Thanksgiving Crafts For the Whole Family

When Thanksgiving rolls around, thoughts of a feast are one of the first things that spring to mind. But there’s one way to extend the magic of the season: gathering around the table with the kiddos and making some Thanksgiving crafts. 

It’s a perfect way to bring the whole family together and they provide a hands-on way to celebrate. Whether you’re hosting a house full of kids – or even want to invite your girlfriends over for some wholesome fun – there’s something here for everyone. Pull out your scissors and glue and let’s get to it! 

Best Thanksgiving Crafts

Let’s start with Thanksgiving crafts for kids. It’s a classic. This timeless activity is perfect for kids and adults who want to join in on the nostalgia.

What You’ll Need

• Construction paper in autumn colors

• Washable paint or markers

• Glue sticks

• Googly eyes

• Feathers (optional)

How To Make It

1. Trace hands onto construction paper or press them onto paper using paint.

2. Cut out the handprint shapes and decorate them as turkeys! Use the fingers as feathers and add googly eyes, a beak, and a wattle.

3. You can even write what you’re thankful for on each "feather" to turn this craft into a gratitude exercise.

This craft is great for kids to express their creativity, and it’s also a charming keepsake for parents and grandparents.

Thankful Tree

Create a family masterpiece with a Thankful Tree that can serve as both a craft and a beautiful centerpiece. This is a prime example of one of the many Thanksgiving crafts for adults that exist out there because cultivating an attitude of gratitude is so important. 

What You’ll Need

• Twigs or small branches

• A vase or jar

• Construction paper in autumn shades

• Scissors

• String or ribbon

• Markers or pens

How To Make It

1. Arrange twigs in a vase or jar to resemble a tree.

2. Cut out leaf shapes from the construction paper.

3. Have everyone write down something they’re thankful for on the leaves.

4. Attach the leaves to the branches with string or ribbon.

As the leaves fill up the tree, you’ll create a touching reminder of the season’s gratitude.

Pumpkin Pie Garland

This is one of those easy Thanksgiving crafts that could serve as a centerpiece near the table. After all, nothing screams Thanksgiving like pumpkin pie! This adorable garland is a whimsical decoration for your home.

What You’ll Need

• Orange and cream felt or paper

• Scissors

• Glue

• Twine or string

• A hot glue gun (optional for sturdiness)

How To Make It

1. Cut triangles from the orange felt to mimic pie slices.

2. Add dollops of cream felt to represent whipped topping.

3. Attach the “pie slices” to a length of twine or string using glue or hot glue.

String the garland across your mantle or dining area for a fun, homemade touch to your Thanksgiving decor.

Pinecone Turkeys

This is a great way to turn natural materials into delightful decorations when it comes to Thanksgiving arts and crafts.

What You’ll Need

• Pinecones

• Craft feathers

• Small pom-poms

• Googly eyes

• Glue

How To Make It

1. Glue feathers to the back of the pinecone to create the turkey’s tail.

2. Attach a small pom-pom to the front as the turkey’s face.

3. Add googly eyes and a tiny piece of felt or paper for the beak.

Pinecone turkeys make great table settings or decorations, and kids will love the chance to make their own feathered friends.

DIY Gratitude Journals

Back to that attitude of gratitude! You can easily encourage mindfulness and gratitude with personalized journals for each family member.

What You’ll Need

• Plain notebooks or sketchpads

• Stickers, markers, and washi tape

• Scrapbooking paper

• Glue

How To Make It

1. Decorate the covers of the notebooks with stickers, paper, and washi tape.

2. Personalize each one with the recipient’s name or initials.

3. Use the journals throughout the season to jot down things you’re thankful for, or use them as sketchbooks for other holiday-themed doodles.

This craft isn’t just fun; it’s also a wonderful way to encourage positive reflection.

Corn Husk Dolls

This traditional craft harks back to simpler times and is a fun activity for all ages, making it a great example of Thanksgiving crafts for toddlers.

What You’ll Need

• Dried corn husks (available at craft stores or grocery stores)

• String or twine

• Scissors (for the adults)

• Markers (optional for adding faces)

How To Make It

1. Soak corn husks in water to make them pliable.

2. Fold and tie the husks to form the body, arms, and head of the doll.

3. Add extra husks for skirts or other details.

These dolls are a nod to Thanksgiving’s historical roots and make charming decorations or playthings.

Painted Pumpkin Centerpieces

Not all pumpkins need to be carved! Painting mini pumpkins is a fun alternative that’s less messy and just as creative.

What You’ll Need

• Mini pumpkins

• Acrylic paint

• Paintbrushes

• Glitter (optional)

How To Make It

1. Wash and dry the pumpkins to remove any dirt.

2. Paint them in bright colors, patterns, or Thanksgiving-themed designs like leaves or turkeys.

3. Add glitter for a little extra sparkle, if desired.

These painted pumpkins can be used as centerpieces, placed on shelves, or even given as gifts.

Thanksgiving Wreaths

Now, it’s time to create a warm welcoming environment for guests with some homemade Thanksgiving wreaths.

What You’ll Need

• A plain wreath base (styrofoam, grapevine, or wire)

• Artificial leaves, berries, and flowers

• Hot glue gun

• Ribbon

How To Make It

1. Arrange and glue your decorations onto the wreath base.

2. Add a bow or ribbon for a finishing touch.

3. Hang the wreath on your door or inside your home for instant Thanksgiving charm.

This project is perfect for adults and older kids, and the results are truly impressive!

Edible Turkey Treats

What could be better than combining crafts and snacks? This is a sweet and simple activity. 

What You’ll Need

• Candy corn

• Chocolate sandwich cookies

• Peanut butter cups

• Chocolate frosting

How To Make It

1. Use frosting as “glue” to attach candy corn to the top of a cookie to resemble feathers.

2. Place a peanut butter cup in front to create the turkey’s body.

3. Add a dab of frosting and a piece of candy corn as the beak.

These edible crafts are sure to be a hit, especially with younger family members.

Paper Plate Pilgrim Hats

Finally, let’s end with a fun and easy craft that can double as a festive party hat!

What You’ll Need

• Black paper plates

• Black construction paper

• Yellow and white construction paper

• Scissors

• Glue

How To Make It

1. Cut a circle out of the center of the paper plate.

2. Create a cylindrical hat shape from black construction paper and glue it to the plate’s edge.

3. Decorate with a yellow buckle and white trim.

These hats are sure to add some laughs to your family photos. And, if you have enough people coming over, you could even set up a DIY photo booth with a festive backdrop and a Polaroid camera! 

Craft Some New Memories Together

Thanksgiving crafts are more than just fun. They’re a way to create lasting memories with the people you love. Whether you’re making corn husk dolls with toddlers or assembling wreaths with your grandparents, these activities bring everyone together in the spirit of the season. 

Speaking of which, stick with us over the next few weeks! We’ll do everything we can to help you ring in the season with a spirit of joy and an extra bit of laughter.