Thanksgiving Fun - 25 Fall Crafts for Kids

As the crisp autumn breeze rolls in and leaves paint the world in hues of gold and amber, there’s a certain magic in the air that can only mean one thing: Thanksgiving is just around the corner. It's the perfect season to spark creativity with Thanksgiving Fall crafts that bring the whole family together. Imagine gathering around the table, sharing laughs, and creating something beautiful to celebrate this cozy time of year. With an array of crafts for kids tailored to all skill levels, these 25 festive projects offer an engaging way to keep little hands busy and imaginations soaring. From handprint turkeys to vibrant leaf art, these crafts for kids make it easy to turn simple materials into cherished memories. Get ready to embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving with a creative twist—grab some supplies, pour a mug of cider, and let’s dive into a world of autumnal charm with these delightful Thanksgiving Fall crafts that your kids will love.

How Thanksgiving Crafts Bring Families Together

Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, and what better way to express thankfulness than by creating something together? Crafting as a family fosters collaboration, teamwork, and communication. As you work on projects together, you can share stories, reminisce about past Thanksgivings, and forge new memories. Thanksgiving crafts bring a festive flair to your home while highlighting the importance of family traditions and togetherness.

Quick Tips for Crafting with Kids of All Ages

To ensure everyone has fun, tailor the crafting experience to suit your child’s age and abilities. For younger kids, keep it simple with pre-cut shapes and non-toxic glue. Older kids can take on more detailed tasks, like painting or arranging intricate designs. Make sure to lay down a drop cloth to contain any messes, and keep paper towels on hand for easy cleanup. Most importantly, let creativity shine—there’s no need for perfection!

Leaf Crafts to Embrace Fall Colors

Leafy Turkeys: Create Adorable Turkeys with Colorful Leaves

Turn colorful fall leaves into quirky turkey feathers with this fun and easy Thanksgiving craft. These Leafy Turkeys add a festive touch and bring the beauty of nature indoors. Kids will love creating their own unique turkeys and experimenting with different leaf shapes and colors.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Mess Level: Low
Setup Time: 10 minutes
Recommended Age Range: 3 and up

Materials:

• Vibrant fall leaves in various shapes and sizes
• Construction paper or paper plates
• Glue
• Scissors
• Googly eyes
• Small circles of construction paper for the turkey’s body (brown or any preferred color)
• Orange and red construction paper for the beak and wattle

Instructions:

1. Collect a variety of leaves in different shapes and colors. Arrange them into a fan-like pattern to create the turkey's feathers.
2. Glue the leaves onto construction paper or a paper plate, forming a semi-circle or fan shape.
3. Cut out a small circle from construction paper for the turkey's body, and glue it at the center bottom of the leaf fan.
4. Add googly eyes to the turkey's body, then cut out a small beak and wattle from the orange and red construction paper. Glue them onto the face to complete the turkey.

Pro Tip:
Use a Baldwin Baby Co. caddy to keep your supplies organized and easily accessible while you work. Try collecting leaves with different textures and colors for a more vibrant turkey! Display the finished creations on your fridge or hang them on the wall for a touch of fall decor.

Pressed Leaf Art: Preserve Fall Colors in Creative Frames

Celebrate the beauty of fall by preserving colorful leaves in DIY frames. This craft captures the season's vibrant hues, creating lasting artwork that brings a touch of nature into your home. Kids will enjoy choosing their favorite leaves and watching them transform into delicate decorations.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Mess Level: Minimal
Setup Time: 10 minutes (plus 1-2 days for pressing)
Recommended Age Range: 5 and up

Materials:

• Bright, colorful fall leaves
• Heavy books (for pressing)
• Clear contact paper
• Scissors
• Picture frames (any size)

Instructions:

1. Start by selecting a variety of vibrant fall leaves. Place each leaf flat between two sheets of paper, then press them between heavy books for 1-2 days.
2. Once the leaves are thoroughly pressed, cut out two sheets of clear contact paper, each slightly larger than the leaves.
3. Arrange the pressed leaves on one sheet of contact paper, then carefully place the second sheet on top, sealing the leaves inside.
4. Trim any excess contact paper to your desired shape, then place your pressed leaf art inside a picture frame.

Pro Tip:
Try using frames in different sizes to create a unique wall display. For a creative twist, let kids arrange their leaves in patterns or shapes. Display your frames by a window to let light shine through, enhancing the natural colors of the leaves.

Glitter Leaves: Add Sparkle to Autumn with Glittery Leaf Designs

Bring a little glitz to fall with these Glitter Leaves! This craft transforms ordinary leaves into sparkly decorations perfect for adding a festive touch to any room. Kids will love adding their own creative flair, using glitter to make each leaf unique and eye-catching.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Mess Level: Medium
Setup Time: 5 minutes
Recommended Age Range: 5 and up

Materials:

• Freshly collected fall leaves
• Glue (liquid school glue works well)
• Glitter in colors like gold, copper, or multicolored
• Small paintbrush
• Twine or string
• Clothespins or small clips for hanging
• Newspaper or a drop cloth for easy cleanup

Instructions:

1. Lay down newspaper or a drop cloth to keep the work area tidy.
2. Use a paintbrush to apply a thin layer of glue to each leaf. Get creative—coat the entire leaf or just the edges for a subtle sparkle!
3. Sprinkle glitter over the glued areas, then shake off any excess glitter onto the newspaper.
4. Let the leaves dry completely, then use clothespins to attach them to a piece of twine. Hang your glittery leaves as a garland or individually in windows to catch the light.

Pro Tip:
For an extra-festive look, mix glitter colors and vary the leaf sizes. Kids can even personalize their garlands by adding beads or small pinecones in between the leaves.

Thanksgiving-Themed Crafts for a Festive Touch

Handprint Turkeys: A Classic Thanksgiving Keepsake

Create an adorable Thanksgiving keepsake with these Handprint Turkeys! This classic craft captures your child’s handprint as the turkey’s body, making it a wonderful memento that you can enjoy year after year. Kids will love decorating their turkeys with colorful feathers and personal touches.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Mess Level: Low
Setup Time: 5 minutes
Recommended Age Range: 3 and up

Materials:

• Construction paper in various colors
• Scissors
• Glue
• Googly eyes
• Markers or crayons
• Pencil

Instructions:

1. Help your child place their hand flat on a piece of construction paper and trace around it with a pencil.
2. Carefully cut out the handprint, which will serve as the turkey's body.
3. Add googly eyes to the thumb area of the handprint to make the turkey's face. Cut a small beak and wattle from colored paper, then glue them below the eyes.
4. Use markers or crayons to color the “feathers” on the fingers, or let kids glue on additional cut-out paper feathers for extra flair.

Pro Tip:
Label each turkey with the year and your child’s name to create a series of keepsakes that track their growth. Hang these handprint turkeys on the fridge or create a garland to display them as your child’s unique contribution to the holiday decor.

Paper Plate Pilgrims: Simple, Fun, and Festive Crafts

Celebrate Thanksgiving with these delightful Paper Plate Pilgrims! This craft lets kids create friendly pilgrim characters that add a festive touch to the holiday. Easy to make and fun to personalize, these pilgrims are perfect for decorating your Thanksgiving table or wall.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Mess Level: Low
Setup Time: 5 minutes
Recommended Age Range: 4 and up

Materials:

• Paper plates
• Construction paper (black, white, and any other colors for clothing details)
• Glue
• Scissors
• Markers or crayons
• Optional: Googly eyes

Instructions:

1. Begin by drawing a face on the center of the paper plate with markers or crayons. Use googly eyes for a playful touch if desired.
2. Cut out a hat and collar from black and white construction paper. Glue the hat on top of the plate, and the collar below the face to resemble traditional pilgrim attire.
3. Add details such as a buckle on the hat or a bow tie, and color in the cheeks and lips for extra character. Kids can get creative with their pilgrims’ expressions!

Pro Tip:
Let kids make a few different pilgrims to create a Thanksgiving “family.” These plates can be displayed as table decorations, or punch a hole at the top and add string to hang them around the house.

Thankful Turkey or Gratitude Trees: Encourage Kids to Share What They're Thankful For

Celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving by encouraging kids to reflect on what they’re grateful for. With these options, you can create a Thankful Turkey or a Gratitude Tree that showcases your family’s blessings. These crafts make meaningful, decorative reminders of the season's true purpose, adding a personal touch to your holiday decor.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Mess Level: Low
Setup Time: 10 minutes
Recommended Age Range: 4 and up

Option 1: Gratitude Trees

Materials:

• Brown construction paper for the tree trunk
• Colorful construction paper for leaves
• Scissors
• Glue or tape
• Markers

Instructions:

1. Cut out a tree trunk from the brown construction paper and tape it to a larger sheet of paper or directly onto a wall.
2. Using various colors of construction paper, cut out leaf shapes. Make enough for each family member to have a few.
3. Have each person write something they’re thankful for on a leaf and then tape or glue the leaves onto the branches of the tree.
4. Continue adding leaves throughout the season as new blessings come to mind!

Pro Tip:
Use different leaf shapes to represent the changing seasons, like maple, oak, or simple ovals. Set up a “gratitude station” with leaves, markers, and tape to encourage ongoing participation. This tree can be a lasting reminder of your family’s grateful hearts.

Option 2: Thankful Turkey

Materials:

• Brown construction paper for the turkey body
• Colorful construction paper for feathers
• Googly eyes
• Glue
• Scissors
• Markers

Instructions:

1. Cut out a simple turkey body shape from brown construction paper. Glue on googly eyes and use markers to add a beak and wattle.
2. Cut out feather shapes from different colors of construction paper.
3. Ask each family member to write one thing they’re thankful for on a feather, then glue the feathers onto the turkey’s body in a fan shape.
4. Display your Thankful Turkey on the fridge, wall, or door to share your gratitude with everyone.

Pro Tip:
Get creative with feather colors to match your Thanksgiving decor. Watching the turkey’s feathers fill up over time is a heartwarming reminder of the season’s spirit.

Pumpkin-Themed Crafts for a Seasonal Twist

Painted Pumpkin Rocks: Easy, Adorable, and Mess-Free

Turn simple rocks into charming mini pumpkins with this fun craft! Painted Pumpkin Rocks are quick to make, easy to personalize, and perfect for decorating around the house. Kids will enjoy creating their own colorful pumpkin patches that can brighten up any space.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Mess Level: Low
Setup Time: 5 minutes
Recommended Age Range: 3 and up

Materials:

• Smooth rocks (any size, preferably flat and oval-shaped)
• Orange acrylic paint
• Green acrylic paint
• Small paintbrushes
• Fine-tipped black marker (optional, for adding details)
• Newspaper or a drop cloth

Instructions:

1. Lay down newspaper or a drop cloth to protect your workspace, and have your child choose a rock to paint.
2. Use orange acrylic paint to coat the surface of each rock. Allow the paint to dry completely, then apply a second coat for a vibrant color.
3. Once the orange paint is dry, use green paint to add a small stem at the top of each “pumpkin” and create curly vines. For an extra touch, use a black marker to draw funny faces or add lines for a more realistic pumpkin look.

Pro Tip:
Arrange these mini pumpkin rocks on the Thanksgiving table, along window sills, or even in the garden. For a unique fall centerpiece, place them in a bowl with real pumpkins and gourds.

Pumpkin Sun Catchers: Let the Autumn Sun Shine Through

Add a touch of autumn magic to your home with these Pumpkin Sun Catchers! Made from wax paper and colorful tissue squares, these bright and cheerful pumpkins catch the sunlight, creating a cozy, festive glow. Kids will love arranging the tissue paper and watching their creations light up any room.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Mess Level: Low
Setup Time: 10 minutes
Recommended Age Range: 4 and up

Materials:

• Wax paper
• Orange and green tissue paper, cut into small squares
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Black construction paper (optional, for extra details)
• String or tape for hanging

Instructions:

1. Cut out a pumpkin shape from wax paper, making it as large or small as desired.
2. Use a glue stick to cover the wax paper pumpkin with a layer of glue, then let kids press orange tissue paper squares onto the pumpkin, covering the entire surface.
3. Cut out a small stem shape from green tissue paper and attach it to the top of the pumpkin.
4. Optional: Use black construction paper to cut out eyes, a nose, and a mouth for a jack-o'-lantern look, then glue them onto the tissue-covered pumpkin.
5. Once the pumpkin is complete, tape it to a window or tie a string at the top to hang it. Watch as the sun shines through the tissue paper, creating a warm, colorful effect!

Pro Tip:
For a fun variation, use tissue paper in different fall colors to create a patchwork look. These sun catchers also make lovely seasonal gifts for family and friends!

DIY Pumpkin Playdough: A Fun, Sensory Craft for Little Ones

Bring the warm scents of fall to playtime with this DIY Pumpkin Playdough! Made with simple ingredients and a dash of pumpkin pie spice, this playdough provides a festive, sensory experience for little hands. Kids will love molding and shaping their own pumpkins, leaves, and other autumn-themed creations.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Mess Level: Medium
Setup Time: 10 minutes
Recommended Age Range: 2 and up (with adult supervision)

Materials:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup salt
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• A few drops of orange food coloring
• Cookie cutters in fall shapes (pumpkins, leaves, etc.)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
2. Gradually add the warm water and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough begins to form.
3. Add a few drops of orange food coloring and knead the dough until the color is evenly distributed. Add more food coloring if you’d like a brighter orange.
4. Once the playdough reaches a soft, pliable consistency, it’s ready to use! Provide cookie cutters and let kids mold the playdough into pumpkins, leaves, and other fall symbols.

Pro Tip:
Store the playdough in an airtight container to keep it fresh for future play sessions. You can also experiment with other fall scents, like cinnamon or nutmeg, for a sensory twist.

Nature-Inspired Crafts for Outdoor Fun

Acorn Critters: Turn Acorns into Cute Little Animals

Transform simple acorns into adorable woodland creatures with this nature-inspired craft! Kids can use markers, googly eyes, and other fun materials to bring these acorn critters to life. Perfect for fall, these little animals add charm to any space and make lovely table decorations.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Mess Level: Low
Setup Time: 5 minutes
Recommended Age Range: 4 and up

Materials:

• Acorns (with or without caps)
• Googly eyes
• Markers
• Small pieces of felt (for ears, wings, etc.)
• Pipe cleaners (for arms, legs, or tails)
• Glue

Instructions:

1. Clean and dry the acorns if necessary. Attach googly eyes to the acorn body with glue to create a face.
2. Use small pieces of felt to cut out ears, wings, or other details, then glue them onto the acorn.
3. Add pipe cleaners to create arms, legs, or tails. Twist them around the acorn or glue them in place.
4. For a final touch, draw on tiny facial details or patterns with markers. Let the acorn critters dry before displaying them on the table or in a bowl as a fall decoration.

Pro Tip:
Encourage kids to create different types of animals—owls, squirrels, or even imaginary creatures!

Pinecone Turkey Placeholders: Perfect for Thanksgiving Tables

Add a festive and personalized touch to your Thanksgiving table with these Pinecone Turkey Placeholders! These charming little turkeys use pinecones as bodies, with colorful paper feathers and custom name tags that make each guest feel special.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Mess Level: Low
Setup Time: 5 minutes
Recommended Age Range: 4 and up

Materials:

• Pinecones
• Construction paper (for feathers and face)
• Googly eyes
• Scissors
• Glue
• Markers

Instructions:

1. Start by cutting out feather shapes from colorful construction paper. Write each guest’s name on a feather, then glue the feathers onto one side of the pinecone.
2. Cut out a small circle for the turkey’s face and add googly eyes, a beak, and a wattle. Glue the face onto the front of the pinecone.
3. Let the glue dry, then place each pinecone turkey on the Thanksgiving table as a personalized placeholder.

Pro Tip:
Gather pinecones from your backyard to make this craft more eco-friendly. Arrange the pinecone turkeys around the table for a rustic, autumnal feel.

Twig Picture Frames: A Rustic Craft Using Nature's Bounty

Bring the beauty of the outdoors inside with these rustic Twig Picture Frames! Using simple twigs and a bit of glue, kids can craft their own frames, perfect for displaying family photos or fall artwork. This easy project captures the essence of the season and makes a lovely, natural addition to any room.

Difficulty Level: Medium
Mess Level: Medium
Setup Time: 10 minutes
Recommended Age Range: 6 and up

Materials:

• Twigs of similar lengths
• Hot glue gun (with adult supervision)
• Scissors or small pruning shears
• Cardboard or heavy paper (for backing)
• Leaves, acorns, or small pinecones (for decoration)

Instructions:

1. Arrange twigs in a square or rectangle shape to form the frame. Cut them to size if needed.
2. Use a hot glue gun to glue the corners of the twigs together. Reinforce each corner with extra glue to ensure the frame is sturdy.
3. Cut a piece of cardboard or heavy paper to fit the frame size, then glue it to the back of the frame to hold a photo or artwork.
4. Decorate the frame with small pinecones, acorns, or leaves for a natural, festive touch. Insert a family photo or fall drawing, and display it on a shelf or hang it on the wall.

Pro Tip:
Collect twigs of different textures and sizes for a more rustic look, or paint the twigs in fall colors for extra flair.

Arts and Crafts for the Table Setting

Paper Napkin Rings: Kid-Made Napkin Holders for Thanksgiving

Add a personal touch to your Thanksgiving table with these adorable, homemade Paper Napkin Rings. Kids can paint, decorate, and embellish each ring, making these napkin holders a unique and festive addition to any holiday meal.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Mess Level: Medium
Setup Time: 5 minutes
Recommended Age Range: 3 and up

Materials:

• Empty toilet paper rolls
• Scissors
• Decorative paper or paint
• Glue
• Small embellishments (like leaves, turkey cutouts, or stickers)

Instructions:

1. Cut each toilet paper roll into smaller rings, approximately 1-2 inches wide.
2. Wrap each ring with decorative paper or paint them in fall colors, letting them dry before moving to the next step.
3. Once dry, add embellishments like tiny paper leaves, turkey cutouts, or festive stickers to each ring for a holiday touch.
4. Slip each finished ring onto a folded napkin, and place on the Thanksgiving table.

Pro Tip:
Encourage kids to create a different design for each guest to add an extra-special touch.

Turkey Name Cards: Add a Personalized Touch to Dinner

These Turkey Name Cards are the perfect way to bring warmth and personality to your Thanksgiving table. By shaping them like turkeys, pumpkins, or leaves, kids can proudly add a personal touch to each guest's place setting, making everyone feel welcome.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Mess Level: Low
Setup Time: 5 minutes
Recommended Age Range: 4 and up

Materials:

• Construction paper in fall colors
• Scissors
• Markers
• Glue
• Optional: Googly eyes for turkey name cards

Instructions:

1. Cut the construction paper into turkey, pumpkin, or leaf shapes. Make sure each one is large enough to write a name on.
2. Let kids decorate the cutouts with markers and any embellishments they like, such as googly eyes for turkey name cards.
3. Write each guest's name on a cutout and place it at their spot on the table. Guests will enjoy seeing their personalized cards as they gather for the meal.

Pro Tip:
Turn this craft into a Thanksgiving tradition by allowing kids to make new name cards each year.

Festive Placemats: DIY Placemats to Brighten the Table

Bring vibrant colors and Thanksgiving cheer to your table with these DIY Festive Placemats! Kids can decorate them with seasonal drawings, adding a personal touch that makes every meal feel special. Laminate the placemats for durability, so they can be reused throughout the fall.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Mess Level: Medium
Setup Time: 5 minutes
Recommended Age Range: 3 and up

Materials:

• Large sheets of construction paper or butcher paper
• Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
• Optional: Stickers, stamps, or other decorative items
• Laminator or clear contact paper (for durability)

Instructions:

1. Give each child a large sheet of paper to decorate as a placemat.
2. Encourage them to draw Thanksgiving-themed designs, such as turkeys, pumpkins, fall leaves, and messages of gratitude.
3. Once they’ve finished decorating, laminate the placemats or cover them with clear contact paper to make them durable and easy to wipe clean.
4. Set the placemats on the Thanksgiving table for a festive, personalized touch.

Pro Tip:
These placemats also make great keepsakes to revisit as they create new ones each year!

Thanksgiving Table Runner

Turn your Thanksgiving table into a canvas with a DIY Thanksgiving Table Runner! This fun craft lets kids personalize a strip of brown butcher paper with hand-drawn leaves, turkeys, and gratitude messages. It’s a wonderful way to involve them in the holiday preparations and create a one-of-a-kind centerpiece.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Mess Level: Medium
Setup Time: 5 minutes
Recommended Age Range: 3 and up

Materials:

• Brown butcher paper
• Markers or crayons
• Stickers or stamps (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cut a strip of brown butcher paper long enough to run down the center of your dining table.
2. Let kids decorate the paper with Thanksgiving-themed drawings, such as leaves, turkeys, and messages of gratitude.
3. Encourage them to add names, favorite Thanksgiving foods, or fun patterns for a personal touch.
4. Once decorated, lay the runner on the table and let it be the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving meal.

Pro Tip:
This interactive table runner is sure to spark conversation and smiles during dinner!

Thanksgiving Wreaths and Decorations

Leaf Garland: Make Your Own Garland with Fall Foliage

Capture the beauty of autumn with a DIY Leaf Garland. Using colorful fall leaves and twine, you can create a natural decoration that’s perfect for draping over a fireplace, along a doorway, or down the center of your dining table. This craft is simple yet stunning and adds an earthy, festive touch to your home.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Mess Level: Low
Setup Time: 10 minutes
Recommended Age Range: 4 and up

Materials:

• Colorful fall leaves (fresh or faux)
• Twine or string
• Small clothespins or hole punch

Instructions:

1. Gather a collection of fall leaves in different shapes and colors. If using fresh leaves, be sure they’re dry.
2. Cut a length of twine or string to fit the area where you’d like to hang the garland.
3. Use small clothespins to attach the leaves to the twine, or punch a hole at the base of each leaf and thread the twine through. Space the leaves evenly along the twine.
4. Hang your garland over a mantel, doorway, or table to bring a bit of fall indoors.

Pro Tip:
For a longer-lasting garland, use faux leaves or press fresh leaves in between sheets of wax paper and books overnight.

Handprint Wreaths: Create a Keepsake to Hang on Your Door

Handprint Wreaths are a charming and personal way to celebrate the season! This craft lets kids use their own handprints to create a colorful wreath that can be displayed on the door or wall. It’s a wonderful keepsake that captures the size of little hands as they grow each year.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Mess Level: Low
Setup Time: 10 minutes
Recommended Age Range: 3 and up

Materials:

• Construction paper in various fall colors
• Scissors
• Glue
• Ribbon or string for hanging
• Pencil

Instructions:

1. Help kids trace their hands onto different colors of construction paper, then cut out each handprint.
2. Arrange the handprints in a circular shape, overlapping them slightly to form a wreath. Glue them in place as you go.
3. Once the wreath is complete, add a bow or ribbon to the top for hanging.
4. Hang your handprint wreath on the door or a wall to enjoy all season long.

Pro Tip:
Label each handprint with the child’s name and the year to create a special memory.

Pom-Pom Pumpkins: Soft, Cozy, and Perfect for Fall Decor

Add a cozy touch to your autumn decor with these adorable Pom-Pom Pumpkins. Made from soft yarn and simple supplies, these little pumpkins are perfect for decorating shelves, tables, or a bowl centerpiece. Kids will love creating their own pumpkin patches indoors!

Difficulty Level: Easy
Mess Level: Low
Setup Time: 10 minutes
Recommended Age Range: 5 and up

Materials:

• Orange yarn
• Green felt (for leaves)
• Brown yarn (for stems)
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Wrap the orange yarn around your hand or a small piece of cardboard several times to create a thick loop. Carefully slide the loop off your hand and tie a piece of yarn tightly around the middle.
2. Cut through the loops on both sides to create a pom-pom. Trim as needed for a round shape.
3. Cut small leaves from green felt and attach them to the top of the pom-pom. Use a piece of brown yarn to add a small stem.
4. Arrange your pom-pom pumpkins in a bowl, along a shelf, or wherever you need a festive fall touch.

Pro Tip:
Experiment with different sizes by adjusting the amount of yarn you wrap.

Fall Leaf Wreath

Bring the colors of autumn indoors with this easy Fall Leaf Wreath! Using a simple paper plate as a base, kids can decorate with paper leaves in vibrant fall hues. This wreath is perfect for hanging on doors or walls and makes a wonderful addition to any Thanksgiving decor.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Mess Level: Low
Setup Time: 5 minutes
Recommended Age Range: 3 and up

Materials:

• Paper plates
• Construction paper in fall colors (reds, yellows, oranges, and browns)
• Scissors
• Glue
• Optional: Ribbon for hanging

Instructions:

1. Cut out the center of the paper plate to create a ring, leaving the outer edge intact as the base of the wreath.
2. Cut out leaf shapes from the construction paper, using various colors for a natural fall look.
3. Glue the leaves onto the paper plate ring, layering them to cover the plate entirely.
4. Attach a ribbon at the top for hanging, and display your wreath on a door or wall to celebrate the season.

Pro Tip:
For added texture, use real leaves or dried leaves along with paper leaves.

Thankful Crafts for Kids to Share Gratitude

Thankful Jars: Fill a Jar with Notes of Gratitude

Create a beautiful tradition with a Thankful Jar! This craft invites each family member to write down what they’re grateful for daily. By Thanksgiving, the jar is filled with meaningful notes that can be read together, adding warmth and love to your holiday celebration.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Mess Level: Low
Setup Time: 5 minutes
Recommended Age Range: 3 and up

Materials:

• Clear jar with lid
• Small slips of paper or sticky notes
• Markers or pens
• Decorative items (fall-colored ribbon, stickers, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Decorate the outside of the jar with fall-themed stickers, ribbon, or markers.
2. Place the jar in a central area of the home with a small stack of paper and some pens nearby.
3. Encourage each family member to write down something they are thankful for each day and place it in the jar.
4. On Thanksgiving, gather together to read the notes and share what everyone is grateful for.

Pro Tip:
Make this an annual tradition by labeling the jar with the year and adding it to your Thanksgiving decor each season.

Grateful Rocks: Paint Kind Words and Spread Positivity

Spread gratitude throughout your home or garden with these Grateful Rocks! By painting words of thanks and positivity onto smooth rocks, kids can create meaningful reminders that keep everyone’s spirits high. These simple yet beautiful rocks make wonderful additions to any decor.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Mess Level: Medium
Setup Time: 5 minutes
Recommended Age Range: 5 and up

Materials:

• Smooth rocks
• Acrylic paint
• Paintbrushes
• Permanent markers

Instructions:

1. Begin by painting each rock with a base color, letting it dry completely before adding more layers.
2. Once dry, use permanent markers to write words of gratitude, like “Thankful,” “Blessed,” or “Love,” on each rock. Encourage kids to add simple designs or patterns.
3. Place the rocks around the house, in the garden, or even as table decorations to spread positive messages.

Pro Tip:
Seal the rocks with a clear acrylic spray to make them weather-resistant, so they can be displayed outdoors.

Thank You Cards: Homemade Cards for Family and Friends

Encourage kids to show their gratitude with homemade Thank You Cards. This craft allows children to create personalized cards for family and friends, decorated with markers, stickers, and personal messages. These thoughtful cards are a heartfelt way to express appreciation during the Thanksgiving season.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Mess Level: Low
Setup Time: 5 minutes
Recommended Age Range: 3 and up

Materials:

• Blank cards or cardstock
• Markers or crayons
• Stickers, stamps, or washi tape
• Envelopes

Instructions:

1. Fold each piece of cardstock in half to create a card, or use blank cards.
2. Let kids decorate the front with markers, stickers, or stamps, and write a message of thanks inside.
3. Once completed, place the cards in envelopes and give them to family members, friends, or teachers.

Pro Tip:
Encourage kids to keep a few cards on hand throughout the season to share spontaneous acts of gratitude.

Cornucopia of Thanks

Celebrate the season with a Cornucopia of Thanks! This craft allows family members to write down what they’re thankful for on paper fruits and vegetables, which are then placed inside a paper cornucopia. Display it as a colorful reminder of your family’s blessings during Thanksgiving.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Mess Level: Low
Setup Time: 10 minutes
Recommended Age Range: 3 and up

Materials:

• Brown construction paper for the cornucopia
• Construction paper in various colors for fruits and vegetables
• Scissors
• Markers
• Glue

Instructions:

1. Cut out a cornucopia shape from brown construction paper.
2. Cut out various shapes of fruits and vegetables from the colorful paper, such as apples, pumpkins, carrots, and grapes.
3. Have each family member write something they’re thankful for on one of the fruits or vegetables. Glue the fruits and vegetables spilling out of the cornucopia.
4. Display the completed cornucopia on the wall or fridge as a reminder of everything your family is grateful for this season.

Pro Tip:
Encourage family members to add new fruits and vegetables to the cornucopia throughout the season.

Wrapping Up

Crafting together is an ideal way to nurture creativity and strengthen family bonds. By letting kids take the lead, make their own choices, and dream up new ideas, you create an environment where they can truly express themselves. The real joy is in the process—the giggles, the little messes, and the pride they feel when they show off their creations. These shared moments are the ones that last, building a tapestry of memories that will stay with you both.

Encourage Creativity and Make Memories with Fall Crafts

Why not display their Thanksgiving masterpieces to keep the memories alive? Hang their crafts on the fridge, showcase them on the mantle, or string them along the walls as festive garlands. Each piece adds a splash of fall color and joy to your home, reminding everyone of the fun you had together. For an extra-special touch, set up a “gallery wall” where kids can proudly show off their creations. It’s a great confidence boost and a simple way to cherish these moments together.

Craft Cleanup Tips to Keep the Fun Stress-Free

Crafting with kids is joyful, but cleanup doesn’t have to be a hassle. For a stress-free clean up, cover your workspace with a disposable tablecloth or butcher paper, so you can simply toss messes away. Use washable markers and paints to avoid permanent stains, and keep a “craft bin” nearby stocked with paper towels, wet wipes, and a small trash can. Let kids join the stress-free clean up by turning it into a game, giving them small dustpans or cloths. This way, they learn that tidying up is part of the fun, keeping creativity mess-free and enjoyable!

These 25 fall crafts aren’t just simple projects; they’re ways to bond, express gratitude, and add personal touches to your Thanksgiving celebrations. From beautiful leaf art to heartfelt gratitude jars, each project captures the warmth and joy of the season, making Thanksgiving extra special.

Crafting gives us a chance to slow down, savor the moments, and laugh with those we love. As you celebrate Thanksgiving and enjoy the colors of fall, take time for these simple yet meaningful activities that bring your family together in creativity and fun.

With these ideas in hand, you’re set to make this Thanksgiving one to remember. As the year goes on, keep the spirit of creativity alive, and look forward to more seasonal crafting fun. Here’s to many more cozy, memory-filled crafting days ahead!