15 Easy Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids to Make

Fun & Easy Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids

Make Thanksgiving more memorable and family-oriented with these fun and easy Thanksgiving crafts for kids! These ideas work for toddlers, preschoolers, big kids, and even teens who still love getting a little crafty.

So, get your googly eyes ready, grab your craft supplies, and be prepared to see some of the coolest Thanksgiving art projects and craft ideas ever. From turkeys to scarecrows, we’ve got you covered with creative, budget-friendly ideas that are perfect for home, classroom parties, or a cozy weekend at grandma’s.

1. Popsicle Stick Scarecrow

This cool scarecrow craft makes for nice home decor during Thanksgiving and can be hung up or used as a magnet. It’s a fun way to decorate your mantel or entry table for fall, and kids can customize the hat, eyes, and smile.

Items Needed:

• 8 popsicle sticks
• Small piece of cardboard
• Paint or markers
• Scrap papers
• Glue gun
• Ribbon or raffia for a handle

Make This Project!

2. Washi Tape Turkeys

Here’s an idea: while you’re busy cooking up a turkey dinner, your kids can try making these washi tape turkeys for decor! They’re simple to assemble, and going outside to hunt for the perfect pinecones adds to the fun and gets some wiggles out.

Items Needed:

• Washi tape (different kinds)
• Pinecones
• Hot glue gun
• Popsicle sticks
• Small googly eyes

Make This Project!

3. Corn Cob Painting

This is a lovely Thanksgiving art project that really allows your kids to get creative! The texture from the corn makes such fun patterns. If they enjoy this, make sure to check out our other food painting ideas as well.

Items Needed:

• Corn on the cob
• Craft paint
• Paintbrush/foam brush
• Paper

Make This Project!

4. Clothes Pin Turkey

This turkey craft is a bit more complex than the previous Thanksgiving arts and crafts projects we’ve listed, but it’s still pretty simple once everything is cut out. The cutout handprints on the back add a sweet, personal touch you’ll love keeping year after year.

Items Needed:

• Cardboard
• Brown, yellow and red cardstock paper
• Feathers (orange, yellow, and red)
• Googly eyes
• Clothespins
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Liquid glue
• Glue stick

Make This Project!

5. Toilet Roll Turkey Craft

If you’ve been around for a while you know we love toilet paper crafts, and this toilet roll turkey craft is just genius! Using paint chip samples as the feathers is such a clever and colorful idea.

Items Needed:

• Toilet roll
• Red crepe paper or tissue paper
• Googly eyes
• Paint chip samples
• Brown paint
• Glue
• Stapler

Make This Project!

6. Popsicle Stick Turkey Puppets

If your kids are looking for something they can play with, these turkey puppets are perfect. Once they’re done crafting, invite them to put on a special Thanksgiving puppet show for the family.

PS. Check out our other popsicle stick craft ideas!

Items Needed:

• Cardstock (brown, orange, and red)
• Craft scissors
• Glue stick
• Googly eyes
• Popsicle stick
• Paper cupcake liner (beige)
• Something round (creator used a jar lid)
• Pen

Make This Project!

7. Cardboard Thankful Turkey

Of all the Thanksgiving craft ideas we’ve shared so far, this one really nails the whole meaning behind Thanksgiving: to give thanks! Each feather becomes a place to write something you’re grateful for.

Items Needed:

• Template (found in the full tutorial)
• Cardboard
• Colored cardstock (red, orange, yellow, and green)
• Scissors
• Glue
• Googly eyes

Make This Project!

8. Paper Strips Turkey

Here’s another really fun way to craft a turkey! The curved paper strips give this Thanksgiving craft a 3-D effect that kids love. It’s simple enough for toddlers and preschoolers, especially if you help with the cutting.

Items Needed:

• Brown construction paper
• Sheets of paper (yellow, orange, and red)
• White construction paper
• Coloring supplies
• Scissors
• Glue

Make This Project!

9. Sponge Painted Turkey Plate

This is such a fun Thanksgiving art project. Sponge painting is quick, colorful, and forgiving, which makes it perfect for younger kids or mixed ages at a family gathering.

Items Needed:

• Paper plate
• Paint
• Sponge
• Paper
• Glue
• Scissors

Make This Project!

10. Turkey Hat

So far we’ve shown you several different turkey crafts, but this is the only one that’s wearable! These turkey hats are adorable for school parties, family photos, or a Thanksgiving morning parade around the house.

Items Needed:

• Printable turkey hat templates (found in the full tutorial)
• Colored cardstock
• Googly eyes
• Glue
• Scissors
• Stapler

Make This Project!

11. Paper Bag Scarecrows

Whew! Ok, that was a lot of turkey crafts we just went through. Time to switch it up a bit with these paper bag scarecrows! This is one of my favorite Thanksgiving crafts for toddlers and preschoolers because the bags double as little puppets.

Items Needed:

• Card stock (black, green, orange, and brown)
• Buttons
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Brown paper bag
• Raffia
• Scrap paper

Make This Project!

12. Turkey Popcorn Treat Bags

I know this is another turkey craft, but I absolutely love it! It’s so creative to use food to create a turkey, and kids will LOVE that candy is involved. These make adorable place settings or party favors.

Items Needed:

• Clear disposable gloves
• Popped popcorn
• Regular or peanut M&Ms
• Reese’s Pieces
• Googly eyes
• Glue stick
• Orange construction paper
• Scissors
• Optional: Clear tape, clear rubber bands

Make This Project!

13. Paper Clothes Pin Scarecrows

These clothespin scarecrows are just adorable. The tiny arms and little faces make them extra cute, and kids love clipping them onto plants, banners, or place cards.

Items Needed:

• Cardstock (orange, blue, yellow, black, brown, and light beige)
• Pink paint
• Orange, brown, and blue paint
• Black marker or ultra-fine sharpie
• Clothespins – small and regular

Make This Project!

14. No-Sew Sock Turkey

This turkey craft will require you to have a brown sock on hand that you’re willing to part with, but if you do, you’re in luck. The finished no-sew sock turkey is fluffy, squishy, and totally display-worthy.

Items Needed:

• Brown sock
• Felt
• Wiggle eye stickers
• Felt in fall colors
• Rubber band
• Rice
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun or felt glue

Make This Project!

15. Hand Paint Turkey

Last but not least, one of the most classic Thanksgiving crafts for kids: the handprint turkey! Kids love the feeling of paint on their hands, and you end up with a sweet little keepsake you can pull out every Thanksgiving.

Items Needed:

• Paint (assorted fall colors)
• Paper or cardstock
• Paintbrushes
• Markers for details

Get Handprint Turkey Instructions

Bonus: Tips for Stress-Free Thanksgiving Craft Time

Want to actually enjoy these Thanksgiving crafts for kids instead of feeling overwhelmed? A little prep goes a long way. Choose one or two projects that match your kids’ ages and attention spans, then set everything out before you invite them to the table.

Keep supplies simple: basic construction paper, glue sticks, kid-safe scissors, markers, and a few “fun extras” like googly eyes or washi tape. You don’t need every supply on this list to have a great time—just pick a couple of crafts that use what you already have on hand.

It also helps to protect your space. Lay down a disposable tablecloth, butcher paper, or an old sheet so clean-up is quick. Put a trash can or recycling bin nearby, along with wipes or a damp cloth for sticky fingers. That way, you can enjoy the Thanksgiving crafts and still get dinner on the table.

Finally, remember that the goal isn’t perfect Pinterest-worthy results. Let kids experiment with colors and designs, even if the turkeys look a little “unique.” Those are usually the creations everyone remembers (and laughs about) the most.

Final Thoughts

Although this post is called Thanksgiving crafts for kids, I find it most fun when the entire family gets involved in the crafting process! Pick your favorite projects from this list, gather the supplies, and spend some time together making memories you’ll want to repeat every year.

Let me know which Thanksgiving kids crafts are your favorite from this list! Which ones are you planning on making?

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