13 Thanksgiving Craft For Kids Elementary
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to bring out the creativity in kids while teaching them about gratitude and the spirit of the holiday.
Crafting is an excellent way for elementary-age children to engage in fun, hands-on activities while making adorable Thanksgiving decorations.
Whether at home or in the classroom, these crafts will inspire little hands to create something special for the season.
Thanksgiving Craft For Kids Elementary
Crafts offer kids the opportunity to express themselves artistically while also improving fine motor skills and encouraging imaginative play.
These Thanksgiving-themed projects incorporate seasonal elements such as turkeys, pumpkins, and fall leaves, making them the perfect holiday activity for elementary students.
Plus, they are easy, mess-free, and use materials you likely already have at home or in the classroom.
What You Might Need
Before starting these craft projects, gather basic supplies such as construction paper, glue, scissors, markers, fabric, googly eyes, feathers, and paint.
Having a prepared crafting station will make these activities smooth and enjoyable.
1. Handprint Turkey Keepsake
How to Make It
- Trace your child’s hand on a piece of construction paper.
- Cut out the handprint and use different colored paper for the turkey’s feathers.
- Attach googly eyes and an orange beak to complete the face.
- Write a message of gratitude on the turkey’s belly.
Picture This
A colorful, heartfelt turkey made from tiny handprints, capturing a memory of your child’s Thanksgiving celebration.
Find more creative Thanksgiving craft ideas.
2. Paper Plate Pilgrim Hats
How to Make It
- Use a black paper plate and cut out a circle in the center.
- Attach a rectangular strip to create the top of the hat.
- Add a yellow buckle using construction paper for decoration.
- Let kids personalize with their names or Thanksgiving messages.
Picture This
A fun and easy Pilgrim hat craft that kids can wear during Thanksgiving dinner.
Explore more fall craft ideas for kids.
3. Thanksgiving Gratitude Jar
How to Make It
- Decorate an empty jar with Thanksgiving-themed stickers, ribbons, or paint.
- Cut small slips of paper and encourage kids to write things they are thankful for.
- Read the notes together on Thanksgiving Day.
Picture This
A gratitude-filled jar reminding kids to appreciate the little things in life.
4. Turkey Finger Puppets
How to Make It
- Cut out small turkey shapes from felt or construction paper.
- Glue feathers and googly eyes onto each puppet.
- Attach a loop at the back to fit on a child’s finger.
Picture This
A fun set of Thanksgiving-themed finger puppets, perfect for storytelling.
Check out more fun Thanksgiving crafts.
5. Fall Leaf Stamping
How to Make It
- Collect leaves from outside.
- Dip them in paint and press onto paper to create beautiful fall prints.
- Use different colors for a vibrant Thanksgiving masterpiece.
Picture This
A gallery of colorful leaf prints, celebrating the beauty of autumn.
See more creative fall crafting ideas.
6. DIY Pumpkin Centerpiece
How to Make It
- Use small pumpkins as a base.
- Paint or decorate them with glitter and fall stickers.
- Arrange them as a centerpiece for the Thanksgiving table.
Picture This
A gorgeous, handmade pumpkin centerpiece perfect for the dinner table.
7. Paper Corn Mosaic
How to Make It
- Cut out a corn shape from yellow construction paper.
- Tear small pieces of colored paper and glue them to the corn to resemble kernels.
- Add green husks with paper cutouts.
Picture This
A vibrant, textured corn craft that brings a pop of color to Thanksgiving decorations.
8. Thanksgiving Handprint Wreath
How to Make It
- Cut out multiple handprints in fall colors.
- Arrange them in a circle to form a wreath.
- Add a ribbon bow for decoration.
Picture This
A festive, handmade wreath displaying little hands of gratitude.
9. Pilgrim and Native American Paper Dolls
How to Make It
- Use cardstock to cut out basic paper dolls.
- Dress them up using construction paper and markers to create Pilgrims and Native Americans.
- Let kids act out the first Thanksgiving story.
Picture This
A playful way for kids to learn about Thanksgiving history through hands-on crafting.
Explore more Thanksgiving craft ideas.
10. Feather Painting
How to Make It
- Use real feathers as paintbrushes.
- Dip them in different colored paints.
- Create unique textures and patterns on paper.
Picture This
A creative masterpiece made using feathers, capturing the colors of fall.
11. Thanksgiving Story Stones
How to Make It
- Collect smooth stones and paint Thanksgiving symbols on them (turkeys, pumpkins, Pilgrims, etc.).
- Use them as storytelling prompts.
Picture This
A collection of beautifully painted stones helping kids tell their own Thanksgiving tales.
12. Thanksgiving Garland
How to Make It
- Cut out paper leaves and have kids write what they are thankful for.
- String them together to create a festive garland.
Picture This
A warm, meaningful decoration that reminds the whole family to express gratitude.
13. Cupcake Liner Turkeys
How to Make It
- Use colorful cupcake liners as turkey feathers.
- Attach a small paper turkey face in the center.
- Glue onto popsicle sticks to turn them into turkey puppets.
Picture This
A set of cute, easy-to-make turkey puppets that kids will love playing with.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving crafts bring creativity, learning, and fun together in one activity.
Whether making decorations, keepsakes, or festive accessories, these crafts will help kids celebrate Thanksgiving in a hands-on way. Which craft will your kids enjoy the most?