27 Easy and Creative Thanksgiving Crafts For Kids

By Rachel Mulcahy
Updated September 04, 2020
Credit: Handmade Charlotte

Thanksgiving is a holiday marked by gratitude, turkey, and lots of family time. If you've got a meal to cook and a kitchen full of kids, it may be time to pull out some planned activities that Aunt Sally can oversee while you manage the bird. Thanksgiving crafts can keep your little helpers busy while teaching them the importance of the season. Plus, store-bought decorations are nice, but DIY Thanksgiving decorations made by the kids are much more rewarding. These craft ideas for kids are fun, and the finished products can be sprinkled around your home for fall or used as tabletop décor. From decorative paper turkeys to leaf garland, the fall crafting options are truly endless. Make this Thanksgiving one to remember by spending some quality time with your family making creative crafts that can be used for years to come. We have a feeling these are sure to earn a spot on Grandma’s fridge.

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Paper Plate Turkey

Credit: I Heart Crafty Things

All you really need is a paper plate, a handful of supplies, and a little creativity. Get the details from I Heart Crafty Things.

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Watercolor Fall Leaf Wreath

Credit: Happiness is Homemade

Delicate and light, this watercolor wreath perfectly showcases the multi-color fall foliage. Get the details on this D.I.Y. craft from Happiness is Homemade.

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Paper Pumpkin Pie

Credit: A Night Owl Blog

This realistic paper pumpkin pie has us craving the real thing. Get the details from A Night Owl Blog.

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Paper Pumpkin Craft

Credit: The Moffatt Girls

This paper pumpkin will be the pick of the patch. Have the kids fill it with written words of gratitude. Get the details from The Moffatt Girls.

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Thankful Tree Craft

Credit: The DIY Mommy

This Thanksgiving tree lets the kids display all of the things they are thankful for this holiday. Get the details from The DIY Mommy.

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Melted Crayon Pumpkin

Credit: via Mom Spark

Place a colorful, kid-crafted pumpkin at the center of your Thanksgiving gathering. All you need is a pumpkin, some crayons, and a blow-dryer. Get the details from Mom Spark.

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Leaf Garland

Credit: Handmade Charlotte

Garland doesn’t have to be exclusive to the Christmas season. Try your hand at Thanksgiving-themed garland with paper leaves. Get the details from Handmade Charlotte.

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Leaf Catcher

Credit: Handmade Charlotte

Catch all that the fall season has to offer with this leaf catcher. Get the details from Handmade Charlotte.

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Bottle Cap Turkey

Credit: The Joy of Sharing

This DIY bottle cap turkey can be gifted to guests or kept as a seasonal toy. Get the details from The Joy of Sharing.

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Leaf Animals

Credit: Hello, Wonderful

Foxes, deer, and turkey–oh my! Make creative animal faces out of fall leaves. Get the details from Hello, Wonderful.

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Ombré Leaf Table Runner

Credit: A Kailo Chic Life

Who says fall foliage has to be orange, red, and yellow? Make a rainbow on across your Thanksgiving table with this colorful centerpiece. Get the details from A Kailo Chic Life.

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DIY Turkey Pie Toppers

Credit: Handmade Charlotte

Top your sweet pumpkin pie with vibrant turkey toppers. Get the details from Handmade Charlotte.

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Turkey Puppets

Credit: Handmade Charlotte

Put on a puppet show this Thanksgiving with festive turkey puppets. Get the details from Handmade Charlotte.

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Thankful Tree

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

This is the sweetest tradition. Invite family and friends to write down something they’re thankful for and add it to the tree. Get the written tutorial here.

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Pinecone Turkeys

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

The kids will have a field day collecting pinecones to make turkeys of all shapes and sizes. Get the written instructions here and watch the video tutorial here.  

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Decoupage Pumpkins

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Stylist: Buffy Hargett Miller

Got a stack of magazines you need to recycle? Let the kids handle it with a colorful pumpkin craft. Get the instructions here.

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Marshmallow Turkey Legs

Credit: Southern Living

These treats are fun to make and even more fun to eat. Watch the video tutorial here.

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Cornhusk Garland

Credit: Photo: William Dickey

Dress up the porch with a gorgeous cornhusk garland. Watch the tutorial video here.

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Chocolate Pilgrim Hats

Credit: Southern Living

What’s better than an engaging Thanksgiving craft for the kids? An engaging Thanksgiving craft for the kids that also serves as a sweet treat. Watch the tutorial video here.

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Caramel Apple Place Cards

This cute craft doubles as a sweet treat for the kids after dinner. Watch the tutorial video here.

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Waffle Cone Cornucopias

These colorful snacks can adorn the kids table for Thanksgiving for them to take home after the meal. Watch the video tutorial here.

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No-Carve Leafy Pumpkin

Credit: Southern Living

You don’t have to worry about any carving accidents with this adorable DIY project. Watch the tutorial video here.

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Chocolate Turkeys

Credit: Southern Living

The kids are going to love this dessert version of the Thanksgiving main dish. Watch the video tutorial here.

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The Coloring Page Tabletop

Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Rachael Burrow

Turn the Thanksgiving dinner table into an interactive art project with this too-cute table setting idea. Get the instructions here.

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Peanut Butter-Chocolate Acorns

Credit: Southern Living

These bite-size crafts will hold the kids over while you prepare Thanksgiving dinner. Watch the tutorial video here.

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Thanksgiving Pie Garland

Credit: Southern Living

Let the kids decorate for Thanksgiving with this sweet homemade garland. Watch the tutorial video here.

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Pumpkin Pie Shortbread Cookies

Credit: Southern Living

Set up a decorating table for the kids to make their own pumpkin pie slice cookies while you prep the real pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. Watch the tutorial video here.

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By Rachel Mulcahy