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Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to get creative with the little ones. If you’re looking to engage your kids in some festive fun, you’re in the right place. We’ve curated a list of delightful DIY Thanksgiving crafts that are not only easy to create but also a great way to keep the kids entertained. These crafts will add a personal touch to your holiday decor, allowing your kids to express their creativity while making cherished memories.
1. Pinecone Turkeys
Transform ordinary pinecones into adorable turkey decorations that capture the spirit of Thanksgiving. These cute crafts are a perfect blend of natural elements and vibrant colors, using felt and pom-poms for feathers and eyes. Let your kids pick their favorite colors to personalize each turkey and arrange them around the house for a festive touch.
How to Make It:
- Gather pinecones and clean off any dirt.
- Cut colorful felt into feather shapes.
- Glue pom-poms for eyes on the pinecone.
- Attach felt feathers to the back of the pinecone.
- Allow all glued parts to dry before displaying.
Shop the Look:
Dos & Don’ts:
- Do ensure supervision when handling glue.
- Don’t use heavy cones that are hard to manage.
- Do encourage kids to mix and match colors.
- Don’t forget to add a little name tag for a fun twist!
2. Leaf Place Cards
Create charming autumn-themed place cards using pressed leaves, giving your Thanksgiving table a rustic and personalized touch. These nature-inspired crafts are simple yet elegant, using a combination of fall leaves and craft paper to make each setting unique.
How to Make It:
- Collect an assortment of colorful fall leaves and press them flat.
- Cut craft paper into small rectangle cards.
- Glue a pressed leaf onto each card.
- Write the guest’s name with a gold or silver marker.
- Allow them to dry completely before placing them on your table.
Shop the Look:
Dos & Don’ts:
- Do choose leaves in various shapes and colors.
- Don’t use damp leaves; ensure they are thoroughly dried.
- Do encourage kids to practice their writing skills.
- Don’t forget to press leaves for a few days before crafting.
3. Paper Plate Pilgrim Hats
Get your kids involved in creating their very own Pilgrim hats using simple paper plates and construction paper. These charming hats are an ideal craft for teaching kids about Thanksgiving history while adding a homemade touch to their festive outfit.
How to Make It:
- Cut the center out of a paper plate, leaving a ring around the edge.
- Cut a strip and a square from black construction paper for the band and top.
- Glue the black square to the center cutout to form the hat top.
- Attach the strip around the ring for the hat band.
- Decorate with a buckle cut from yellow paper and wear proudly!
Shop the Look:
Dos & Don’ts:
- Do let kids personalize with additional colors or stickers.
- Don’t forget to measure head sizes for fit.
- Do discuss the Pilgrims’ role in Thanksgiving while crafting.
- Don’t use sharp scissors; child-safe ones are best.
4. Handprint Turkey Art
Encourage your kids to create memorable Thanksgiving art with handprint turkeys. A fun and interactive activity, these paper turkeys will be a cherished keepsake for years to come.
How to Make It:
- Trace your child’s hand on a piece of construction paper.
- Cut out the handprint and glue it onto a different colored paper.
- Use markers to draw turkey features on the thumb and feathers on the fingers.
- Decorate with googly eyes and a small felt beak.
- Hang the artwork on the wall for a festive touch.
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Dos & Don’ts:
- Do use vibrant colors for a lively look.
- Don’t rush through tracing and cutting.
- Do share stories about Thanksgiving traditions while crafting.
- Don’t forget a protective surface for marker use.
5. Gratitude Pumpkins
Cultivate an attitude of gratitude with these easy-to-make paper pumpkins. Encourage kids to express thankfulness by writing down what they’re grateful for on each cut-out strip.
How to Make It:
- Cut orange construction paper into strips.
- Write things the kids are thankful for on each strip.
- Bend each strip into a loop and staple it with the others to form a pumpkin shape.
- Add a green strip on top for a stem.
- Display as a festive centerpiece or personal decor piece.
Shop the Look:
Dos & Don’ts:
- Do encourage meaningful gratitude expressions.
- Don’t staple too many strips together; use 8-10 for best shape.
- Do let kids experiment with different color patterns for creativity.
- Don’t forget to supervise use of stapler.
6. Yarn Wrapped Pumpkins
Introduce kids to the joy of crafting with yarn by creating these adorable yarn-wrapped pumpkins. This activity helps develop fine motor skills while adding a cozy aesthetic to your Thanksgiving decor.
How to Make It:
- Cut cardboard into circular or oval pumpkin shapes.
- Wrap orange yarn around the cardboard until fully covered.
- Secure the ends with glue or tape.
- Add green yarn at the top for a stem.
- Arrange them as a decorative display or centerpiece.
Shop the Look:
Dos & Don’ts:
- Do encourage kids to wrap loosely or tightly for different effects.
- Don’t cut cardboard too large; smaller shapes are easier for little hands.
- Do let them use multicolored yarn for a fun twist.
- Don’t forget to tuck yarn ends securely.
7. Corn Husk Dolls
Teach kids about historical crafts with these classic corn husk dolls. Simple yet substantial, these dolls are perfect for telling stories and decorating your Thanksgiving space.
How to Make It:
- Soak corn husks in water until flexible.
- Fold and tie husks to form a head and body shape.
- Tie smaller husks or strips for arms and clothing.
- Decorate with markers or remaining felt pieces as desired.
- Allow to dry before arranging in a harvest scene.
Shop the Look:
Dos & Don’ts:
- Do allow time for husks to soak thoroughly.
- Don’t use synthetic husks; natural ones work best.
- Do talk about historical uses of corn husk dolls.
- Don’t hesitate to let creativity shine with accessories.
8. Feathered Headbands
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a nod to Native American culture by making feathered headbands. These headbands are a vibrant yet respectful approach to learning about traditions and creating festive attire.
How to Make It:
- Cut a strip of paper or felt to fit around the child’s head.
- Attach colorful feathers along the strip using glue.
- Decorate with patterns or other embellishments as desired.
- Allow glue to dry, then fit the headband for comfort.
- Wear as part of a Thanksgiving celebration or parade.
Shop the Look:
Dos & Don’ts:
- Do discuss cultural significance sensitively with children.
- Don’t overfill with feathers; ensure balance and comfort.
- Do allow for self-expression with extra decorations.
- Don’t forget to adjust size for fit.
9. Paper Bag Turkey Puppets
Inspire creativity and laughter with these interactive paper bag turkey puppets. Kids will enjoy crafting their new friends and staging Thanksgiving puppet shows.
How to Make It:
- Open the paper bag and place it flat.
- Decorate the bag using construction paper cutouts for turkey feathers, wings, and beak.
- Glue googly eyes on the front for a fun touch.
- Use markers to add details and let dry completely.
- Once done, use as a hand puppet for creative play.
Shop the Look:
Dos & Don’ts:
- Do let kids be part of a puppet show presentation.
- Don’t overcrowd bag surfaces; keep decorations fun but simple.
- Do involve storytelling about Thanksgiving.
- Don’t forget to use child-safe glue.
10. Acorn Necklaces
Make the most of autumn’s bounty with these delightful acorn necklaces, perfect for seasonal accessorizing and crafting.
How to Make It:
- Collect and clean acorns, removing dirt.
- Drill a small hole through each cap.
- Thread twine or string through the holes, knotting in between.
- Decorate with beads or painted elements.
- Wear proudly or gift as a thoughtful homemade present.
Shop the Look:
Dos & Don’ts:
- Do explore all acorn sizes and shapes.
- Don’t let small children handle drilling parts.
- Do encourage personalized necklace designs.
- Don’t forget to tie secure knots.
