12 Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids to Keep Them Busy While You Cook
Thanksgiving crafts for kids are the secret weapon every parent needs when the kitchen gets chaotic. Picture this: the turkey’s in the oven, you’re juggling three side dishes, and the kids are asking “When’s dinner?” for the fifth time. Enter: crafts.
These easy, fun projects turn restless energy into handmade magic—think turkey handprints, paper plate pilgrims, and gratitude trees that double as adorable décor. And if you’re looking to complete your holiday look, check out these DIY Thanksgiving table centerpiece ideas that pair perfectly with kid-made crafts.
Plus, according to child development experts, crafting boosts fine motor skills and creativity while keeping little hands happily occupied. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or keeping it cozy, these preschool thanksgiving activities are your ticket to a calmer, craftier holiday.
Contents
- 1 Why Thanksgiving Crafts Matter
- 2 1. Handprint Turkey Cards
- 3 2. Paper Plate Pilgrim Hats
- 4 3. Gratitude Tree Wall Art
- 5 4. Pinecone Turkey Decorations
- 6 5. Turkey Headband Dress-Up
- 7 6. Corn on the Cob Stamping Art
- 8 7. Paper Bag Turkey Puppets
- 9 8. Thankful Pumpkin Notes Jar
- 10 9. Leaf Rubbing Art Collage
- 11 10. Clothespin Turkey Place Card Holders
- 12 11. Handprint Wreath Door Hanger
- 13 12. Mayflower Ship Collage
- 14 Wrap-Up: Crafts, Chaos, and Thankful Hearts
- 15 FAQs
Why Thanksgiving Crafts Matter
Handmade thanksgiving decorations aren’t just cute—they’re memory-makers. When kids create their own festive pieces, they feel proud seeing their work displayed on the table or mantel. These family craft ideas also sneak in learning moments (counting feathers, tracing shapes) without feeling like homework. And let’s be honest: a glue stick and some construction paper cost way less than keeping them entertained with screens. They say idle hands make mischief, but with easy diy thanksgiving projects? Pure, glittery joy.
Ready to turn your dining room into a craft zone? Let’s go! ✂️
1. Handprint Turkey Cards
Short Description:
This classic never gets old. Little hands pressed into paint become adorable turkeys with googly eyes and feather flair. Perfect for sending to grandparents or decorating the kids’ table, these handprint turkeys capture tiny fingers in a keepsake that’ll make you teary in five years. Choose warm autumn colors—burnt orange, golden yellow, deep red—and watch the magic unfold.
What You’ll Need:
- Washable acrylic paint (brown, red, orange, yellow)
- White cardstock or construction paper
- Googly eyes
- Markers or crayons
- Wet wipes (trust me)
How to Make:
Paint each child’s palm brown and their fingers in fall colors. Press firmly onto cardstock to create the turkey body and feathers. Once dry, add googly eyes, a beak, and a wattle with markers. Write “Happy Thanksgiving” across the top for that personal touch.
🛒 Pro Tip:
A washable paint set from Amazon makes cleanup a breeze and comes with brushes included—no more scrubbing paint off countertops at midnight. PS: Once the crafts are done, reward your little artists with these adorable Thanksgiving cupcake ideas—they’ll love decorating those too!
Time Needed: Approx. 15 min
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
Eco Note: Use recycled paper or old greeting cards as the base.
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2. Paper Plate Pilgrim Hats
Short Description:
Transform humble paper plates into miniature pilgrim hats that sit perfectly atop juice boxes or as napkin holders. This easy fall craft uses basic supplies you probably already have in the pantry. The result? Adorable table décor that screams “I’m festive AND resourceful.” Black construction paper, a paper plate, and some creativity are all you need.
What You’ll Need:
- Paper plates (white or brown)
- Black construction paper
- Yellow paper (for buckle)
- Glue stick
- Scissors
- Markers (optional)
How to Make:
Cut the center out of a paper plate, leaving the rim as the hat brim. Roll black paper into a cylinder for the hat body and glue to the brim. Cut a small rectangle from yellow paper for the buckle and attach to the front. Instant pilgrim chic.
🛒 Pro Tip:
Heavy-duty construction paper packs on Amazon hold their shape better than flimsy stuff—especially when little hands are gluing enthusiastically.
Time Needed: Approx. 20 min
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
Eco Note: Reuse old paper plates from a previous party.
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3. Gratitude Tree Wall Art
Short Description:
This interactive craft doubles as a meaningful activity and stunning wall décor. Kids cut out leaf shapes, write what they’re thankful for on each one, and attach them to a painted tree branch. As Thanksgiving approaches, the tree “grows” with gratitude—a beautiful visual reminder of the holiday’s true meaning. Think earthy browns, warm reds, and golden yellows for that perfect autumn vibe.
What You’ll Need:
- Large tree branch (cleaned and dried)
- Construction paper (fall colors)
- Twine or string
- Markers or crayons
- Small hole punch
- Vase or jar (to hold branch)
How to Make:
Secure the branch in a vase with stones or sand. Cut leaf shapes from construction paper and punch a hole at the top of each. Write “I’m thankful for…” on each leaf. Thread twine through the holes and tie leaves to branches throughout November.
🛒 Pro Tip:
Pre-cut leaf templates from Amazon save time and give a polished look—plus they come in multiple fall shades for variety.
Time Needed: Approx. 30 min (ongoing activity)
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
Eco Note: Forage branches from your yard for a zero-waste project.
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4. Pinecone Turkey Decorations
Short Description:
Nature meets craft in this woodland-inspired project. Pinecones become plump turkey bodies adorned with felt feathers, googly eyes, and tiny beaks. These preschool thanksgiving activities are perfect for toddlers who love textures and colors. Display them as centerpieces, scatter them on the mantel, or gift them to neighbors. Either way, they’re ridiculously cute.
What You’ll Need:
- Pinecones (medium to large)
- Felt sheets (orange, red, yellow, brown)
- Googly eyes (various sizes)
- Hot glue gun (adult use) or tacky glue
- Small orange foam triangles (for beaks)
How to Make:
Cut feather shapes from felt in assorted fall colors. Glue feathers between the pinecone scales at the back. Add googly eyes and a foam beak to the narrow end of the pinecone. Let dry completely before handling.
🛒 Pro Tip:
A low-temp glue gun from Amazon is safer for supervised kid crafts and heats up fast—game-changer for multi-craft sessions.
Time Needed: Approx. 25 min
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
Eco Note: Collect pinecones during a fall nature walk—free and fun.
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5. Turkey Headband Dress-Up
Short Description:
Let kids become the turkey with this wearable craft that guarantees giggles. A simple headband base gets decorated with feather cutouts, a beak, and a wobbly red wattle. Perfect for family photo ops or entertaining restless toddlers during dinner prep. Bonus: It keeps them moving instead of hovering around the oven door asking questions.
What You’ll Need:
- Construction paper headband (or plain headband)
- Construction paper (red, orange, yellow, brown)
- Googly eyes (large)
- Glue stick
- Scissors
- Stapler or tape
How to Make:
Create a headband from brown construction paper sized to fit the child’s head. Cut large feather shapes and glue them fanned out along the back. Attach a triangle beak and red wattle to the front center, along with googly eyes above. Secure ends with stapler or tape.
🛒 Pro Tip:
Jumbo googly eyes from Amazon add extra personality—the bigger, the funnier.
Time Needed: Approx. 20 min
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
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6. Corn on the Cob Stamping Art
Short Description:
Turn real corn cobs into stamping tools for a textured art project kids will obsess over. Dip dried corn into paint and roll it across paper to create unique patterns that mimic actual corn kernels. This fun fall craft is messy, tactile, and totally Instagram-worthy. Frame the finished pieces or use them as placemats for the kids’ table.
What You’ll Need:
- Dried corn cobs (2–3)
- Washable paint (yellow, orange, brown)
- White or kraft paper
- Paint trays or plates
- Aprons or old shirts
How to Make:
Pour paint into shallow trays. Hold a corn cob by the ends and roll it through paint. Press and roll the painted cob across paper to create textured prints. Layer colors for depth. Let dry flat.
🛒 Pro Tip:
Washable tempera paint sets on Amazon are bold, blend beautifully, and clean up with just soap and water.
Time Needed: Approx. 15 min
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
Eco Note: Compost corn cobs after use.
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7. Paper Bag Turkey Puppets
Short Description:
Brown paper lunch bags transform into interactive turkey puppets with construction paper details and plenty of personality. Kids can customize their turkeys with wild feather colors, silly faces, and even names. Once finished, they’ll put on impromptu puppet shows while you baste the turkey—win-win. These easy diy thanksgiving crafts are budget-friendly and endlessly entertaining.
What You’ll Need:
- Brown paper lunch bags
- Construction paper (assorted colors)
- Googly eyes
- Glue stick
- Markers or crayons
- Scissors
How to Make:
Lay the paper bag flat with the flap facing up. Cut feather shapes and glue them to the top back of the bag. Flip the bag over and glue googly eyes, a beak, and wattle to the flap area (the puppet’s “mouth”). Kids can slip their hands inside to make the turkey “talk.”
🛒 Pro Tip:
Multi-color construction paper variety packs on Amazon give kids tons of creative freedom without breaking the bank.
Time Needed: Approx. 20 min
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
Eco Note: Save lunch bags from school to reuse for crafts.
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8. Thankful Pumpkin Notes Jar
Short Description:
Combine fall décor with gratitude practice in this simple yet meaningful craft. Kids decorate a mason jar to look like a pumpkin, then fill it with slips of paper listing what they’re thankful for. Throughout November, everyone adds notes—and on Thanksgiving, you read them aloud. Cue the happy tears. The orange paint, green ribbon lid, and heartfelt messages make this a centerpiece with soul.
What You’ll Need:
- Mason jar (any size)
- Orange acrylic paint
- Green ribbon or felt
- Small paper slips
- Markers or pens
- Paintbrush
How to Make:
Paint the mason jar orange and let dry completely (two coats work best). Cut a stem shape from green felt and glue to the lid, or tie green ribbon around the rim. Fill jar with blank paper slips and pens nearby for family members to write gratitude notes.
🛒 Pro Tip:
Mason jars with lids in bulk from Amazon are perfect for this and dozens of other craft projects year-round.
Time Needed: Approx. 25 min (plus drying time)
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
Eco Note: Reuse old jars from pickles or pasta sauce.
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9. Leaf Rubbing Art Collage
Short Description:
This nature-inspired craft is as calming as it is beautiful. Kids place real leaves under paper, then rub crayons over the surface to reveal intricate vein patterns. Arrange the rubbings into a collage, frame them, or string them up as garland. The earthy textures and warm fall colors make this preschool thanksgiving activity both educational and decorative.
What You’ll Need:
- Fresh fall leaves (various shapes)
- White or light-colored paper
- Crayons (peeled, used on their sides)
- Tape
- Scissors (optional)
How to Make:
Tape leaves vein-side-up on a flat surface. Place paper over the leaves and rub gently with the side of a crayon to reveal the texture. Cut out rubbings and arrange them in a collage, or leave full sheets for framed art.
🛒 Pro Tip:
Chunky crayons on Amazon are easier for small hands to grip and create smoother rubbings than skinny ones.
Time Needed: Approx. 20 min
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
Eco Note: Return leaves to the yard afterward for composting.
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10. Clothespin Turkey Place Card Holders
Short Description:
Dress up your Thanksgiving table with these tiny turkey place card holders made from wooden clothespins. They’re functional, adorable, and kids can personalize each one for family members or guests. Just clip a name card between the “wings” and watch your table setting go from basic to Pinterest-perfect. Think mini feathers, wobbly eyes, and craft paint in rich autumn hues.
What You’ll Need:
- Wooden clothespins
- Acrylic paint (brown, red, orange)
- Small craft feathers
- Googly eyes (mini size)
- Hot glue gun (adult use)
- Small cardstock for name tags
How to Make:
Paint clothespins brown and let dry. Glue a fan of small craft feathers to the back (the non-clip side). Add googly eyes and a tiny painted beak to the “head” area. Clip name cards written on cardstock between the clothespin jaws.
🛒 Pro Tip:
Mini craft feathers in fall colors from Amazon come in huge packs—perfect for making a place setting for the whole table.
Time Needed: Approx. 30 min
Difficulty: Moderate ⭐⭐
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11. Handprint Wreath Door Hanger
Short Description:
Turn traced handprints into a colorful wreath that welcomes guests with handmade charm. Kids trace their hands on construction paper in fall shades, cut them out, and arrange them in a circle on a paper plate base.
Add a bow, some glitter, and a “Give Thanks” banner for a door decoration that’s equal parts cute and sentimental. This family craft idea works for all ages and skill levels. Once you’ve mastered the wreath, explore more Thanksgiving door décor ideas to create a cohesive welcoming vibe from porch to table.
What You’ll Need:
- Paper plate (large)
- Construction paper (red, orange, yellow, brown)
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Ribbon
- Markers
- Hole punch
How to Make:
Cut out the center of a paper plate to create a ring. Trace and cut multiple handprints from construction paper. Glue handprints around the ring, overlapping slightly, to form a wreath. Add a ribbon bow at the top and write “Give Thanks” on a small banner attached at the bottom. Punch a hole and hang with string.
🛒 Pro Tip:
A rainbow construction paper mega-pack from Amazon ensures you never run out mid-project—and it’s great for year-round crafting.
Time Needed: Approx. 35 min
Difficulty: Moderate ⭐⭐
Eco Note: Use old magazines or scrap paper for handprint cutouts
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12. Mayflower Ship Collage
Short Description:
Sail back in time with this educational craft that teaches kids about the Mayflower while keeping their hands busy. Using construction paper, popsicle sticks, and cotton balls, they’ll build a simple ship collage perfect for hanging on the fridge or presenting at school. It’s a fun fall craft that sneaks in a history lesson without feeling like homework—win-win for parents and teachers alike.
What You’ll Need:
- Blue construction paper (for water)
- Brown construction paper (for ship)
- White paper or cotton balls (for sails)
- Popsicle sticks
- Glue stick
- Markers or crayons
- Scissors
How to Make:
Glue blue construction paper as the background “ocean.” Cut a ship hull shape from brown paper and glue near the bottom. Attach popsicle sticks vertically as masts. Cut or tear white paper into sail shapes (or use cotton balls) and glue to the masts. Draw waves, clouds, or seagulls to complete the scene.
🛒 Pro Tip:
Jumbo craft sticks from Amazon are sturdier than standard popsicle sticks—great for kids who glue with… enthusiasm.
Time Needed: Approx. 25 min
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
Eco Note: Reuse popsicle sticks from summer treats
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Wrap-Up: Crafts, Chaos, and Thankful Hearts
There you have it—12 thanksgiving crafts for kids that’ll keep little hands busy while you tackle the turkey. Whether you’re dealing with toddlers who love mess or older kids craving a creative challenge, these family craft ideas bring the festive spirit without the stress.
From handprint turkeys to gratitude jars, your home is about to get a serious dose of handmade charm. Want to take your Thanksgiving décor to the next level? Pair these kid-friendly crafts with stunning table centerpiece ideas for a picture-perfect holiday spread.
So grab your Craft Kits, Glue gun, crank up the holiday playlist, and let the crafting commence. After all, a little glitter never hurt anyone (except maybe the vacuum). 🦃✨
Now go forth and create—your sanity (and your Thanksgiving table) will thank you.
FAQs
What are easy Thanksgiving crafts for preschoolers?
Handprint turkeys, paper plate pilgrim hats, and pinecone turkey decorations are perfect for preschoolers. They use simple materials, require minimal instructions, and deliver adorable results every time.
How can I keep kids entertained while cooking Thanksgiving dinner?
Set up a craft station with thanksgiving crafts for kids like gratitude trees, turkey puppets, or corn stamping art. These activities keep them engaged and create festive décor at the same time.
What supplies do I need for Thanksgiving crafts?
Stock up on construction paper, glue sticks, googly eyes, paint, scissors, and paper plates. These basics cover most fun fall crafts and preschool thanksgiving activities without breaking the budget.
Can Thanksgiving crafts be educational?
Absolutely! Crafts like the Mayflower ship collage teach history, while gratitude jars encourage emotional literacy. Plus, cutting, gluing, and painting all boost fine motor skills in young children.
Where can I find affordable craft supplies?
Amazon offers bulk packs of construction paper, paints, and embellishments at great prices. You can also raid your recycling bin for jars, paper bags, and cardboard—upcycling is both budget-friendly and eco-conscious.
