15 Fun + Festive Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids
With the weather turning colder, how thankful are you for a reason to stay inside and get crafty with your kid this holiday season? The Thanksgiving feast is all about thankfulness and food, so why not turn some of your edibles into cute little turkeys or create a countdown calendar to get everything excited for the big feast? These Thanksgiving crafts for kids (and kids at heart) have something for everyone. Keep scrolling and check out these 15 DIYs to do with your kid this season.
1. Paper Bag Turkey: Made from three brown paper bags, this turkey is stuffed to the brim with fresh popcorn. Put this beauty near the buffet so everyone can grab a snack while they wait for the real turkey, or on the kids’ table to keep them entertained. Either way, this one is too cute (and too easy) to resist. (via One Charming Party)
2. Mason Jar Turkey: This is the perfect way to use up leftover Halloween candy. Fill a small mason jar with candy, then attach the googly eyes and beak. Cut out paper feathers and write nice things about your recipient on each one. Glue them to the back of the jar and let the gifting begin. (via Local Adventurer)
3. Pony Bead Corn: A great craft for older kids who won’t try to eat the beads, these ears of corn will liven up any table. Thread the beads on tan pipe cleaners and twist together. This is one fun project anyone can organize. (via Think Crafts)
4. Turkey Puppets: Put on a puppet show while the adults digest their Thanksgiving dinner. Cut out a variety of different-sized feathers and attach them to a strip of cardstock before gluing the entire strip to the bag. This makes it easier for small hands and ensures it stays together for the entire performance. (via Creative Ramblings)
5. Advent Calendar: Clean out your fabric scraps and put together this fun advent calendar to count down to the big feast. Write a simple fall activity (play in the leaves) or good deed (bake cookies for the neighbors) on each one. You’ll look forward to picking one each morning and will be thankful for the special memories you’re making. (via The Life of a Wife)
6. Candy Corn Turkey: Keep the kiddos busy with this fun activity while you tackle the side dishes. Assemble the turkey bodies ahead of time and let the little ones add the candy corn feathers. Just make sure you have extra candy on hand in case a few mysteriously go missing. (via Crafty Morning)
7. Pilgrim Hat Crayon Cups: Turn plain paper cups into festive decorations for the kids’ table with supplies you already have on hand. Construction paper, strips of rick-rack and spare buttons make these as fun to make as they are to look at. (via Lil Luna)
8. Popsicle Stick Turkey: Save this for a rainy day and you’ll have such a good time making it with your kid that you’ll never want the rain to stop. Glue popsicle sticks together and attach colorful feathers to the back. Draw the body with brown paint before attaching the eyes and beak with small dots of glue. (via Crafty Morning)
9. Place Cards: A cool craft that doubles as a place card? Sign us up! The printable template makes the assembly a breeze. Wether you and your kid make them all ahead of time or you put the supplies on the kids’ table and get all the little ones in on the fun, this one is sure to be a hit. (via Positively Splendid)
10. Popcorn Pie Snack: A small disposable pie tin makes the perfect base for this delightful snack. Pick a treat your little one loves, like popcorn and a few candies. This is perfect to share with the kids and keeps their tummies content until dinner is ready. We won’t tell if you happen to sneak a bite too. (via Fiskars)
11. Pinecone Turkey: Set off on a nature walk together in search of fallen pinecones for this project. Cover popsicle sticks in washi tape and cut the beak from a scrap of felt. Hot glue all the pieces together and make a turkey pal that will grace your counter all season long. (via Craftaholics Anonymous)
12. Drumstick Hats: No holiday is complete without a silly hat, and this one takes the cake (or pie). They only take a few minutes to put together, and you probably have all the supplies already. Make sure you have enough for all of your guests — the adults will love these just as much as the kids. (via Do They Have Salsa in China)
13. Stuffed Mitten Turkeys: Put those notoriously single mittens (or gloves) hiding in your drawer to good use with this adorable centerpiece. Stuff each glove and tie with twine before inserting a wooden dowel and attaching paper feathers. For the base, use a foam block wrapped in paper or tucked into a ceramic pot. (via Hostess With the Mostess)
14. Paper Pumpkins: Even the smallest fingers can tackle this DIY. Cut strips of orange paper and practice your accordion-folding skills. Stack several pieces together and attach with hot glue. Use a stick, a curly piece of twine and green leaves to bring the pumpkins to life. Add a cluster to your mantel for an instant fall upgrade. (via DIY Inspired)
15. Egg Carton Wreath: Rescue an egg carton from your recycling bin and turn it into a beautiful floral wreath to greet your guests. Cut the carton into floral shapes and get to work painting each one alongside your mini Picasso. You’ll both be proud to display the finished product. (via The Crafty Crow)
Will you be making any of these crafts with your kids? Do you have another favorite we need to know about? Talk to us in the comments!
