These simple, messy paper plate Thanksgiving crafts for kids use materials you probably already have stuffed in a drawer somewhere, and they work for kids of any age. Once your kids create these masterpieces, you’ll have instant Thanksgiving decor that literally doesn’t cost a thing!
1. Paper Plate Turkey
Materials:
- Paper plate
- Brown paint or crayons
- Craft feathers (or colored paper cut into feather shapes)
- Googly eyes
- Orange construction paper
- Glue stick
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Paint or color the paper plate brown and let it dry completely
- Cut a small triangle from orange paper for the beak
- Glue googly eyes and the beak onto the plate
- Arrange feathers around the back edge of the plate in a fan shape
- Glue feathers in place and let dry
- Add any additional details like a red wattle under the beak
This classic turkey is one of those paper plate crafts for kids that you will never have to retire.. These crafts are the best for developing fine motor skills while doing something that they can actually feel good about.
2. Thankful Turkey Wreath
Materials:
- Paper plate
- Scissors
- Colored construction paper
- Markers or crayons
- Glue stick
- Brown construction paper circle for turkey head
- Googly eyes
- Orange paper for beak
Instructions:
- Cut out the center of the paper plate to create a ring
- Cut feather shapes from various colored construction paper
- Have kids write or draw things they’re thankful for on each feather
- Glue feathers around the paper plate ring
- Cut a small circle from brown paper for the turkey head
- Add googly eyes and orange beak to the head
- Glue the turkey head to the bottom of the wreath
This activity combines creativity with gratitude practice.
3. Native American Headdress
Materials:
- Paper plate
- Scissors
- Colored construction paper
- Markers or crayons
- Glue stick
- Stapler
- Measuring tape
Instructions:
- Cut out the center circle of the paper plate, leaving about a 2-inch border
- Cut feather shapes from different colored construction paper
- Let kids decorate the feathers with patterns using markers
- Glue feathers to the inside edge of the paper plate ring
- Measure the child’s head and adjust the ring size if needed
- Staple the ends together to fit properly
This activity encourages wonderful discussions about other cultures while creating something truly special. These easyThanksgiving crafts educate children on the multicultural background of Thanksgiving without leaving them sitting around.
4. Pumpkin Plate
Materials:
- Paper plate
- Orange paint or orange construction paper
- Green construction paper
- Black marker
- Glue stick
- Paintbrush (if using paint)
Instructions:
- Paint the paper plate orange or glue orange paper to cover it
- Let paint dry if using paint
- Cut a stem and curly vine from green construction paper
- Glue the stem to the top of the plate
- Glue the vine curling around the stem
- Use black marker to add vertical lines for pumpkin ridges
Sometimes the simplest ones are the most rewarding Thanksgiving arts and crafts for kids. This pumpkin plate is a reminder of why I love fall so much – everything is just so warm and comforting, including such sweet little projects.
5. Harvest Wreath
Materials:
- Paper plate
- Scissors
- Fall-colored construction paper
- Glue stick
- Brown marker
- Cotton swabs
Instructions:
- Cut out the center of the paper plate to make a ring
- Cut leaf shapes from red, orange, yellow, and brown paper
- Have kids add vein details to leaves with brown marker
- Glue leaves overlapping around the paper plate ring
- Cut small pumpkin and acorn shapes from paper
- Glue these harvest elements among the leaves
This wreath is the best example of preschooler Thanksgiving crafts that kids can do by themselves. It’s amazing how something so simple can make your house look like it’s immediately more festive.
6. Turkey Mask
Materials:
- Paper plate
- Scissors
- Craft feathers or colored paper
- Googly eyes
- Orange construction paper
- Popsicle stick
- Glue stick
- Red construction paper
Instructions:
- Glue googly eyes above the eye holes
- Cut a beak from orange paper and glue it on
- Cut a small wattle from red paper and glue under the beak
- Glue feathers around the edge of the plate
- Glue a popsicle stick to the bottom as a handle
These masks become instant fun during those endless pre-dinner hours. These Thanksgiving crafts for toddlers are ideal for dramatic play – just get ready for a cacophony of “gobble gobble” in your home!
7. Thanksgiving Pie Slice
Materials:
- Paper plate
- Scissors
- Orange construction paper
- Brown construction paper
- Cotton balls
- Glue stick
- Markers
Instructions:
- Cut the paper plate into a triangle pie slice shape
- Cut a slightly smaller triangle from orange paper for pumpkin filling
- Cut a thin strip of brown paper for the crust
- Glue the orange triangle onto the plate
- Glue the brown strip along the curved edge as crust
- Glue cotton balls on top for whipped cream
Nothing says Thanksgiving quite like pie, and this craft lets kids create their own slice without any of the calories. These easy Thanksgiving crafts are ideal for children who can assist with cooking but are not yet ready for the real deal.
8. Scarecrow Face Plate
Materials:
- 1 paper plate (beige or white)
- Brown construction paper (for hat)
- Yellow and red construction paper (for hair strips)
- Orange construction paper (for nose)
- Black marker or pen (for eyes and mouth)
- White paper (for eyes, optional if not drawing)
- Scissors
- Glue stick or liquid glue
Instructions:
- Paint paper plate tan.
- Cut hat, hair, eyes, nose, mouth from paper
- .Glue pieces onto plate
- Let dry.
Scarecrows always bring to mind those idyllic fall afternoons when the world feels like magic. This is one of those Thanksgiving crafts for pre-schoolers that captures that cozy autumnal mood perfectly.
9. Thanksgiving Place Cards
Materials:
- Small paper plates (dessert size work great)
- Construction paper
- Markers
- Glue stick
- Scissors
- Index cards
Instructions:
- Cut small paper plates in half to create semicircles
- Decorate each half as a turkey, pumpkin, or other Thanksgiving symbol
- Write family members’ names on index cards
- Fold the index cards to stand up
- Glue the decorated plate pieces to the folded name cards
- Place at each table setting
These adorable little place cards make every visitor feel super special at the table. And they’re perfect Thanksgiving crafts for kids to give as presents to arriving family guests – guaranteed to pull at grandparents’ heartstrings!
10. Handprint Turkey Plate
Materials:
- Paper plate
- Construction paper in various colors
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Markers
- Googly eyes
Instructions:
- Have each child trace their hand multiple times on different colored paper
- Cut out all the handprint tracings
- Arrange handprints around the edge of the plate as feathers
- Glue handprints in place
- Draw or cut out a turkey head and glue in the center
- Add googly eyes and details with markers
There is just something so precious about handprint crafts – they capture this exact moment in time when your child’s hands are just this tiny. These kids Thanksgiving arts and crafts are keepsakes that you’ll treasure for years to come.
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These paper plate Thanksgiving crafts are a testament that the most meaningful family moments needn’t be fancy or Pinterest-worthy.
Sometimes the most memorable times are those when you’re sitting around the kitchen table with a pile of paper plates, glue, and kids willing to create something wonderful. The huge smiles when they’ve finished their creations – that’s what makes the holidays so magical.
Looking for more Thanksgiving inspiration? Check out 17 Pilgrim & Native American–Inspired Thanksgiving crafts, and these 16 turkey crafts for kids.
