Amazing Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids DIY: Fun Projects!

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Thanksgiving's just around the corner, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than with some fun and easy thanksgiving crafts for kids diy? Forget the store-bought decorations this year; we're diving into the world of handmade crafts that will not only keep the little ones entertained but also add a personal touch to your holiday celebrations. This article is your go-to guide for creating memorable moments with your kids, turning simple materials into adorable Thanksgiving masterpieces. We'll explore a range of projects, from the super simple for tiny hands to the slightly more intricate for older kids, ensuring there's something for everyone. Get ready to unleash your creativity and transform your home into a Thanksgiving wonderland with these easy and fun diy projects. We'll cover easy crafts for little hands, decorations that kids will love to make, and creative ideas using simple everyday materials. So, grab your craft supplies, gather the kids, and let's get started!

Easy Thanksgiving Crafts for Little Hands

Handprint Turkeys

Okay, let's talk about the absolute easiest, most adorable craft ever: handprint turkeys. Seriously, what's cuter than a kid’s hand transformed into a feathery friend? All you need is some construction paper, paint, and those precious little hands. You can use brown, red, yellow, and orange paint. Help your little one cover their hand with paint, then press it onto the paper. Once it dries, add googly eyes, a beak, and some little legs. Voila! You've got a personalized turkey that's perfect for decorating the fridge or sending to grandma. Trust me, these are always a hit.

Now, if you're feeling a bit more adventurous, you can try making handprint turkey cards. Fold a piece of cardstock in half, and then do the handprint trick on the front. You can add a little message inside like, “Happy Thanksgiving!” or "Gobble Gobble!". These are perfect for giving as gifts or sending to family members who live far away. It's a simple, sweet, and memorable way for the little ones to get involved in the holiday. Plus, it's a great keepsake to look back on in the years to come. Don't forget to add some glitter for extra sparkle if you're feeling fancy.

Paper Plate Pumpkins

Next up, let's get those paper plates working for us! Paper plate pumpkins are another super easy and fun craft that even the littlest hands can manage. Grab some orange paint, paper plates, and maybe some green construction paper for the stem. Let the kids go wild painting the plates orange. Once they're dry, you can cut out little green stems and glue them on top. If you’re feeling extra, add some black construction paper triangles for eyes and a mouth to make a jack-o'-lantern, or leave it plain for a classic pumpkin. It’s a fantastic way to let them express themselves and create some festive decor without too much fuss.

For a bit of variation, you can use different shades of orange paint or even add some yellow or white to make the pumpkins look more realistic. You can also use markers or crayons to draw patterns on the pumpkins, like stripes or polka dots. These paper plate pumpkins look great strung together as a garland or just hanging around the house. They're a simple way to add a touch of Thanksgiving cheer to any room. And the best part? Clean-up is a breeze, which is always a win in my book. Remember, imperfection is part of the charm with little kid crafts!

DIY Thanksgiving Decorations Kids Will Love

Colorful Leaf Garlands

Okay, let's talk about bringing some of the outdoors inside with colorful leaf garlands! This is a fantastic way to use those beautiful fall leaves that are all over the place right now. Go on a nature walk with the kids and collect leaves of different shapes, sizes, and colors. Make sure they're nice and dry before you start. Now, grab some string or twine, and let the kids start attaching the leaves. You can use glue or tape, whatever works best. You can even add some little pinecones or acorns for an extra touch. These garlands look amazing hanging on the mantel, draped across a window, or even as a centerpiece for the Thanksgiving table. It's a simple project, but it really brings the fall vibe into your home.

For a twist, you can have the kids paint the leaves with metallic colors like gold or silver before stringing them up. This adds a bit of sparkle and makes the garland even more festive. Another idea is to use cookie cutters to trace shapes on construction paper, cut them out, and then decorate them to look like fall leaves. This is great if you're in an area where real leaves are scarce or if you just want to add some extra color. The best thing about this craft is that it’s very adaptable; you can make it as simple or as detailed as you like. The kids will love seeing their creations on display, and it's a great way to involve them in decorating for Thanksgiving.

Turkey Pinecone Pals

Alright, who doesn't love a cute little turkey? Let's make some adorable turkey pals using pinecones! This craft is perfect for using those pinecones you've been collecting. You'll need some pinecones, of course, as well as some construction paper in various colors, googly eyes, and glue. Cut out feather shapes from the construction paper, and then glue them to the back of the pinecone to create the turkey's tail. Add googly eyes and a little beak to the front of the pinecone, and there you have it – a cute little turkey pal! You can get creative with the colors and shapes of the feathers, making each turkey unique.

These little guys are perfect for decorating shelves, the Thanksgiving table, or even as little gifts for friends and family. You can also add some small pipe cleaners for legs to make them stand up, or even glue them onto small wooden bases for extra stability. This craft is a great way to encourage kids to use their imagination and create something truly special. And let’s be honest, who can resist a cute little turkey that they made themselves? The best part is that it uses natural materials, which is always a win in my book. Plus, it's a great way to get the kids outside to collect the pinecones before the crafting fun begins.

Thankful Jar

Now, let’s talk about something a bit more meaningful: a Thankful Jar. This isn't just a decoration; it's a way to encourage kids to think about what they're grateful for. Grab a jar—any size will do—and some small pieces of paper or colorful craft sticks. Decorate the jar with some paint, ribbons, or stickers to make it festive. Then, have everyone write down things they are thankful for on the pieces of paper or craft sticks. Place them in the jar, and throughout the month of November, you can pull them out and read them together. It’s a simple way to get everyone thinking about the good things in their lives.

You can make this into a family tradition and bring out the thankful jar every year. It’s a great way to reflect on the past year and see what everyone's grateful for. You can even use different colored paper or sticks for different family members, making it easy to see who wrote what. The Thankful Jar not only adds a personal touch to your Thanksgiving decorations, but it also fosters a sense of gratitude and appreciation within your family. Plus, it's a lovely keepsake to look back on in the years to come. It’s a craft that keeps on giving, promoting positivity and thankfulness throughout the holiday season.

Creative Thanksgiving Crafts Using Simple Materials

Paper Roll Turkeys

Alright, let’s talk about turning trash into treasure with paper roll turkeys! Seriously, those empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls are just begging to be turned into something fun. Grab your stash of cardboard rolls, some paint, construction paper, and googly eyes. First, let the kids paint the rolls brown – this will be the turkey’s body. Once the paint is dry, cut out some feather shapes from different colors of construction paper and glue them to the back of the roll. Add googly eyes and a little beak, and boom! You've got a super cute, upcycled turkey. These little guys are perfect for setting on shelves or even using as place card holders for your Thanksgiving dinner. Plus, it’s a great way to teach kids about recycling while having fun.

To make them even more festive, you can add glitter to the feathers or use patterned paper for an extra pop of color. You can also use markers to draw on details like little feet or a snood. If you're feeling ambitious, you could even create a whole flock of these turkeys and set them up as a centerpiece. The best part is that this craft is super adaptable; you can use whatever you have on hand to make each turkey unique. And let’s be honest, it's always a bit satisfying to turn something that would’ve ended up in the trash into a cute decoration. The kids absolutely love this craft because it's easy, fun, and they get to show off their creativity.

Beaded Pipe Cleaner Pumpkins

Okay, now let’s get a little crafty with some pipe cleaners and beads! This is a great craft for developing fine motor skills while making something super cute. Grab some orange pipe cleaners and some colorful beads – orange, yellow, brown, and green work well. Start by bending the pipe cleaner into a circle, then twisting the ends together to secure it. Now the fun part: let the kids start threading the beads onto the pipe cleaner. Once they’ve covered most of the pipe cleaner with beads, bend it slightly to make it look more like a pumpkin shape. Add a little green pipe cleaner stem on top, and voila! You've got a cute little beaded pumpkin. These are perfect for decorating, adding to a garland, or even making into little keychains.

For a bit of variety, you can use different colored pipe cleaners or even try twisting two pipe cleaners together for a thicker pumpkin. You can also add some small googly eyes or a little mouth made from felt to create a mini jack-o'-lantern. These beaded pumpkins are not only fun to make but also a great way to add a touch of fall to your home. The kids will love the tactile nature of the craft, and it's a great way to keep them entertained and engaged. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any leftover beads you might have lying around. And let's be honest, who doesn't love a sparkly, beaded pumpkin? It's a fun and easy craft that the kids will be proud to display.