Thanksgiving Day is just around the corner, and there’s no better time to create fun Thanksgiving art. We’ve searched the web, and with the help of some talented experts, we’ll introduce ten Thanksgiving crafts your kids will love.
1. Thanksgiving Handprint Turkey
Let’s start with handprint turkeys, one of the most classic Thanksgiving-themed craft activities. All you need for this activity is paper, paint, and imagination!
Supplies
- Construction paper
- Paintbrush
- Craft paint in different colors
- Markers in different colors
- Optional: googly eyes
Instructions
- Start by painting the palms and thumbs of your little ones with brown paint.
- Paint each finger a different color. Also, add plenty of paint to ensure you will create colorful “turkey feathers.”
- Encourage your little ones to leave a handprint on white or colorful paper.
- Customize with drawings, poems, things you are grateful for (e.g., one for each “feather”), and googly eyes.
- Prepare a plate or towel to rest wet brushes and keep baby wipes at hand to keep everything clean.
2. Corn Husk Dolls
Corn husk dolls are an excellent way to develop creative skills and make for a beautiful, handmade Thanksgiving gift.
Supplies
- Dried corn husks (and other natural materials, like leaves, feathers, and flowers)
- String or yarn
- Scissors
Instructions
- Start by soaking your corn husks in warm water to make them flexible and easy to work with.
- Shape the head and body of your doll by bundling a few husks together. Then, twist the top to form the head and secure it with string or yarn. This will be the “neck” of your doll.
- For the arms, roll one or two husks tightly and tie them to the main body.
- Use additional husks and wrap them around the doll’s body to create a skirt or robe.
- Style the hair by gluing on or tying a few thinner strips from the husks.
- Lastly, personalize the doll by adding details, like a smiling face, and then let it dry.
3. Paper Plate Pilgrim Hats
You can still do a fun fall craft if you have nothing but paper plates, paint, and construction paper at home. One of these fun activities is making paper plate pilgrim hats!
Supplies
- Paper plates
- Construction paper in different colors, including white, yellow, and black.
- Glue
- Black paint
Instructions
- To get started, flip the plate over. Paint it black. You’ll want the colored side up.
- Cut out the center, but make sure to leave a wide brim.
- To make the band and buckle, first cut a white paper strip. Then, wrap it around the hat. Next, glue the yellow paper buckle onto the band.
- Let it dry, decorate, and make the most of it during Thanksgiving!
4. Pine Cone Turkeys
Pine cones are a symbol of Thanksgiving and autumn in general. Luckily, they are also abundant this time of the year. Plus, they make a cute decoration for your Thanksgiving dinner table.
Supplies
- Pine cones
- Feathers
- Googly eyes
- Glue
Instructions
- To get started, gather pine cones and set them upright. Let them dry if needed.
- Attach white or colorful feathers to the back with glue.
- Glue googly eyes to the front near the top – you are creating the face of the turkey.
- For extra detail, cut a small triangle from orange paper for the beak and glue it beneath the eyes of the pine cone.
- Let your creation dry and display your festive decoration!
5. Thanksgiving Gratitude Tree
Our favorite Thanksgiving activity each season is creating a gratitude tree. This can be a meaningful project to unite your family and end the year with a gratitude-filled holiday season.
Supplies
- Twigs
- Vase
- Leaves or construction paper leaf shapes
- String
Instructions
- Plan an afternoon of collecting twigs at a local park or in your garden to get started.
- Arrange the twigs in a vase
- Cut paper leaves from construction paper for ease.
- Let your little ones express gratitude, and write different things on each leaf.
- Punch holes at the top of each leaf and secure each by tying it to a different twig.
- Hang the leaves and enjoy your gratitude display.
6. Pom-Pom Pumpkins
You don’t need a pom-pom maker for this craft. Some alternatives include cutting out two discs from thick paper or using your fingers to wrap the yarn. Then, you can make fun pom-pom pumpkins to decorate your Thanksgiving table or create a mascot for the holiday season.
Supplies
- Orange yarn
- Green Felt
- Scissors
- Sticks
Instructions
- Wrap orange yarn around your fingers or discs of paper.
- Slide off the yarn or cut the paper discs, tying the middle.
- To make a pom-pom shape, cut through the edge of the loops. The yarn will spring up, creating a ball-like shape.
- Glue a small stick to the center of your pom pom. You can also add a leaf cut out of green felt.
- Trim the edges and fluff up your pumpkin.
7. Feather Headbands
Feather headbands are a fantastic way for kids to learn more about Native American cultures.
Supplies
- Construction paper in your little one’s favorite colors.
- Feathers
- Glue
- Markers
- String
Instructions
- Cut a strip of construction paper so that, when tied, it will fit the circumference of your head.
- Decorate the strip as you prefer with markers or crayons.
- Arrange and glue feathers to the back of the strip, then let the glue dry.
- Wrap the strip around your head and secure the ends with a string.
8. Painted Rock Pumpkins
This is one of the easiest crafts to enjoy with your little ones this holiday season. All you need is a few rocks and paint!
Supplies
- Small rocks – you can freely choose the shape and size of your rocks.
- Orange and green paint or any other color to add a special touch to your painted rocks.
- Paintbrushes
Instructions
Paint each rock and let it dry.
Add paint to resemble stems at the top.
Allow all paint to dry before displaying your decorations.
9. Pilgrim Puppets
Creating pilgrim puppets is a creative way for kids to learn about characters from Thanksgiving history. Creating puppets can help you enjoy activities like make-believe and storytelling. A fun variation is to add paper bag turkeys.
Supplies
- Paper bags
- Construction paper
- Markers in different colors
- Glue
- Googly eyes
Instructions
- Start by using a paper bag as the base for your puppet.
- With some imagination, cut out construction paper shapes to create hats and clothes.
- Draw faces on the bag flap using markers and attach the different accessories around the face.
- Let the glue dry, and use your puppet for storytelling!
10. Fall-inspired Leaf Rubbings
Leaves are one of the most accessible craft materials you have at hand – they are free and eco-friendly! Spend time with your little ones in your garden or at a local park, collecting beautiful or funny-shaped leaves to begin.
Supplies
- Leaves of different colors and shapes
- White paper
- Crayons in your favorite colors
Instructions
- Start by placing the leaves on a table and covering them with white paper.
- Holding the paper steady over the leaf, rub the side of a crayon over the paper.
- This simple trick will reveal the leaf’s texture and pattern on paper.
- Repeat the steps above with different leaves and colors and display your creations.
More Thanksgiving Activities for Kids
For more ideas on how to learn this season, click here. Click the links below to download free printable Thanksgiving bingo cards. We hope you have a wonderful holiday!
