Amazing Thanksgiving crafts for kids: Fun and Easy Ideas

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Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and what better way to get the little ones involved than with some super fun "crafts for kids thanksgiving"? Forget the store-bought decorations, we’re making memories this year! This isn't just about keeping tiny hands busy; it's about sparking creativity, learning a thing or two, and making this holiday extra special. In this article, we're going to explore a bunch of awesome craft ideas that even the littlest turkeys can handle. We'll start with some easy-peasy crafts that are perfect for preschoolers, then move onto some more engaging activities and games to keep the fun going. And don't think we've forgotten about the treats! We'll even whip up some simple decorations and snacks that kids can help make. So, grab your glue sticks, your glitter, and your little helpers, and let's get crafting!

Easy Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids

Paper Plate Turkey Fun

Alright, let's kick things off with a classic: paper plate turkeys! These are ridiculously easy and always a hit. Grab some paper plates—the cheap kind works just fine—and let your little ones go wild with paint. Brown, orange, red, yellow, whatever they fancy. Once the paint is dry, it's feather time! You can use actual feathers from a craft store, or get creative with construction paper. Cut out some feather shapes, let the kids decorate them, and then glue them onto the back of the plate. Add some googly eyes and a little beak cut from orange paper, and bam, you've got a turkey ready to gobble! It's a great way to use those extra paper plates and makes for a super cute decoration.

I remember when my niece made one of these. She decided the turkey needed glitter. It ended up looking like a disco turkey, and it was awesome. The point is, there's no wrong way to do it. It's all about having fun and letting their imaginations run wild. And the best part? It’s a craft that even the tiniest hands can help with, making it a perfect family activity. Plus, you can even use the finished turkeys as place settings for the Thanksgiving table!

Handprint Turkey Keepsakes

Next up, let's get a little sentimental with handprint turkeys! These are not only fun to make, but they also create a precious keepsake that you can cherish for years to come. All you need is some construction paper – brown for the turkey's body and other colors for the feathers. Have your child spread their fingers wide and trace their hand onto the brown paper. That’s your turkey’s body. Cut it out. Then, trace their hand on different colored paper for the feathers. Let them cut out the feathers, too, if they’re old enough to use scissors safely. Glue the handprint body onto a piece of paper and arrange the colorful handprint feathers around it. Add a googly eye and a small orange triangle for the beak. Voila! A turkey made with love.

I love this craft because it's so personal. It captures a moment in time, a snapshot of how small their hands once were. Every year, when you pull out these handprint turkeys, you'll be reminded of the joy of making them together. You can even write their name and the year on the back to make it even more special. It is something that parents, grandparents, and even the kids themselves will appreciate. And the mess is minimal, which is always a bonus!

Fun Thanksgiving Activities and Games

Turkey Tag, Anyone?

Okay, crafts are cool, but let's get moving! Time for some "Fun Thanksgiving Activities and Games"! First up, a super simple game: Turkey Tag. It's just like regular tag, but with a Thanksgiving twist. You can use a small stuffed turkey, a picture of a turkey taped to a soft ball, or even just a beanbag as the "turkey." The person who's "it" chases the others, and if they tag someone with the turkey, that person becomes "it." It’s a great way to get the kids running around and burning off some energy before the big feast. Plus, it's ridiculously easy to set up, and you probably already have everything you need lying around the house.

I’ve seen this game turn into a full-blown family affair, with adults joining in and everyone laughing like crazy. It's not about winning; it’s all about having fun together. You can even add some funny rules, like hopping while you're "it" or making turkey noises while you run. The sillier, the better! It’s a simple game, but it’s guaranteed to get everyone in the Thanksgiving spirit and create some fun memories.

Pin the Feather on the Turkey

Next, let's try a classic game with a Thanksgiving makeover: Pin the Feather on the Turkey. You’ll need a large picture of a turkey without feathers – you can draw one or print one out. Then, cut out some paper feathers. Write each child’s name on a feather. Blindfold the kids one at a time, spin them around gently, and let them try to pin their feather onto the turkey. The closest feather to where the feathers should be wins! It's a silly and fun game that’s perfect for all ages and it always brings lots of laughter. It's a good way to practice their hand-eye coordination, too.

It’s funny how often the feathers end up nowhere near where they’re supposed to be. I remember one time a feather ended up on the turkey's head, making it look like a unicorn-turkey hybrid. It's these kinds of silly moments that make the game so enjoyable. And the best part is, you can make it as challenging or easy as you want, depending on the age of the kids playing. It's all about having a good time and sharing some laughs.

• Large picture of a turkey (no feathers)
• Paper feathers
• Blindfold
• Tape or pins

Thanksgiving Decorations and Treats Kids Can Make

Leaf Garland Magic

Alright, let's switch gears from games to decorations! And what says "fall" more than colorful leaves? We're going to make a super simple leaf garland that even the littlest hands can help with. Take the kids on a nature walk and collect some pretty leaves. The more colors the better! Once you're back home, get some string or twine and some clothespins. Simply clip the leaves onto the string, and voila! A beautiful, natural garland ready to hang. It's a great way to bring the outdoors inside and it's so easy to put together. You can hang it on the mantle, across a window, or even in the kids' rooms to add a touch of fall festivity.

I remember one year my son insisted on adding acorns to our leaf garland. It was a bit lumpy, but it was his creation, and it looked awesome. The point is, let the kids take the lead. This isn't about perfection; it's about creating something together. It is a great way to teach kids about nature and the changing seasons, and it is a fun way to add some fall flair to your Thanksgiving decorations. Plus, it's practically free, which is always a win!

Candy Corn Favors

Now, let's talk treats! These candy corn favors are not only adorable but also super easy to make and they are always a hit with the kids. You'll need some clear plastic treat bags, candy corn, and some ribbon or string. Simply fill the bags with candy corn, tie them up with a ribbon, and you're done! You can also add a small tag that says "Happy Thanksgiving" or "Thankful for You" to make it extra special. These little treats are perfect for setting at each place setting or handing out as party favors. It’s a simple project that makes a big impact, and it is a great way to get everyone excited for the big day.

I've seen kids get so excited about making these, and they are even more excited to give them away. It's a great way to teach them about sharing and gratitude. And let’s be honest, who doesn't love candy corn? These little favors are a sweet and simple way to add a personal touch to your Thanksgiving celebration. They are also an easy way to manage the kids sugar intake! It is a win-win for everyone!

Turkey Treat Cups

Let’s make some more turkey-themed goodies! For this, we're making turkey treat cups, which are both cute and functional. You need some clear plastic cups, some construction paper, googly eyes, and glue. Cut out some turkey feather shapes from different colored construction paper and glue them to the back of the cup. Then, glue on some googly eyes and a small orange triangle for the beak. You can fill the cups with small treats like pretzels, popcorn, or even some more candy corn. These treat cups are perfect for little hands to hold and they are a fun way to serve snacks on Thanksgiving Day. They are also a great way to recycle those extra cups from your last party.

I always love seeing the kids’ faces light up when they see these treat cups. It’s the little things that make the day special, and these little turkeys are sure to bring a smile to everyone's face. They're not just a snack holder; they're a little piece of Thanksgiving art, and they are something the kids will be proud of. And the best part? It’s a craft that they can help with from start to finish, making it an engaging activity for the whole family.