9 Best Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids

Once November rolls around, I’m officially in cozy mode. The candles come out, we’re having soup for dinner every single day, and my kids are begging to make their Christmas lists. I really love Thanksgiving time because it feels like the last calm before the Christmas chaos hits. My goal is always to soak up every bit of this in-between season and to make as many memories with my kids as I can. 

One of my favorite ways to do that is to make a ton of crafts with my kids. I learned long ago that the real magic in crafting isn’t the final product. It’s the time spent together and the excitement of getting to play with glue, glitter, and whatever other art supplies we decide to dig into that day.

We used to save all the crafting for Thanksgiving Day, but between cooking, guests, and trying to keep the house somewhat presentable, that just wasn’t happening.

Now we make it part of the whole month and it starts right after Halloween!

Here are some of my favorite Thanksgiving craft ideas that I am making with my kids this year. 

If you start early enough, you can slow down a little and make a bunch of these with your own kids. Soak up the magic of autumn before the Christmas season is in full swing!

Colorful Pumpkin Seed Fall Art

Turn pumpkin seeds into colorful fall leaves on a tree! This playful craft helps kids explore color, texture, and creativity by turning simple seeds into vibrant artwork. It’s perfect for autumn afternoons when you want something hands-on that also fits the theme of the season.

Turkey Popsicle Stick Craft for Kids

This popsicle stick turkey is as easy as it is adorable. A fun Thanksgiving craft that lets kids get creative with paint, feathers, and glue is always a win! This little turkey couldn’t be easier but is still super festive…something your kids will be proud they made all by themselves!

Pumpkin Spice Latte Slime

This craft is my favorite on the whole list! I know it’s slime, but doesn’t it make you crave a latte?  It smells like pumpkin spice! My kids are thrilled to make this slime this season and honestly, I kind of am too!

Pine Cone Turkeys

Turn a simple pine cone into a festive turkey! This easy craft is a hit with kids and couldn’t be simpler to make. These pine cone turkeys are a budget-friendly option on our list this year. For extra bonus points and quality time, take your kiddos on a nature hike to collect your own pine cones!

Toilet Paper Roll Turkey Craft

In our house, we go through an embarrassing amount of toilet paper. There is never any shortage of empty toilet paper rolls. These super cute turkeys can be finished in just a few minutes! It’s simple, fun, and a great way to upcycle materials you already have at home.

Thanksgiving Paper Plate Wreath

If you’re looking for a simple, inexpensive Thanksgiving craft, put this one at the top of your list. I remember making something just like this when I was a kid, so I can’t wait to make them with my kids this year! These would be perfect for classroom parties or even as a fun project to keep the kiddos busy while they wait for Thanksgiving dinner to be served.

Potato Print Turkey Craft

This potato print turkey craft is a good option for toddlers and preschoolers. Using just paint, potato slices, some googly eyes, and a little creativity, even the youngest kids can make these sweet little turkeys with minimal help. This one will become a keepsake that you’ll want to pull out year after year!

Pom Pom Turkey Craft

This pom pom turkey craft would be such a fun way to spend an afternoon with your kids! Easy to set up, creative, and they require minimal help from adults (my favorite kind of craft!)

Thankful Pumpkin Pie Craft: A Gratitude Craft for Kids

This is one of the most unique crafts on our list. We try to really instill a sense of gratitude in our kids, especially around the holidays when we are lucky enough to have so much food and so many gifts. This craft is an artistic and creative way to get your kids to jot down the things they’re most grateful for this season…and it truly couldn’t be cuter or easier to make!

If you’re anything like me, you don’t necessarily need more things to add to your to-do list this time of year…but you DO want to make little moments count and create lasting memories with your kids. That’s why I love these Thanksgiving crafts for kids. They’re simple, they’re sweet, and they require very little planning to put together. They’re easy for even the busiest families to squeeze into their days.

These moments are what life is all about, so don’t overthink it. Let the kids make the paper turkeys and put googly eyes all over everything, even where they don’t make sense. Hang their creations proudly, even if their turkey has 6 or 7 eyes and feathers for feet. Someday you’ll miss the days when your dining table was covered in construction paper and glue spills, so here’s to soaking up all of this magic while it’s still ours to enjoy.