Keep kids entertained this season with fun, easy crafts! From turkey puppets to gratitude trees, these DIY activities add creativity and charm to any gathering table.
This time of year is the perfect time to gather around, reflect on what we’re thankful for, and celebrate the joy of family. But with busy kitchens, visiting relatives, and tons of excitement in the air, keeping kids entertained can be a challenge. Why not let them join in on the fun with crafts? These activities are simple, budget-friendly, and require minimal supervision, making them perfect for children of all ages. Plus, these creations can double as décor, giving your home a charming homemade touch!
1. Grateful Turkey Feathers
You can display these turkeys on the fridge or use them as table decorations for family dinners.
Supplies:
- Construction paper (various colors)
- Markers
- Glue
- Scissors
- Googly eyes (optional)
Instructions:
- Cut out a large turkey body from brown construction paper.
- Have kids cut feathers from colored paper.
- On each feather, kids can write something they’re thankful for.
- Glue the feathers around the turkey’s body.
- Add googly eyes and a beak for a final touch.
- Display these turkeys on the fridge or as table décor.
2. Pinecone Place Card Holders
These add a rustic charm and give kids pride in contributing to your table setting.
Supplies:
- Pinecones
- Small pieces of paper
- Markers
- Fall-colored paint (optional)
- Glitter (optional)
Instructions:
- Let kids collect pinecones or use store-bought ones.
- Paint or add glitter to the pinecones for extra decoration.
- Write each guest’s name on a small piece of paper.
- Slip each name card into a pinecone to create a personalized place setting.
3. Leaf Print Placemat
Create beautiful, autumn-inspired placemats by pressing painted leaves onto paper, perfect for adding a festive, handmade touch to your Thanksgiving table setting.
Supplies:
- White paper or fabric placemats
- Fresh leaves
- Paint in fall colors
- Paintbrushes
Instructions:
- Gather leaves and paint one side of each leaf with fall colors.
- Press the painted side of each leaf onto the placemat to make prints.
- Repeat with different colors and leaf shapes.
- Let the placemats dry, then set them out on the table.
4. Painted Pumpkin Rocks
These painted rocks are durable and make a fun outdoor or tabletop decoration.
Supplies:
- Smooth rocks (collected from outside or store-bought)
- Orange, green, and black paint
- Paintbrushes
Instructions:
- Wash and dry the rocks to remove any dirt.
- Paint each rock orange to resemble a pumpkin.
- Once dry, use green paint to add a stem at the top of each rock.
- Add black paint to make faces, creating “jack-o-lanterns” or other fun expressions.
5. Corn Wreath
Kids can hang their corn wreaths on their doors or windows to add a festive touch to your home!
Supplies:
- Paper plates
- Tissue paper in fall colors (yellow, orange, brown)
- Glue
- Scissors
- Yarn (for hanging)
Instructions:
- Cut the center out of the paper plate to make a ring.
- Tear or cut tissue paper into small squares.
- Scrunch up the tissue paper pieces and glue them around the ring to resemble corn kernels.
- Add yarn to hang the wreath on doors or windows.
6. Handprint Turkey Cards
Encourage your kids to write a message of gratitude to family members or friends, creating a keepsake that’s thoughtful and handmade.
Supplies:
- Colored cardstock
- Markers
- Glue
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Trace each child’s hand on cardstock and cut out the shape.
- Use the thumb as the turkey’s head, and each finger as a colorful feather.
- Add eyes, a beak, and feet with markers.
- Inside, let kids write a message for family members.
7. Pom-Pom Pumpkins
These soft, squishy pumpkins are perfect for little hands to make and hold!
Supplies:
- Orange yarn
- Green pipe cleaners
- Scissors
- Small sticks (optional)
Instructions:
- Wrap orange yarn around three fingers several times.
- Slide the yarn off and tie it tightly in the middle.
- Cut the loops on both sides to make a pom-pom.
- Twist a green pipe cleaner around the top for the stem, and add a small stick if desired.
8. Corn Bead Necklaces
These necklaces are a fun accessory and a great way to encourage pattern recognition and fine motor skills in younger kids.
Supplies:
- Beads in fall colors (yellow, red, orange, brown)
- String or yarn
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Cut a piece of string or yarn and tie a knot at one end.
- Let kids thread the beads onto the string, creating patterns.
- Once finished, tie a knot at the other end to complete the necklace.
9. Gratitude Tree
Over time, your Gratitude Tree will be filled with leaves representing all the things your family is grateful for this season.
Supplies:
- Small tree branch
- Vase or pot
- Colored paper
- Scissors
- Markers
- Ribbon
Instructions:
- Place the branch in a vase to create your "tree."
- Cut leaf shapes from colored paper.
- Have each child write something they’re grateful for on each leaf.
- Tie the leaves to the branch with ribbon to complete the Gratitude Tree.
10. Paper Bag Turkey Puppets
They’re easy to make and fun to play with, making them a perfect addition to your craft lineup!
Supplies:
- Brown paper lunch bags
- Construction paper (red, orange, yellow, brown)
- Googly eyes
- Markers
- Glue
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Start by gluing googly eyes on the flap of the brown paper bag for the turkey's face.
- Cut out a beak from orange construction paper and a red wattle shape (the dangly part under the beak) from red construction paper.
- Glue the beak and wattle under the eyes.
- Cut out feather shapes from yellow, orange, and brown construction paper.
- Glue the feathers onto the back of the bag to form a colorful tail.
- Once dry, kids can use their turkey puppets for skits, stories, or just a bit of puppet show fun!
Seasonal crafts are a wonderful way to keep kids entertained, help them feel involved, and engage them in gratitude activities. These crafts don’t need to be perfect – the most important part is the joy and memories created along the way. So grab some supplies, set up a craft station, and let your kids’ creativity shine!