Amazing Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids to Make This Year

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Hey there, crafty kids and awesome adults! Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than with some super fun "thanksgiving crafts for kids to make"? I’m so excited to share a bunch of cool ideas that’ll keep little hands busy and creative minds buzzing. We’re not just talking about any old crafts; we’re diving into projects that are easy to do, look amazing, and even teach you a thing or two about what Thanksgiving is all about. Get ready to make some adorable turkeys, decorate your house with festive flair, and play some seriously fun Thanksgiving games! This article is your go-to guide for all things crafty this holiday. We'll start with some simple crafts perfect for little ones, then move onto some more challenging projects for older kids. And of course, we won't forget about some awesome activities and games to keep everyone entertained. So grab your scissors, glue, and a big dose of enthusiasm, let’s get crafting!

Easy Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids to Make

Handprint Turkeys: A Classic for a Reason

Okay, let's start with a super simple and always adorable craft: handprint turkeys! Seriously, who doesn't love a good handprint craft? It's like a little time capsule of how tiny those hands once were. All you need is some construction paper (brown, red, orange, and yellow are great), some googly eyes, and a bit of glue. Trace your kiddo's hand on the brown paper, cut it out, and then let them decorate it with feathers and a little beak. It's so easy, even the littlest ones can get involved. And the best part? You can turn it into a cute card for grandma and grandpa!

I remember when my niece made one of these, she was so proud of her 'turkey hand' she showed it to everyone in the house. She even tried to feed it some leftover mashed potatoes. That's how you know a craft is a hit, when it becomes part of their imaginary world. These handprint turkeys are also great for teaching colors and shapes, so it’s educational and fun!

Paper Plate Turkey: Round and Ready to Go

Next up, we have the paper plate turkey. This one's another winner because, let's face it, paper plates are like the superheroes of the craft world. You can find them anywhere, and they're super cheap. Grab some paper plates, paint, construction paper, and maybe some feathers if you're feeling fancy. Have your kids paint the paper plate brown or any color they like, then cut out some feather shapes from the construction paper. Glue the feathers to the back of the plate, add some googly eyes and a beak, and voila! A cute little turkey that's ready to strut its stuff. You can even add a little wattle – that's the red dangly thing under the beak – for extra turkey-ness.

Leaf Turkeys: Nature's Beauty

Now, for something a little different, let's bring the outdoors in with some leaf turkeys! This is perfect if you've got some colorful fall leaves lying around. Go on a little leaf hunt with your kiddos, then bring them home to turn them into turkeys. Get some paper, glue, and markers or crayons. Glue the leaves onto the paper to make the turkey's feathers, then draw or cut out a little turkey body, beak, and eyes. It's a great way to talk about nature and the changing seasons while making something beautiful. The best part about this craft is that every turkey will be unique, just like the leaves you find.

Fun Thanksgiving Activities and Games for Children

Turkey Tag: Get Moving!

Alright, let's get those little turkeys moving! Turkey Tag is a super simple game that’s perfect for burning off some pre-dinner energy. You just need a designated "turkey" – maybe someone wears a silly hat or has a feather stuck on them. The turkey chases the other kids, and when they tag someone, that person becomes the new turkey. It’s like regular tag, but with a festive twist. I've seen kids play this in the backyard, at the park, even indoors if you have enough space. The giggles are guaranteed, and it gets everyone active. Plus, it's a great way to get the wiggles out before settling down for the big meal.

I remember one Thanksgiving, my cousins and I played this game so much that we were all out of breath and red-faced, but we couldn't stop laughing. It's amazing how something so simple can create such fun memories. And the best part is, it doesn’t require any special equipment, just a bit of open space and a whole lot of energy. So, get ready to chase and be chased!

"I'm Thankful For" Scavenger Hunt: A Game of Gratitude

Now, let’s combine fun with a little bit of thankfulness. The "I'm Thankful For" Scavenger Hunt is a great way to get kids thinking about what they appreciate. Before the big day, create a list of things to find – things like “something that makes you happy,” “something that smells good,” or “something you can share.” Then, hide these items or pictures of them around the house or yard. Give the kids the list and let them go on a hunt, explaining why they're thankful for each item. It's a great way to encourage them to reflect on the good things in their lives while having some fun. I've seen this game spark some really sweet conversations, and it’s always heartwarming to hear what kids are grateful for.

For example, one little girl found a picture of her family and said she was thankful for always having someone to play with. It's moments like these that make the game so special. So, get those lists ready and let the gratitude hunt begin! It’s a nice break from the usual games and helps everyone appreciate the day a little bit more.

Pin the Feather on the Turkey: A Silly Twist

Okay, who doesn't love a good game of "pin the tail on the donkey?" Well, let's give it a Thanksgiving makeover with "Pin the Feather on the Turkey!" Draw a big turkey on a piece of poster board or use a large printout. Then, cut out some paper feathers. Blindfold the kids one by one, spin them around a few times (just enough to make it fun, not dizzy!), and have them try to pin the feather on the turkey. The closest feather wins! It's a classic party game that's always a hit, and it’s super easy to set up. Plus, the pictures of kids trying to pin the feather while blindfolded are always hilarious!

I remember at my cousin's birthday, we played this game with a unicorn tail and the kids laughed so much they were crying. These kinds of games are simple but provide so much joy. So get that turkey drawn, cut out those feathers, and let the pinning begin! It's a perfect game for all ages, and it’s a great way to get everyone involved.

Creative Thanksgiving Decorations Kids Can Make

Thankful Garland: Stringing Up Gratitude

Okay, let's get into some decorations that’ll make your house feel like a Thanksgiving wonderland. First up, we’ve got the Thankful Garland. This is a super cute and easy way to add some festive flair while also getting everyone thinking about what they're grateful for. Grab some construction paper, scissors, and string or twine. Cut out leaf or turkey shapes from the paper, and then have everyone write down what they're thankful for on each shape. Once everyone is done, string them all together to create a beautiful garland that you can hang up in your house. It's like a visual reminder of all the good things in your life. I love how personal this decoration can be, and it's always fun to read what everyone comes up with!

I remember one year, my little cousin wrote that she was thankful for her pet hamster, and it was the cutest thing ever. It just goes to show that even the smallest things can bring so much joy. Plus, it's a great way to get the whole family involved in the decorating process. These garlands are not only beautiful, but also serve as a conversation starter. It’s a win-win! So, get those scissors out and start cutting, because it’s time to make a garland of gratitude.

Candy Corn Turkey Favors: Sweet Treats

Alright, who's ready for some sweet treats? Let's make some Candy Corn Turkey Favors! These are not only adorable but also super easy to put together, making them perfect for little hands. You'll need some clear plastic gloves, candy corn, and some small googly eyes and paper for the beak. Fill each glove with candy corn, making sure to leave a little space at the bottom to tie it up. Once you’re done, tie the glove with a ribbon. Then, glue the googly eyes and the beak on the glove, and you have a super cute turkey favor. These are perfect for giving to friends and family, or even for using as place settings at the Thanksgiving dinner table. I’ve seen these at parties, and they always get a ton of smiles. They’re festive, fun, and best of all, delicious!

I remember making these with my nieces and nephews, and they absolutely loved filling the gloves with candy corn. It was a bit messy, but it was totally worth it. Plus, it’s a great way to use up all that extra candy corn. So, grab those gloves and candy corn, because it's time to make some sweet turkey favors that everyone will love. It’s a fun way to add a personal touch to your Thanksgiving celebration.

Paper Bag Scarecrows: Cute and Crafty

Finally, let's make some adorable Paper Bag Scarecrows! These are super cute and add a touch of rustic charm to your Thanksgiving decorations. You’ll need some paper bags, construction paper, glue, markers, and some bits of yarn or raffia for hair. First, stuff the paper bags with some newspaper or cotton balls to give them a nice, plump shape. Then, let your kids decorate the bags with construction paper to create the scarecrow’s face, hat, and clothes. Use markers to add details, and glue on the yarn or raffia for hair. These little scarecrows are so fun to make, and they look adorable displayed around the house. They're a great way to bring a bit of the farm to your Thanksgiving celebration. I’ve seen these used as centerpieces on tables, and they always look amazing!

I remember one year, my class made these for a school project, and it was so much fun to see all the different personalities each scarecrow had. Some were silly, some were serious, but they were all unique. So, grab those paper bags, get creative, and start crafting some cute scarecrows that will bring a smile to everyone's face. These are easy to customize, making them a perfect craft for all ages. It's time to bring a little bit of the harvest to your home!