As the leaves turn and the air chills, Thanksgiving is just around the corner, bringing with it the excitement of friendly gatherings and the aroma of delicious food. But before the big feast, why not get those creative juices flowing? We’ve put together a list of family-friendly Thanksgiving crafts that are as fun to make as they are decorative. So grab your glue guns and craft paper, it’s time to create some Thanksgiving magic!
1. Handprint Turkeys
Source: https://www.iheartartsncrafts.com/fall-leaf-handprint-turkey-craft/
Starting off with this Thanksgiving classic: create adorable turkeys using handprints! Start by tracing your kiddo’s hands and anyone else who wants to join, onto brown construction paper. Add details like eyes, a beak, and colorful feathers using construction paper or actual leaves from outside! You can assist your little ones with glue or tape for the finished piece.
2. Gratitude Tree
Source: https://www.landeeseelandeedo.com/thankful-tree-printable/
Create a “Gratitude Tree” on a large piece of poster board or a wall. Cut out paper leaves (construction paper) or gather some real leaves, and have family members write something they’re thankful for on a leaf each day leading up to Thanksgiving.
3. Pumpkin Decorating
Source: https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/kid-friendly-pumpkin-decorating-ideas-4093835
Don’t get rid of those pumpkins just yet! Instead of carving pumpkins, consider painting or decorating them with stickers, glitter, and other craft supplies. It’s a less messy option that kids can enjoy.
4. Wooden Spoon Scarecrows
Source: https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/wooden-spoon-scarecrow/
Make a few wooden or plastic spoon scarecrows! Grab some wooden spoons or plastic spoons, some googly eyes, twine, felt, paint, some markers, and a hot glue gun to bring your spoon scarecrow to life.
5. Fun Leaf Friends
Source: https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/60551/
Take to nature to locate some fun and funky leaves to create some fun leaf friends! To start, gather the leaves you want from outside and press them between the pages of a big book for a day or two. Once the leaves are pressed down, you’re ready to start drawing on your creatures!
6. Thankful Jar
Source: https://www.playpartyplan.com/give-thanks-jar/
Set up a “Thankful Jar” where family members can write down things they’re thankful for on slips of paper throughout the month. Read them aloud on Thanksgiving (if you wish). There are many variations and ways to make a Thankful Jar, but the necessities will include a mason jar, some construction paper, sticky notes, pens or markers, and colorful tape.
7. Thanksgiving Bingo
Source: https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/thanksgiving-bingo/
Create a twist on the classic game and make it Thanksgiving-themed! You can either print out premade Thanksgiving bingo cards or make your own (which is much more fun). You can even use candy corn or candy pumpkins as placeholders!
8. Turkey Feather Headbands
Source: https://simplytodaylife.com/turkey-headband-craft-for-kids/
Make turkey feather headbands with colorful construction paper feathers. Make an entire turkey or just attach the feathers (you can use colorful craft feathers too). Attach these to a paper strip that can be worn as a fun accessory.
9. Paper plate Faces
Source: https://supersimple.com/article/paper-plate-portrait/
Does anyone remember the paper plate Zoo Pals? This craft can be animal-themed or a self-portrait of friends and family faces! Create faces on paper plates using acrylic craft paint, construction paper, yarn, markers, and decorative craft accessories. Show off the group in a funny photo or enjoy the portraits at the dinner table!
10. Fall Leaf Collage
Source: https://theimaginationtree.com/autumn-leaf-collage/
Collect colorful fall leaves and create a beautiful collage. You can glue them to paper or cardboard, or use them to decorate glass candle holders or mason jars.
View tutorial here
