Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on gratitude, spend quality time with loved ones, and of course, enjoy a delicious feast. Meanwhile, while the turkey roasts and the table is set, what better way to keep the kids occupied than with some fun, creative, and meaningful Thanksgiving crafts? As a mom to two creative kids, I’m always looking for enjoyable and meaningful ways to keep them entertained during the holiday season. In fact, Thanksgiving crafts are the perfect opportunity to bond, spark their creativity, and make the day extra special. For instance, from construction paper turkeys to pom pom pumpkins, these DIY projects not only facilitate family bonding but also teach kids about the importance of Thanksgiving traditions. Additionally, they create lasting memories that everyone can cherish for years to come.

Not only are these activities a great way to engage children of all ages, but furthermore, they also align perfectly with gentle parenting principles—fostering creativity, patience, and collaboration. In this blog post, we’ll explore a variety of Thanksgiving crafts that can bring joy and excitement to your holiday, all while giving you and your little ones a chance to bond and create lasting memories.

Why Thanksgiving Crafts Matter: The Power of Family Bonding

As Thanksgiving often gets overshadowed by the impending Christmas season, it’s essential to slow down and focus on the meaning of the holiday. Through Thanksgiving crafts, you can help your kids express gratitude, creativity, and love for family in an engaging way. Plus, these projects are a fun way to keep them occupied while you prepare the holiday feast!

Gentle Parenting Tip:

To begin with, incorporate gratitude by encouraging your children to reflect on what they’re thankful for as they craft. For example, whether it’s writing notes of gratitude or creating decorations that symbolize thankfulness, this can be a subtle yet powerful way to instill the value of appreciation.

1. Construction Paper Turkeys: A Thanksgiving Classic

No Thanksgiving craft session would be complete without creating the quintessential Thanksgiving decoration—the construction paper turkey! This simple craft is perfect for younger kids and can be easily adapted for older ones. Click here to shop all the items needed for this craft!

Materials:

• Construction paper (brown, red, orange, yellow, and green)
• Scissors
• Glue
• Googly eyes (optional)
• Markers or crayons

Instructions:

1. Cut out the body of the turkey from brown construction paper.
2. Use red, orange, and yellow paper to create the turkey’s feathers.
3. Let your kids glue the feathers to the back of the turkey’s body.
4. Cut out a small triangle for the beak and a red wattle, then glue them onto the face.
5. Add googly eyes or draw eyes with a marker.
6. Encourage your kids to write something they’re thankful for on each feather.

Why It’s Fun: This is one of the most iconic Thanksgiving crafts for kids, giving them a chance to express creativity while learning about traditional symbols of the holiday.

2. Pom Pom Pumpkins: Cute and Simple DIY Decor

Pom pom pumpkins are an adorable craft that even the smallest hands can manage. These soft, fluffy decorations can be used as table decor or as a fun activity to keep the little ones engaged during the busy Thanksgiving cooking hours.

Materials:

• Orange and green yarn
• Scissors
• A fork (to help make the pom poms)

Instructions:

1. Wrap orange yarn around the prongs of a fork (around 100 times for a good-sized pom pom).
2. Once you’ve wrapped enough yarn, carefully slide it off the fork and tie it tightly in the middle.
3. Cut the loops on each end and fluff them out to create a round pom pom shape.
4. Use green yarn to make a small loop for the stem and attach it to the top of the pumpkin.

Why It’s Fun: This Thanksgiving craft is quick, easy, and allows kids to create cute decorations that can be used year after year. Super affordable too – here you can grab all the materials.

3. Thanksgiving Gratitude Tree: A Heartfelt Family Project

A gratitude tree is a beautiful way to teach children about the spirit of Thanksgiving. This craft invites everyone in the family to write down what they’re thankful for, creating a visual representation of gratitude in your home.

Materials:

• Construction paper (in fall colors)
• Scissors
• Markers
• Tape or string
• A large branch (or a paper tree trunk)

Instructions:

1. Create a tree trunk and branches from brown construction paper or use a real branch in a vase.
2. Cut out leaf shapes from colorful construction paper.
3. Ask your kids to write what they’re thankful for on the leaves.
4. Attach the leaves to the branches using tape or string.

Why It’s Fun: Not only does this craft engage your kids, but it also encourages them to reflect on the meaning of Thanksgiving. In addition, it provides an opportunity for them to share their thoughts in a fun and creative way. Ultimately, this craft fosters both creativity and meaningful conversations about the holiday. I’ve bundled all the materials for you right here.

4. Thanksgiving Handprint Placemats: Personalized Keepsakes

Handprint placemats are not only a sentimental and practical Thanksgiving craft, but they are also an activity that both kids and adults can enjoy. Furthermore, these placemats provide a great way to involve younger children in the table-setting process while creating something you can treasure for years to come. Additionally, they serve as a delightful reminder of the special moments shared during the holiday.

Materials:

• Large sheets of construction paper or cardstock
• Non-toxic paint
• Paintbrushes
• Markers

Instructions:

1. Have each child dip their hand in paint and press it onto the construction paper to create a handprint turkey.
2. Let them decorate the handprint with feathers, eyes, and a beak using markers or more paint.
3. Laminate the placemats (if possible) so they can be used year after year.

Why It’s Fun: Handprint crafts not only make for wonderful keepsakes, but they also allow kids to express their creativity. Moreover, children love getting their hands messy while creating something special for the Thanksgiving table. In addition, these crafts provide a unique way to capture memories and engage in festive fun together.

5. DIY Thanksgiving Napkin Rings: Crafty Table Decor

Your Thanksgiving table will look extra festive with handmade napkin rings that your kids can help create. This craft is simple and adds a personal touch to your holiday dinner.

Materials:

• Toilet paper rolls
• Paint or markers
• Stickers, glitter, or other decorations
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Cut the toilet paper rolls into smaller rings.
2. Let your kids paint or color the rings with Thanksgiving-themed colors.
3. Decorate the rings with stickers, glitter, or any other craft supplies you have on hand.
4. Slide the napkin rings onto your table linens for a fun, kid-made touch.

Why It’s Fun: Napkin rings are easy to make and allow your children to contribute to the dinner table decor in a meaningful way.

6. Thanksgiving Paper Plate Wreath: A Simple Yet Charming Craft

Paper plate wreaths are a great Thanksgiving craft for younger children, as they are easy to make and look beautiful on display.

Materials:

• Paper plates
• Construction paper (in fall colors)
• Scissors
• Glue
• Markers or crayons

Instructions:

1. Cut out the center of a paper plate, leaving the outer rim intact to create a wreath shape.
2. Have your kids cut out leaf shapes from construction paper.
3. Let them glue the leaves around the wreath.
4. Decorate the wreath with markers, crayons, or additional craft items like stickers.

Why It’s Fun: This craft allows for lots of creativity, and the finished product is perfect for displaying on your front door or kitchen wall.

7. Turkey Hats: Silly and Fun for All Ages

What’s more fun than making a craft that you can wear? In addition, turkey hats are a silly and enjoyable way for kids to get into the Thanksgiving spirit. Not only do they spark creativity, but they also add a festive touch to your holiday celebrations.

Materials:

• Brown, orange, and red construction paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• Stapler
• Googly eyes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cut a strip of brown paper long enough to fit around your child’s head as a headband.
2. Cut out turkey feathers, a beak, and a wattle from construction paper.
3. Let your kids assemble the turkey face and feathers on the headband.
4. Staple or tape the headband to fit around their heads.

Why It’s Fun: Kids will love wearing their turkey hats throughout the day, adding a playful and festive element to the holiday.

Conclusion: Meaningful Memories Through Thanksgiving Crafts

Thanksgiving crafts are more than just a way to keep the kids busy—they’re an opportunity for family bonding, creativity, and learning. Moreover, these fun and easy DIY projects will not only keep your little ones entertained while the turkey roasts, but they will also help create cherished memories and lasting traditions.

For instance, whether it’s making construction paper turkeys, crafting pom pom pumpkins, or decorating a gratitude tree, these Thanksgiving crafts allow kids of all ages to engage with the holiday in a meaningful way. Therefore, this Thanksgiving, take the time to slow down, get creative, and enjoy some family crafting time with your loved ones. Additionally, these activities can help foster a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the season. Ultimately, they serve as a wonderful way to strengthen family bonds and create lasting traditions.

Happy Thanksgiving crafting!

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