Turkey Day Creativity: Easy and Fun Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids, Parents

Thanksgiving crafts for kids family-friendly Thanksgiving DIY Thanksgiving projects

By E.Baloyo , Parent Herald Nov 09, 07:50 am

Photo: (Photo : John Moore / Getty Images)

Thanksgiving is not just about delicious meals and gatherings; it's also an excellent opportunity for families to engage in creative and memorable activities.

Let's explore a variety of Thanksgiving crafts for kids and parents alike. These family-friendly Thanksgiving DIY projects are not only easy but also a fantastic way to add a personal touch to your holiday celebrations.

10 Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids

1. Gratitude Trees

Start the Thanksgiving crafting extravaganza with a Gratitude Tree. This simple yet meaningful project encourages the whole family to reflect on what they're thankful for. Gather some branches from your backyard or a local park and place them in a vase. Cut out colorful leaves from construction paper, and each family member can write what they're grateful for on a leaf, attaching it to a branch. This DIY Thanksgiving project serves as a beautiful centerpiece and a reminder of the things that matter most.

2. Turkey Handprint Cards

Get your hands dirty, quite literally, with this classic Thanksgiving craft for kids. Trace each family member's hand on different colored construction paper, cut out the shapes, and arrange them to create turkey feathers. Add googly eyes, a beak, and a snood to complete the turkey design. These adorable handprint turkeys can be turned into heartfelt Thanksgiving cards for relatives or used as festive decorations around the house.

3. Pumpkin Pie Playdough

Combine sensory play with creativity by making your own Pumpkin Pie Playdough. This DIY Thanksgiving project is not only fun but also engages the senses. Mix together flour, salt, cream of tartar, and pumpkin pie spice to create a dough that smells just like a fresh pumpkin pie. Let the kids mold mini pumpkins and pie slices for a hands-on, aromatic crafting experience.

4. Thankful Jar

Enhance the spirit of gratitude by creating a Thankful Jar. Decorate a Mason jar with fall-themed embellishments and provide small pieces of paper and pens. Throughout the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, encourage family members to write down things they're thankful for and place the notes in the jar. During your Thanksgiving gathering, take turns reading the notes aloud-a heartwarming activity that fosters a sense of appreciation and togetherness.

5. Cornucopia of Blessings

Craft a visual representation of your family's blessings with a DIY Cornucopia. Using a paper cone as the base, fill it with construction paper fruits, each expressing something your family is thankful for. This hands-on project not only sparks creativity but also serves as a beautiful centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table.

6. Pinecone Turkeys

Take a nature-inspired approach with Pinecone Turkeys. Collect pinecones and transform them into adorable turkey decorations. Attach googly eyes, colorful feathers, and a construction paper beak to the pinecone to bring these little turkeys to life. This DIY Thanksgiving craft combines outdoor exploration with creative expression, making it a delightful project for kids of all ages.

7. Autumn Leaf Wreath

Bring the beauty of fall indoors with an Autumn Leaf Wreath. Collect vibrant leaves from your backyard, local park, or even purchase artificial leaves from a craft store. Arrange and glue the leaves onto a circular cardboard base, creating a stunning wreath that captures the essence of the season. This family-friendly Thanksgiving craft not only encourages creativity but also adds a touch of autumn warmth to your home.

8. Turkey Placemats

Elevate your Thanksgiving dinner table with personalized Turkey Placemats. Purchase plain, light-colored placemats or use sturdy paper as the base. Have each family member draw and decorate their own turkey on the placemat, incorporating elements that represent their unique style. Laminate the finished creations for a practical and memorable addition to your Thanksgiving feast.

9. Harvest Scarecrows

Celebrate the harvest season by crafting Harvest Scarecrows with your family. Use popsicle sticks to create the scarecrow's frame and dress it up with fall-themed fabric scraps or construction paper clothing. Add yarn for hair, googly eyes, and a small triangle of orange paper for the nose. These charming scarecrows can be displayed throughout your home, bringing a touch of autumn charm to every corner.

10. Acorn Cap Napkin Rings

Add a rustic touch to your Thanksgiving table setting with Acorn Cap Napkin Rings. Collect acorn caps and hot glue them to short sections of twine or ribbon, creating charming napkin rings. These simple yet elegant additions to your table décor not only showcase nature's beauty but also involve the whole family in the creative process.

This Thanksgiving, let your creativity run wild with these ten easy and fun Thanksgiving crafts for kids and parents. From Pinecone Turkeys and Autumn Leaf Wreaths to Turkey Placemats, Harvest Scarecrows, and Acorn Cap Napkin Rings, there's a craft for every taste and skill level.

Enjoy the process of crafting together and savor the special moments you create as a family during this festive season. Happy crafting and happy Thanksgiving!