The time for Thanksgiving is drawing near. From simple crafts to more involved Thanksgiving art projects for kids, you will find pretty much everything here. Let’s indulge in a series of crafts that will surely keep them busy and happy.
1. Gratitude Leaf Garland
Materials:
• Fresh autumn leaves (various sizes and colors)
• Permanent markers
• String or twine
• Hole punch
• Clear Contact Paper (optional)
Instructions:
- Collect colorful leaves during a nature walk
- Press leaves between paper towels for 24 hours to flatten
- Write one thing you’re grateful for on each leaf
- Punch a small hole near each stem
- Thread string through holes to create a garland
- Optional: laminate leaves for durability
Turn nostalgia into gratitude with this heartfelt craft—it’s perfect for growing awareness and connection.
2. Leaf Turkey Art
Materials:
• Large brown leaf (turkey body)
• Small colorful leaves (feathers)
• Orange construction paper
• Googly Eyes
• Glue stick
• Red construction paper
• Scissors
• Black marker
Instructions:
- Glue brown leaf to paper; add feather leaves behind it
- Add triangle beak, googly eyes, and wattle
- Draw or cut out legs
Transform ordinary leaves into festive and fun turkey displays. This Thanksgiving craft gives each turkey its personality—no two are ever the same! Explore more fun leaf crafts for kids.
3. Pressed Leaf Bookmark
Materials:
• Small, delicate leaves
• Self-Adhesive Laminating Sheets
• Ribbon
• Hole punch
• Heavy books
• Paper towels
Instructions:
- Press leaves under books for 48 hours
- Make bookmark rectangles from laminating sheets
- Arrange leaves, seal with second sheet, trim, and punch a hole
- Thread ribbon through hole
Create sweet, lasting keepsakes for readers. These Thanksgiving art projects for kids are meaningful gifts—and perfect for fall reading sessions.
4. Leaf Owl Family
Materials:
• Large oval leaves (bodies)
• Small round leaves (heads)
• Orange paper scraps
• Googly Eyes
• Brown marker
• Glue stick
• Twigs (feet)
Instructions:
- Pair large and small leaves for bodies and heads
- Add eyes, beak, wing details, and twig feet
Craft a wise little owl family with natural materials. These little owls develop character—kids love watching their creations come to life.
5. Thanksgiving Painted Rocks Story Stones
Materials:
• Smooth rocks
• Acrylic Paint Set
• Small paintbrushes
• White paint pen
• Clear acrylic sealer
• Paper towels, water cup
Instructions:
- Clean rocks and paint base layers
- Add Thanksgiving images and details with paint pen
- Seal and store
Create storytelling tools with festive painted rocks. These story stones spark imagination and gratitude during quiet, creative play. Look out for more Thanksgiving painted rocks for kids.
6. Gratitude Rocks
Materials:
• Flat smooth rocks
• Acrylic paints in fall colors
• Fine-tip paintbrushes
• Gold and Silver Paint Pens
• Clear protective spray
Instructions:
- Paint rocks in autumn colors
- After they dry, write gratitude words with paint pen
- Add decor and spray to finish
Painted stones that show thankfulness in simple words. A creative reminder that even small things can carry a big message.
7. Turkey Rock Family
Materials:
• Oval-shaped rocks
• Brown, orange, red, yellow acrylic paint
• Black permanent marker
• Small paintbrushes
• White paint (highlights)
• Clear Sealer
Instructions:
- Paint “turkey” rocks—large for the parent, smaller for kids
- Add beaks, wattles, tail feather details, and eyes
Make a stone turkey family full of charm.. These adorable rock families inspire imaginative play and storytelling.
8. Fall Leaf Pattern Rocks
Materials:
• Light smooth rocks
• Real leaves for templates
• Acrylic paints in fall colors
• Sponge Painting Brushes
• Pencil for tracing
Instructions:
- Trace leaf outlines onto stones
- Paint base color and use sponge for texture
- Add veins and details with brush
Leaf patterns on stones—nature meets art. These look impressively intricate, though they’re so easy—and they really shine!
9. Handprint Turkey Cards
Materials:
• Brown, orange, yellow, red construction paper
• Washable Kids Paint
• Paper plates
• Wet wipes
• Glue stick
• Googly eyes
• Black marker
Instructions:
- Paint and press child’s handprint—fingers spread wide
- Add eyes, beak, wattle, and message inside
Capture memories while crafting Thanksgiving cards. These treasured handprints grow sweeter year after year. Explore more Thanksgiving card ideas for kids.
10. Woven Paper Cornucopia Card
Materials:
- Brown construction paper
- Colored paper strips (orange, yellow, red, green)
- White cardstock (for base)
- Fruit or veggie stickers (optional)
Instructions
- Cut a cornucopia shape from brown paper.
- Slice slits into the shape.
- Weave colored paper strips through.
- Glue ends to secure.
- Mount cornucopia on cardstock.
- Add fruits or veggies spilling out.
- Write thankful thoughts around it.
Kids learn weaving skills with this beautiful Thanksgiving card.
11. Paper Plate Pilgrim Hats
Materials:
• Paper plates
• Black Construction Paper
• Yellow construction paper
• Scissors
• Stapler
• Glue stick
• Ruler
Instructions:
- Cut center from plate rim; form black paper cylinder and secure it
- Attach cylinder to plate rim for hat
- Add a yellow paper band and buckle
Let history meet creativity—perfect for dressing up Thanksgiving day. Explore a full list of 17 Pilgrim and Native American-inspired Thanksgiving activities for kids.
12. Thankful Tree Display
Materials:
• Brown paper bag or real branches
• Colored Paper Leaves
• Scissors, hole punch
• String or ribbon
• Markers or crayons
• Vase or pot
Instructions:
- Arrange branches or paper tree in vase
- Create paper leaves with punched holes
- Have family write what they’re thankful for and hang leaves
This interactive display fills your home with gratitude—and heartwarming art.
13. Felt Acorn Decorations
Materials:
• Felt Sheets in brown and tan
• Stuffing or cotton balls
• Needle and thread (adult help)
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun (adult help)
• Small twigs
• Fabric glue
Instructions:
- Make felt acorn shapes and sew them, stuff, add felt cap, and twig
Soft acorns to warm up your fall décor. These are perfect for fall-themed sensory play or decorations.
14. Pine Cone Turkey Centerpiece
Materials:
• Large pine cones
• Craft Feathers
• Googly eyes
• Orange clay or foam (beak)
• Red felt (wattle)
• Hot glue (adult help)
• Small sticks for legs
Instructions:
- Attach feathers, beak, wattle, and eyes to pine cone
- Add stick legs
These playful turkeys blend nature with fun—and make a festive centerpiece.
15. Seed and Bean Mosaics
Materials:
• Assorted Dried Beans
• Cardboard or thick paper
• Pencil
• White glue
• Tweezers (optional)
• Templates (Thanksgiving shapes)
Instructions:
- Trace shape, apply glue, place beans/seeds carefully
These mosaics teach patience and celebrate autumn’s natural bounty.
16. Cinnamon Stick Bundle Candles
Materials:
- Cinnamon Sticks Bulk
- • Battery-operated tea lights
- • Rubber bands
- • Raffia or twine
- • Small autumn leaves
- • Hot glue dots (adult help)
Instructions:
- Bundle cinnamon around tea light, secure, tie with raffia, glue on leaves
This sensory-rich craft brings warm smell, texture, and soft light to any space.
…
These Thanksgiving art projects for kids may become a lovely family tradition.
The wobbly handprint turkey or the rocks with asymmetrical stripes can turn into cherished memories, held close to the heart as families bond over the shared space of creation born from artistic chaos.
The transformation of nothing into something tangible will always be beloved—a proud accomplishment that makes both your Thanksgiving table and your heart richer.
Want everything ready in one go? Try a Thanksgiving craft kit for kids.
If you’re looking for more Thanksgiving crafts, explore these 14 ideas to keep them busy—plus these for elementary-aged, preschool age and these fun and easy Thanksgiving crafts.
Happy Thanksgiving!
