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Keeping the kids busy and entertained isn’t always easy during the holiday season.
But these Thanksgiving crafts for kids will definitely do the trick.
Whether you need something to do while the turkey is cooking or need some more DIY Thanksgiving decorations to hang on the fridge, most of these crafts can be completed in 20 minutes or less.
Better yet, you probably already have all the supplies you’ll need — so you’re already halfway there!
READ MORE: 20 kid-friendly Thanksgiving traditions worth starting with your family this year
So, grab that construction paper, stock up on paper plates and prepare to get messy (at least a little bit) because these Thanksgiving craft ideas are so a-maize-ing you’ll want to bring them out year after year!
20 of the Best Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids
Before we get started, let’s make sure you’re prepared for what’s about to go down.
Since some of these crafts involve paint and glue, we recommend covering your work station with newspaper or a plastic tablecloth — because let's be honest, things are bound to get a little messy.
You'll also want to have paper towels and wet wipes within arm's reach for quick cleanups.
Most of these projects use basic craft supplies you probably already have, including construction paper, markers, scissors, glue sticks and googly eyes (because what craft is complete without googly eyes?).
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But keep in mind that a few might call for items like pipe cleaners or fall leaves from your backyard.
Don’t worry, we’ll list the supplies needed for each craft and will include a video showing you how to make each craft step-by-step. All you’ll need to do is make sure your kids have the patience to withstand it all.
20. Thanksgiving centerpiece
Supplies: pool noodle, wine glasses, fake flowers, zip ties, water, tea candles
This is the craft that'll make your kids feel like real interior designers! It's impressive enough to be the star of your Thanksgiving table, but simple enough that kids can take charge of arranging the flowers and choosing the colors.
19. Toilet paper roll turkeys
Supplies: toilet paper roll, scissors, colored construction paper, glue, googly eyes
These little guys are proof that the best crafts come from the most unexpected places! Toilet paper roll turkeys are a classic for a reason — they're quick, adorable and easy to display on the mantel or as place card holders at the dinner table.
18. Magnetic leaf painting
Supplies: construction paper, paint (or markers), stapler, tiny magnets
This interactive craft is basically magic in the eyes of kids! They'll cut colorful fall leaves out of paper, then use magnets hidden behind the sheet to make the leaves "fall" from the tree whenever they want. It’s a great way to teach kids how magnets work.
17. Leaf turkeys
Supplies: glue, fall leaves, construction paper, googly eyes, scissors
This craft is perfect for after a fun afternoon of jumping in leaf piles! Instead of letting all those beautiful fall leaves go to waste, kids can turn them into colorful turkey feathers that make each creation totally unique. No two leaf turkeys will ever look the same!
16. Turkey’s bad hair day
Supplies: construction paper, glue, toilet paper rolls, googly eyes, scissors
This hilarious craft lets kids play hairstylist to a very patient turkey! They'll get a kick out of "cutting" the turkey's wild, extra-long feathers down to size — all while practicing those scissor skills at the same time. Every snip creates a totally different look for the turkey!
15. Paper plate turkey
Supplies: paper plate, construction paper, scissors, dish sponge, paint, googly eyes, glue
Paper plate crafts are a childhood staple for good reason—they're easy, affordable, and always turn out adorable! This turkey version lets kids get creative with sponge painting for a fun textured look that's way more interesting than plain old markers. You can also play with fork painting or finger painting.
14. Blow-up turkey hand
Supplies: construction paper, scissors, glue, disposable glove, solo cup, straw
This craft is an instant hit because it combines art with a little bit of science magic! Kids will be absolutely delighted when they blow into the straw and watch their turkey's "feathers" inflate and stand up tall. It's interactive, it's silly and it never gets old.
13. Thanksgiving hand and feet keepsake
Supplies: construction paper, paint (orange, red, yellow, brown), tiny hands, tiny feet, scissors, glue
Get ready to shed a tear or two with this one! This precious keepsake captures those tiny hands and feet at their current size, making it the perfect "Baby's First Thanksgiving" craft that you'll treasure forever. Do it every year and watch your baby’s turkey painting grow!
12. Pinecone turkey
Supplies: pinecones, paint, paint brush, glue, construction paper (or felt), googly eyes
This craft is perfect for kids who love getting their hands dirty—literally! After a nature walk to collect pinecones, they can transform their finds into adorable (and colorful) 3D turkeys that actually stand up on their own. You can even glue the bottom of the turkey to a wooden platform for easier display.
11. Turkey paper bag book
Supplies: brown paper bags, construction paper, stapler
This clever craft is both a fun activity and a keepsake you'll want to save! Kids can fill each page with drawings of what they're thankful for, turning a simple paper bag into a mini gratitude journal. Plus, the pockets are perfect for tucking in little notes, photos or autumn treasures they've collected.
10. Woven felt placemats
@justlikehomedaycare The kids made these beautiful weaved felt Thanksgiving Placemats! #fyp #fypシ #foryoupage❤️ #over50 #50k❤️ #daycare #childcare #bekind #thanksgiving #kidsoftiktok #weaving #felt #finemotorskills #beautiful #keepsake ♬ original sound - Just Like Home Daycare
Supplies: felt (large sheets), felt (cut into strips), scissors, masking tape
Here's a craft that teaches kids a new skill while creating something actually useful for Thanksgiving dinner! The weaving process is surprisingly calming and helps develop fine motor skills and patience — plus, kids love seeing the colorful pattern come together with each strip they add.
9. Wobbly turkey puppet
@caitlynklesh Wobbly Turkey Puppet 🦃 all you need are the basics for this one! Cut paper, fold it up, and use your glue sticks! The kids will love their wobbly turkey! #toddleractivities #thanksgiving #toddlercrafts #toddlersoftiktok #activitiesforkids ♬ Carefree Days - Peaceful Reveries
Supplies: construction paper, scissors, popsicle sticks, googly eyes, glue
This bouncy little turkey is guaranteed to keep kids entertained long after craft time is over! The accordion-folded feathers create a silly wobbling effect that makes the turkey dance and shake with every movement – and trust us, your kids will want to wave it around constantly.
8. Beaded corn on the cobs
Supplies: pipe cleaners, different colored beads
This colorful craft is perfect for keeping little hands busy while sneaking in some fine motor practice! Threading beads onto pipe cleaners is surprisingly engaging for kids, and they'll love choosing which colors to use for their corn kernels — yellow, orange, red, and even purple (because why not?).
7. Thanksgiving turkey hat
Supplies: construction paper, scissors, glue, tape
Every kid deserves to feel like royalty on Thanksgiving, and this festive turkey crown makes it happen! It's a simple project that transforms into wearable art, and kids absolutely love parading around the house showing off their colorful creation.
6. Flower turkey
Supplies: cardboard, markers (or paint), tiny flowers from outside, something to poke tiny holes with
This craft brilliantly combines art with a mini nature scavenger hunt! Kids will love searching the yard for the perfect tiny flowers to create their turkey's feathers, and swapping them out throughout the season as different blooms appear. It also helps kids fine-tune their motor skills!
5. Thankful tree
@celenakinsey This is my favorite tradition to do every year and it’s especially great for all of my parents who want to do a thankful tree but don’t really want to craft one themselves. Also if it makes you feel better- I don’t have our thankful tree up this year- I’m running a little behind schedule lately 😬. In fact I still have all of my Halloween decorations up…. Has anyone started decorating for Christmas yet??? #thanksgiving #thanksgivingvibes #thanksgivingfun #easydiy #homedecor ♬ original sound - Celena Kinsey
Supplies: vase, branches or twigs, pipe cleaners or string, leaves, markers
This one’s a true Thanksgiving classic — and a heartwarming family tradition in the making. Kids can write one thing they’re thankful for on each paper leaf and hang it from the branches. By the time dinner rolls around, you’ll have a beautiful “thankfulness tree” that doubles as a centerpiece and conversation starter.
4. Thankful turkey accordion folder
Supplies: you can download a template at Education to the Core
This one is similar to the “turkey paper bag book,” but with a different design. Kids can write (or draw) what they’re thankful for on the inside of the book and color the cover as they please with markers or paint. It makes the perfect classroom activity and a good gift to parents.
3. Beaded turkey feathers
Supplies: cardboard, construction paper, scissors, glue, pipe cleaners, beads
This sparkly craft adds a touch of flair to any Thanksgiving table! Kids can glue or draw a turkey body onto cardboard, then use pipe cleaners as feathers and thread colorful beads along each one. It’s fun, hands-on, and makes for a super cute (and shiny) holiday keepsake.
2. Paper origami turkey
Supplies: construction paper, glue, scissors, googly eyes
This one might take a little bit of concentration, but the end result is well worth the effort. The layered accordion feathers give this craft depth and flair, while also making it easy to stand up on its own. It’s a great addition to your centerpiece and can also be placed on a mantel or TV stand.
1. Toilet paper roll pumpkin
Supplies: toilet paper roll, long strips of cardboard, glue, orange paint, brown construction paper
This simple yet adorable craft turns an ordinary toilet paper roll into a festive fall pumpkin! Kids can glue painted cardboard strips around the roll to form the pumpkin’s shape, then add a brown paper stem on top. It’s an easy, no-fuss project that looks great as a table centerpiece or windowsill decoration.
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These children’s Thanksgiving crafts prove that you don’t need fancy tools to make something special.
Each project gives kids a chance to get creative, stay entertained, and feel proud of what they’ve made — while giving parents a few adorable keepsakes (and decorations) to enjoy year after year.
So grab the glue sticks, clear the table and get ready to make memories — because the best Thanksgiving decorations are the ones made by tiny hands and full hearts.
