Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to get creative with kids! Here are three fun examples of Thanksgiving crafts that can help children express their creativity while celebrating the holiday. Each craft is easy to make and requires simple materials you likely already have at home. Let’s dive in!
This classic craft is a fun way for kids to create a personalized turkey using their own hands!
Start by gathering the materials: construction paper (in various colors), a pair of scissors, glue, and markers. First, trace each child’s hand on the construction paper, using a different color for each handprint. Next, cut out the handprints and arrange them in a fan shape to create the turkey’s feathers. Use a brown piece of paper to cut out a turkey body and glue the handprints behind it. Finally, add details like a beak, eyes, and feet with markers or additional paper pieces. This craft not only encourages creativity but also provides a great keepsake for parents!
Notes: You can vary this craft by making a family turkey with everyone’s handprints or using glitter to add sparkle to the feathers.
Kids can learn about Thanksgiving traditions while making these fun and easy pilgrim hats!
For this craft, you’ll need paper plates, black construction paper, scissors, glue, and some decorative elements like feathers or stickers. Start by cutting the center out of a paper plate to create the brim of the hat. Then, cut a strip of black construction paper to form the hat band. Glue the strip around the paper plate. You can decorate the hat with a white paper buckle cut from construction paper or add embellishments like feathers for a festive touch. These hats can be worn during Thanksgiving dinner or used as table decorations!
Notes: Consider using different colors of construction paper to create a variety of hats, or let kids personalize their hats with their names.
This interactive craft encourages kids to reflect on what they’re thankful for while creating a beautiful decoration.
You’ll need a large piece of brown construction paper (for the trunk), colorful paper (for the leaves), scissors, glue, and a marker. Start by cutting out a trunk shape from the brown paper and gluing it to a wall or a large piece of cardboard. Then, cut out leaf shapes from the colorful paper. Each child can write something they are thankful for on a leaf, and then glue it onto the tree. As the tree fills up, it becomes a vibrant display of gratitude that families can enjoy throughout the holiday season!
Notes: You can extend this activity by reading a book about gratitude or sharing stories of what each person is thankful for while decorating the tree together.