paper cone
- Colored paper leaves or tissue
- Glue, scissors
- Crinkle paper or shredded paper for filling
- Step 1: Form a cone shape and secure with glue or tape.
- Step 2: Decorate with leaves and small shapes around the rim.
- Step 3: Fill with shredded paper and tiny paper fruits or veggies.
- Step 4: Place on the table as a centerpiece.
Perfect for a family dining table or a classroom display. “Little cones, big celebrations.”
Craft 7: Turkey Napkin Ring
A quick napkin ring project that doubles as a place card holder. Great for holiday meals with siblings and cousins. “Set the table with a smile.”
- Cardboard tubes (toilet paper or paper towel tubes)
- Brown paint or brown paper
- Feathers, beaks, and eyes (paper or felt)
- Glue and scissors
- Step 1: Cut the tube into rings and paint brown.
- Step 2: Add feathers around the outside with glue.
- Step 3: Attach a small beak and eyes for a friendly face.
- Step 4: Slip a napkin through the center and lay on the table setting.
Kids can personalize with names on small tags. “A warm welcome for every guest.”
Craft 8: Clothespin Pilgrim People
Simplified clothespin figures become colorful pilgrims with a few easy additions. Great for fine-motor practice. “Small pieces, big smiles.”
- Wooden clothespins
- Colored paper or paint
- Fabric scraps or felt for clothing
- Markers or fine-tip pens
- Step 1: Paint or color the clothespins to resemble heads and bodies.
- Step 2: Add clothing details with paper or fabric scraps.
- Step 3: Draw faces and hands with markers.
- Step 4: Clip them onto a string to make a banner or stand them as figures.
Display these friendly pilgrims as a family banner. “Crafts that stand up to admiration.”
Craft 9: Acorn Necklace or Ornament
Nature meets jewelry in a simple acorn bead project. Collect acorns safely and seal the caps first. “Tiny treasures from the park.”
- Acorns with caps
- String or elastic cord
- Paint or beads (optional)
- Glue (optional)
- Step 1: Clean and dry the acorns; remove the caps safely if needed.
- Step 2: Paint or decorate the acorns with beads.
- Step 3: Thread onto string and tie a knot to finish.
- Step 4: Wear as a simple necklace or use as a tree ornament.
Nature-inspired jewelry that’s fun to wear. “Nature’s tiny wonders shine bright.”
Craft 10: Pom-Pom Pumpkin Craft
A cute pumpkin figure made with orange pom-poms and a few scraps. Soft, fuzzy, and seasonally festive. “Cuddly pumpkins are always a hit.”
- Orange pom-poms (various sizes)
- Green pipe cleaners for stems
- Glue or glue gun (adult-supervised)
- Googly eyes (optional)
- Step 1: Glue several orange pom-poms together to form a pumpkin shape.
- Step 2: Add a green pipe-cleaner stem.
- Step 3: Attach eyes or draw a face with a marker if desired.
- Step 4: Display as a cheerful autumn decoration.
Display on a shelf or as a table top accent. “A little texture makes it extra cozy.”
Craft 11: Turkey Paper Lantern
A glowing lantern version of a festive turkey for twilight table decor. Use battery-operated tea lights for safety. “Light up the turkey night.”
- Paper lantern or a form to decorate
- Colored paper for feathers
- Glue, scissors
- Markers and a string for hanging
- Step 1: Cut feather shapes and glue them around the lantern.
- Step 2: Create a turkey face on the front with paper features.
- Step 3: Hang with a safe, battery-powered light inside.
- Step 4: Enjoy the warm glow in the evening.
Perfect for a cozy family dinner or outdoor display. “Tiny lights, big smiles.”
Craft 12: Thankful Jar with Gratitude Notes
A simple keepsake jar where kids write something they’re thankful for each day. Turn reflections into a tangible reminder of gratitude. “Notes of thanks add up.”
- Glass or plastic jar with lid
- Colored paper or sticky notes
- Pen or marker
- Ribbon or stickers for decoration
- Step 1: Cut small slips of paper and decorate them if desired.
- Step 2: Write what you’re thankful for and fold the notes.
- Step 3: Drop notes into the jar over time.
- Step 4: Read entries aloud at Thanksgiving or keep privately growing the collection.
It becomes a family tradition of gratitude. “Small notes, big hearts.”
Craft 13: Turkey Mask
A playful mask that kids can wear during pretend-play or a mini parade. Easy to customize with colors and feathers. “Mask on, imagination unleashed.”
- Paper plate or sturdy paper
- Feathers and decoration
- Elastic string to wear the mask
- Markers for facial details
- Step 1: Cut eye holes in the plate or paper.
- Step 2: Decorate with feathers around the outside.
- Step 3: Add a beak, eyes, and a wattle with markers or paper.
- Step 4: Attach a piece of elastic and wear with pride.
Great for a playful family photo or a festive activity after dinner. “Be bold with color and let the feathers fly.”
Craft 14: Thanksgiving Banner with Leaf Pennants
A simple banner that spells out a seasonal message with autumn leaf shapes. personalize with family names or messages. “Decorate your walls with gratitude.”
- Construction paper in fall colors
- Long string or ribbon
- Leaf shapes cut from colored paper or real leaves pressed and laminated
- Glue or tape
- Step 1: Cut leaf shapes and write a word or short message on each.
- Step 2: Arrange on a string in a pleasing order.
- Step 3: Secure with glue or tape and hang along a wall.
- Step 4: Add a final touch with ribbon bows or glitter.
Beautiful for kitchen or classroom decor. “Leaves of thanks, strung with care.”
Craft 15: Turkey Sock Puppet
A friendly sock turkey is perfect for storytelling and pretend play. Simple to assemble with inexpensive supplies. “Storytime just got more festive.”
- Sock (preferably brown or orange)
- Felt pieces for beak, wattle, and eyes
- Paper or felt feathers
- Glue and thread or a small elastic band
- Step 1: Fit the sock onto a hand or a small puppet base and secure with a few stitches or glue.
- Step 2: Attach a beak and eyes on the toe area.
- Step 3: Glue or sew colorful feathers onto the back to form a tail.
- Step 4: Create a friendly face and practice a story together.
Encourage storytelling and imaginative play. “A puppet a day keeps dull moments away.”
Conclusion
These 15 crafts offer a delightful mix of quick wins and longer creative projects, all designed with kids in mind. From simple finger-tainting activities to more involved centerpieces, there’s a craft for every skill level and every mood. As you explore these ideas, remember that the value lies not in perfection but in participation, imagination, and shared laughter. So gather supplies, set out a little table space, and let the Thanksgiving spirit shine through colorful paper, leaves, and a few crafty smiles. “Crafting together makes the season brighter.”
