Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year, but I’ll be honest—keeping my energetic two-year-old busy while I’m cooking or setting the table can feel like a challenge.
That’s why I’ve fallen in love with simple, hands-on crafts that not only entertain little ones but also make them feel part of the celebration.
In this post, I’m sharing 17 brilliant Thanksgiving crafts for kids that have saved me from toddler boredom meltdowns and turned our holiday prep into fun family moments.
Key Takeaways
- Thanksgiving crafts help kids stay engaged while fostering creativity and gratitude.
- Simple materials like paper, pinecones, and popsicle sticks can create meaningful projects.
- Setting up a stress-free crafting space makes the activity smoother for moms.
- Adding fun extras like music, snacks, and themed aprons makes crafting more memorable.
- Crafting together builds family traditions and creates keepsakes for years to come.
Why Thanksgiving Crafts for kids Keep them Engaged and Happy
I’ve learned that kids—especially toddlers like my little boy—love to keep their hands busy. Crafts give them something fun and creative to focus on, which means less whining, fewer “I’m bored” moments, and more smiles.
Instead of feeling left out while the grown-ups prepare for Thanksgiving, kids feel involved and proud of what they’re making. It gives them a chance to explore textures, colors, and shapes in a way that’s exciting and playful.
How to Set Up a Fun and Stress-Free Crafting Area
- Pick a kid-safe spot – Choose a small table or even the floor with a mat where your little one can reach everything without climbing.
- Keep supplies simple – Stick to basics like paper, glue sticks, crayons, and stickers so you’re not overwhelmed by too many options.
- Use trays or baskets – Divide supplies into small containers so your child can see and grab what they need without making a huge mess.
- Protect your surfaces – Lay down newspaper, an old tablecloth, or a washable mat to make cleanup quick and stress-free.
- Stay nearby and join in – Sit with your child, even if just for a few minutes, to guide them and make the activity feel special.
1. Handprint Turkey Placemats
This is such a sweet and easy Thanksgiving craft that little hands will love. Not only does it keep kids entertained, but it also makes for adorable table décor on Thanksgiving Day. The best part? You’ll have a keepsake of your child’s tiny handprints to look back on year after year.
Materials:
- Large sheets of construction paper or cardstock
- Washable paint or colored markers
- Paintbrush (if using paint)
- Crayons or colored pencils
- Clear contact paper (optional for durability)
Steps:
- Trace your child’s hand on the paper, or paint their palm and press it down for a colorful turkey body.
- Add “feathers” by either tracing the hand multiple times in different colors or letting your child paint around the handprint.
- Draw or glue on eyes, a beak, and little feet to complete the turkey.
- Have your child decorate the rest of the placemat with leaves, pumpkins, or thankful words.
- (Optional) Cover the placemat with clear contact paper to make it spill-proof and reusable.
2. Gratitude Paper Chains
This craft is a wonderful way to remind kids of what Thanksgiving is all about—gratitude. Plus, it doubles as a cute decoration you can hang up around the house.
Materials:
- Colored construction paper
- Safety scissors
- Glue stick or tape
- Crayons or markers
Steps:
- Cut construction paper into strips about 1 inch wide.
- Help your child write something they’re thankful for on each strip.
- Decorate the strips with doodles or stickers.
- Loop one strip into a circle and glue or tape the ends.
- Continue adding strips to create a long gratitude chain.
3. DIY Pilgrim Hat Place Cards
These adorable hats make the dinner table festive and give kids a chance to help set up Thanksgiving dinner with their crafts.
Materials:
- Black construction paper
- Yellow paper or felt (for the buckle)
- Glue stick
- White cardstock (for names)
- Safety scissors
Steps:
- Cut out a circle for the hat base and a rectangle for the top.
- Glue the rectangle to the circle to form the pilgrim hat.
- Cut a small square buckle from yellow paper and glue it to the hat.
- Write each guest’s name on a small piece of white cardstock.
- Attach the name card to the hat so it can sit at each person’s place.
4. Painted Pinecone Turkeys
Turn a simple pinecone into a fun turkey that your child will love painting and showing off.
Materials:
- Pinecones (collected or store-bought)
- Washable paint
- Craft feathers
- Googly eyes
- Glue
Steps:
- Paint the pinecone in bright fall colors and let it dry.
- Glue feathers to the back of the pinecone to create the turkey tail.
- Add googly eyes and a small paper beak to the front.
- Place your turkey on the table as decoration.
- Repeat with different colors to make a whole “turkey family.”
5. Thanksgiving Story Stones
This activity encourages imagination and storytelling, and it’s easy enough for toddlers to join in.
Materials:
- Smooth stones (cleaned and dried)
- Acrylic paint or paint pens
- Clear sealant spray (optional)
Steps:
- Paint simple Thanksgiving-themed images on each stone (like turkeys, pumpkins, or leaves).
- Let the stones dry completely.
- Place them in a small basket or jar.
- Encourage your child to pick stones at random and tell a story.
- (Optional) Seal the stones with clear spray to make them last longer.
6. Leaf Rubbing Art with Thankful Messages
This craft combines the beauty of fall leaves with a chance to teach kids gratitude.
Materials:
- Real leaves (different shapes and sizes)
- White paper
- Crayons (with wrappers peeled off)
- Markers or pens
Steps:
- Place a leaf under a sheet of white paper.
- Rub the side of a crayon over the paper to reveal the leaf’s shape.
- Repeat with different leaves and colors.
- Write something your child is thankful for inside or around each leaf rubbing.
- Display the artwork as Thanksgiving wall décor.
7. Paper Bag Turkey Puppets
This is a fun and silly craft that also doubles as playtime entertainment.
Materials:
- Brown paper lunch bags
- Construction paper (red, orange, yellow)
- Googly eyes
- Glue stick
- Crayons or markers
Steps:
- Decorate the bottom flap of the bag as the turkey’s face.
- Cut out feathers from colored construction paper.
- Glue the feathers to the back of the bag.
- Add googly eyes, a beak, and a wattle.
- Use the puppet for a silly turkey show after crafting.
8. Corn Husk Dolls with a Modern Twist
This traditional craft is simple, charming, and a wonderful way to use natural materials.
Materials:
- Dried corn husks
- String or yarn
- Scissors
- Markers (optional for faces)
Steps:
- Soak the corn husks in warm water to make them flexible.
- Layer husks and tie them together at one end for the head.
- Shape the arms by folding and tying smaller husks.
- Tie around the waist to create the body.
- Add a drawn face or tiny yarn hair if you’d like.
9. Pumpkin Seed Mosaic Pictures
If you’ve carved a pumpkin, don’t toss the seeds—turn them into art!
Materials:
- Clean, dried pumpkin seeds
- White glue
- Construction paper
- Washable paint
Steps:
- Paint the pumpkin seeds in different colors and let them dry.
- Draw a simple Thanksgiving picture on paper (like a turkey or pumpkin).
- Glue the seeds onto the picture like a mosaic.
- Let the mosaic dry completely.
- Display as a colorful Thanksgiving masterpiece.
10. Thankful Tree Centerpiece
A craft and a meaningful Thanksgiving tradition all in one.
Materials:
- Small tree branch placed in a vase or jar
- Construction paper (cut into leaf shapes)
- Markers or pens
- String or ribbon
- Hole punch
Steps:
- Collect a branch and place it upright in a vase or jar.
- Cut out leaf shapes from construction paper.
- Write things you and your child are thankful for on the leaves.
- Punch a hole and tie ribbon to hang the leaves on the tree.
- Display as a Thanksgiving centerpiece.
11. Popsicle Stick Scarecrows
This easy craft is great for building creativity with a few simple supplies.
Materials:
- Popsicle sticks
- Glue
- Construction paper (for hats and faces)
- Crayons or markers
- Yarn (for hair)
Steps:
- Line up popsicle sticks and glue them together to form a base.
- Add a triangle paper hat at the top.
- Draw or glue on eyes, a nose, and a smile.
- Add yarn pieces for hair under the hat.
- Let your child decorate with markers or stickers.
12. Felt Pie Slice Play Food
A fun pretend-play craft that’s perfect for toddlers who love playing kitchen.
Materials:
- Felt sheets (brown, orange, red, or yellow)
- Scissors
- Glue or needle and thread
- Cotton stuffing (optional)
Steps:
- Cut felt into triangle shapes for pie slices.
- Glue or sew two triangles together, leaving one side open.
- Add a little stuffing to make it puffy.
- Close the final side with glue or stitches.
- Decorate with “whipped cream” circles of white felt.
13. Recycled Jar Candle Holders
Turn old jars into beautiful candle holders kids can decorate.
Materials:
- Small glass jars
- Tissue paper (fall colors)
- Glue mixed with water
- Paintbrush
- Battery-operated tea light candles
Steps:
- Tear tissue paper into small pieces.
- Brush glue mixture onto the jar.
- Stick tissue pieces all around the outside.
- Add a second glue coat over the tissue to seal.
- Place a tea light inside and watch it glow.
14. Mini Wreaths from Fall Leaves
This simple wreath makes a sweet decoration kids can proudly hang.
Materials:
- Paper plate (cut into a ring)
- Real or fake fall leaves
- Glue
- Ribbon
Steps:
- Cut the center out of a paper plate to make a ring.
- Glue leaves all around the ring.
- Layer the leaves to make it full and colorful.
- Tie a ribbon at the top for hanging.
- Display on a wall or door for Thanksgiving.
15. DIY Native Corn Bead Necklaces
This colorful and cultural craft is fun for little hands to string together.
Materials:
- Dyed pasta beads or pony beads (in fall colors)
- String or yarn
- Tape (to stiffen one end for threading)
Steps:
- Cut string long enough for a necklace.
- Tape one end to make threading easier.
- Let your child string the beads in any pattern.
- Tie the ends together securely.
- Wear or gift as a Thanksgiving keepsake.
16. Thanksgiving-Themed Coloring Booklets
Sometimes simple is best—this craft is low-prep and keeps toddlers happy.
Materials:
- Thanksgiving coloring pages (printed)
- Crayons or markers
- Stapler
- Construction paper (for covers)
Steps:
- Print a few Thanksgiving-themed coloring sheets.
- Fold them in half and add a construction paper cover.
- Staple along the fold to make a booklet.
- Let your child color the pages during Thanksgiving prep.
- Save the booklet as a holiday keepsake.
17. Gratitude Journals for Little Hands
Even toddlers can learn the beauty of gratitude with this simple craft.
Materials:
- Small notebook or folded paper
- Crayons, markers, or stickers
- Construction paper (for cover decoration)
- Glue
Steps:
- Give your child a small notebook or fold a few pages into a booklet.
- Let them decorate the cover with drawings or stickers.
- Each day, help your child “write” (or draw) one thing they’re thankful for.
- Add a date to each page so you can look back later.
- Keep it as a yearly Thanksgiving tradition.
Fun Add-Ons to Make Crafting More Special
Sometimes the little extras can make crafting feel like a mini holiday party instead of just another activity.
These fun add-ons don’t take much effort but can make the whole experience more memorable and special for you and your little one:
- Play a kid-friendly Thanksgiving playlist in the background
- Add festive snacks like pumpkin-shaped cookies or apple slices
- Use aprons or old t-shirts as “craft uniforms”
- Set up a photo corner to capture finished projects
- Offer simple rewards like stickers or stamps for completed crafts
- Invite cousins, neighbors, or playmates to join in for extra fun
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, family, and making memories—and what better way to celebrate than through crafts that keep little hands busy and hearts happy?
These 17 brilliant Thanksgiving crafts are simple, engaging, and perfect for avoiding the “I’m bored” moments during the holiday. With a few supplies and a little creativity, you can turn crafting time into a joyful tradition your kids will look forward to year after year.
Happy Thanksgiving Day!
