75 Thanksgiving Crafts

Want a fun pre-Thanksgiving snack that also keeps the kids occupied? Soak the tip of a waffle cone in water, then microwave the entire thing. Carefully roll the tip using a pencil, then fill the candies in the cone after it’s cooled. Cover with plastic wrap, secure with a rubber band, and add a ribbon for an extra flourish.

Here’s a good example of a cornucopia cone from One Little Project.

Help the kids hot glue a small wooden bead to a larger wooden one, then stick a feather to the back. Create feathers from card stock or felt and glue them on. Use a sharpie to draw a face, and they’re done!

Here’s a good example of Thanksgiving wood bead turkeys from Bobbin & Craft.

Place this paper bag turkey as your centerpiece for a bit of fun. It’s as easy as stuffing paper bags with confetti, tissue paper, or popcorn. Create “legs” the same way, but add a tissue paper “claw” for a realistic touch. Glue the legs to the body, put it on a plate, and place it on your dinner table.

Here’s a good example of a paper bag stuffed turkey from Studio DIY.

Who knew yarn and balloons could create something so gorgeous? Task the kids with blowing up balloons, then hand them cut-up strands of yarn, which they’ll dip into glue, then wind around the balloon. Repeat until the balloon is covered, let this dry, gently deflate the balloon, and your yarn pumpkins are done!

Here’s a good example of a balloon yarn pumpkin from One Little Project.

Turn fallen leaves into adorable leaf faces with this fun craft activity. Hand kids some pretty leaves and markers and let them draw any faces they want. Cats, dogs, rabbits, or humans — they can let their imagination run wild. All that’s left to do is stick these up somewhere, and you can even use them as cute props for storytime!

Here’s a good example of leafy friends from Handmade Charlotte.

Ring in the fall with these cute Mason jar leaf lanterns. Mod Podge the outside of a clean Mason jar, attach fabric leaves, coat the outside with Mod Podge again, and add your candle after it’s dry. One tip, we recommend removing the plastic ribbing from the leaves so they stick easily and lie flat.

Here’s a good example of a Mason jar leaf lantern from One Little Project.

Dust off those woodwork skills for this Thanksgiving craft. Drill small crayon-shaped holes into a roll of wood, then stick little crayons in to make the feathers. Stick googly eyes on — or stick a painted turkey face on — and your crayon turkey is done.

Here’s a good example of crayon turkeys from Paging Supermom.

Need decorative pumpkins to spruce up your home? Try these paper mache pumpkins. This messy but oh-so-satisfying craft needs a stuffed plastic bag tied in a pumpkin shape, paper mache paste with flour, water, paper, and orange paint. Tip: Add another layer of paper mache after the first one dries for a stronger pumpkin.

Here’s a good example of a paper mache pumpkin from One Little Project.

We could not create a Thanksgiving crafts listicle without a handprint turkey activity! This one is, you guessed right, a handprint of your kids’ palms, on paper, and decorated with a face, legs, and feathers. You can further personalize this by adding different colors to each finger or making one large turkey with three “handprint” feathers.

Here’s a good example of a handprint turkey from The Melrose Family.

On kraft paper, help the kids trace shapes of utensils and plates with a marker and add fall elements like leaves, pumpkins, and maybe a little turkey or two. They can then color this in with different colored markers. They can even choose to personalize each table mat to the family, by writing the person’s name in bold marker.

Here’s a good example of fall Kraft paper placemats from Say Yes.

Kids love to paint, so why not hand them a couple of paintbrushes and some paper, and let them design their very own fall tree? Help them draw the tree trunk and branches and let their creativity soar as they paint (or finger paint) leaves on the canvas. Frame and hang this up as part of your Thanksgiving decor.

Here’s a good example of a fall tree finger painting from Little Page Turners.

This one’s perfect for the little kids and will help teach them patience too! Twist together orange pipe cleaners to form a pumpkin-shaped base. Thread orange beads onto each one, covering them completely. Bend each pipe cleaner upward to make the pumpkin shape, adding a little green pipe cleaner on top for the stem.

Here’s a good example of a beaded pipe cleaner pumpkin from One Little Project.

Make a tree trunk out of cardboard and stick a small paper plate to the top. Glue small crushed-up pieces of red, gold, and other colored tissue paper, and paint the “trunk” brown. Voila, your little tissue paper trees are ready. You can use them for anything, including paintings, card decorations, or even fridge magnets.

Here’s a good example of a tissue paper tree from I Heart Crafty Things.

Welcome dinner guests with the warm scent of spices. Carefully guide the kids to hot glue two sticks together. Glue guest names on cardstock, then slide these in the gaps between the glued sticks. They can further personalize each card by drawing little fall elements on each. You can even insert a decorated leaf, twigs, or other embellishments for extra pizazz.

Here’s a good example of cinnamon stick place card holders from The Cofran Home.

Create a dazzling centerpiece with Styrofoam balls painted to look like cranberries. Dye them in dark red craft paint, and stick them to toothpicks inserted in a giant foam ball. Cover the entire ball, and place this in a vase or a bowl. To extend this centerpiece’s life, spray the entire creation with shellac.

Here’s a good example of a cranberry sphere centerpiece from Ocean Spray.

Artfully decorate your pumpkins and gourds with designs from your favorite plate. Make a color copy of the prints on your favorite dinnerware, cut these into smaller sizes, and paste them to your gourds and pumpkins with Mod Podge. Your mantel will look great with very little effort!

Here’s a good example of a matching plate and pumpkins display from The Glam Pad.

Balloons aren’t just for birthdays! And customizing these for the holidays is as easy as writing on them with a marker after blowing them up. Funny “thank you” notes or simple words like ‘grateful’ and ‘thanks’ will do the trick. Hang them in bunches around the house and instantly transform your space into a playfully festive haven!

Here’s a good example of a Thanksgiving balloon from ehow.com.

Host a throwback Thanksgiving party with these adorable pumpkin friendship bracelets. Mold polymer clay into pumpkin pie shapes, add a headpin at the base, and bake them. Once cool, roll the headpin into a circle and attach the pumpkin slice to a chain. Make several more to share with your friends and wear them when gorging on pumpkin pie.

Here’s a good example of a pumpkin pie friendship necklace from Studio DIY.

Make your own mulling spice mix or get store-bought ones. Add these to little Mason jars and tie a bit of festive twine around the lids. Attach cocktail spoons to each jar with a colorful ribbon, adding personalized name tags to each jar. Set these at the dinner table for guests to take home after the party.

Here’s a good example of a Thanksgiving party favor from Make It Grateful.

Ever thought your cheese grater could double as a luminary? Well, now you know! Insert LED lights into each cheese grater and set these around the table to create the perfect ambiance. You can even choose to hang these up on temporary hooks using a bit of rope or twine.

Here’s a good example of cheese grater luminaries from Hallmark Channel.

Here’s another beautiful way to preserve fall leaves. Dip pressed leaves in melted wax. Stick these to warmed pillar candles. Continue adding leaves until you get the design you desire. Dunk the whole candle in melted wax to seal everything and your candles are ready!

Here’s a good example of fall leaf-embedded candles from It’s Always Autumn.

Spruce up your chandelier with a simple floral wreath. Tie fresh or dried flowers with foliage and wheat stalks, then wind these together over a wire. Slide it around your chandelier, then tie it with a bit of ribbon or twine.

Here’s a good example of a floral chandelier from Sugar & Cloth.

Let this colorful veggie platter steal the spotlight from the actual turkey. Make a bell pepper turkey head — complete with googly eyes — and place it in a bowl of ranch dressing. Add carrot sticks as “legs” and cut up veggies as tail feathers. Use everything from broccoli to cherry tomatoes to celery to create this work of art.

Here’s a good example of a veggie turkey platter from I Heart Naptime.

This delicious Cosmo won’t be out of place at your Friendsgiving “SATC” marathon. Shake, then strain a combination of vodka, lime juice, and Cointreau or fresh orange juice. Top off with a splash of sparkling pomegranate juice and garnish as you like. You can even create little Thanksgiving flags, complete with throwback pictures of your friends.

Here’s a good example of a sparkling pomegranate Cosmo from Studio DIY.

Use real or artificial leaves to create this gorgeous Thanksgiving garland. Simply paint leaves with glue, sprinkle glitter over them, and let them dry. Then, carefully string leaves together to make a garland and hang this up wherever you want.

Here’s a good example of a glitter fall leaves garland from Create Craft Love.

Spare a page from the recycle bin for this activity. Cut leaf shapes from the page, then tie a wire as the “stem.” String multiple book leaves together or hang them up on a string using clothespins. You can also add these leaves to your other fall garlands for a bit of old-timey charm.

Here’s a good example of a vintage book leaf garland from makethebestofthings.

Who says coloring has to be a kids’ activity? Bring back your childhood with a little fall leaf coloring. Add gradient effects, marbled colors, or even a few swirls on real leaves or paper ones. Let your creativity shine, and you can even hang your works of art around the house during the holidays.

Here’s a good example of colored fall leaves from 123 Homeschool 4 Me.

Upgrade your cheeseball with this perfect fall recipe. Blend favorites like cheddar, cream cheese, and sour cream with horseradish, scallions, and bacon. Chill for an hour, then roll it in a custom spice mix, including roasted sesame and pumpkin seeds, salt flakes, and more. Create grooves on the side and add a breadstick “stem” for a more realistic look.

Here’s a good example of a pumpkin cheese ball from Inspired By Charm.

Don’t miss out on a stunning photo backdrop for your Thanksgiving celebration! Hang colored bed sheets for an “accent wall.” Spray paint faux leaves with gold paint and tape, hang, or pin these to your “wall.” Pro tip, you can use a foam board as a temporary option to attach the leaves. Voila, your Insta-worthy backdrop is ready!

Here’s a good example of a DIY gold leaf photo backdrop from Simple Glue.

Melt soy wax in a double boiler, adding a bit of wax dye for a pop of color. Add your favorite essential oil after the wax is off the heat, and pour this mixture into the candle jar, which should already have a wick in it. Allow it to cool and your fall-scented candle is ready. 

Here’s a good example of a DIY fall-scented candle from One Little Project.

Spice up your home with this DIY fall-scented potpourri activity. Dehydrate fall fruits like apples and pears in the oven, then add them to a resealable bag with a few dried bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and essential oils that remind you of fall. Shake and place it in an airtight glass jar, ready for using or gifting.

Here’s a good example of DIY fall potpourri from HGTV.

Glue circles of fall-colored tissue paper onto the lids of any old plastic containers. Glue green pipe cleaners to the back, as little twigs. You can also create little leaf shapes to stick to the top, to give the impression of fall fruits. Add a colorful ribbon for hanging and your suncatchers are ready to be displayed. 

Here’s a good example of a DIY fall suncatcher from Discount School Supply.

There’s so much you can do with dried corn husks, like creating adorable headbands for the little ones. Simply hot glue a couple of corn husks together in a semicircle, paint them bright colors, and hot glue these to a headband.

Here’s a good example of a DIY painted corn husk from First Palette.

Help kids make their own foam pumpkin magnets with this easy DIY project. Buy the kit off Amazon, help kids create and customize the DIY magnets, and stick these little works of art to the fridge with pride. Plus, they make great gifts too!

You can buy it here from Amazon.

With two simple supplies, you’ll have some adorable Indian corn in dazzling colors. As we did earlier, twist pipe cleaners together, then spread them out in a star shape. Add colorful beads until only a bit of the pipe cleaner is still exposed. Then, slowly bend them upwards to make a corn shape. 

Here’s a good example of DIY Indian corn from One Little Project.

Turn a simple Oreo into a cute turkey with just a few small additions. Pipe melted white chocolate onto your Oreos to make the eyes. Add little dark chocolate dots for the pupils, a butterscotch chip as the beak, and red-coloring-infused white chocolate for the gobbler. Insert candy corn into the Oreo filling to make the feathers.

Here’s a good example of DIY Oreo turkeys from Delish.

Tired of traditional garlands? Switch up your holiday decor a bit with this fall garland. String vibrant orange marigolds together with orange string, tying knots at both ends to make a garland. Hang these on your curtains, from the ceiling, or on the chandelier as a pretty Thanksgiving decoration.

Here’s a good example of a DIY marigold garland from midwestliving.

Oozy like slime, but textured like playdoh — moon sand is a must-have toy for all kids. The recipe is easy too — mix one part cornstarch with two parts play sand, add some pumpkin spice mix and food coloring, then mix with water to get a moldable consistency that’s damp, but not too wet.

Here’s a good example of DIY pumpkin-scented moon sand from Parenting Chaos.

Get inspired with this DIY turkey headband craft kit. Glue the pieces together as per the instructions on the kit and your hat is ready for your little one’s head! All that’s left to do is commence with the festivities!

You can buy it here from Amazon.

Print your favorite leaf designs onto white shrink film. Punch a hole at the top, then bake this as per the instructions on your shrink film packet. Once baked, flatten them, then attach them to thread or copper wire after they’ve cooled. Add a personal touch by attaching name tags to the back of each leaf charm.

Here’s a good example of DIY fall wine charms from Lia Griffith.

Make a “thank you” basket for this holiday season, complete with a handwritten card and a cute handmade pipe cleaner pumpkin or corn. Fill it with the recipient’s favorite treats, like candy or a bottle of wine. Add a few Oreo pumpkins and a fall-scented candle, and your thoughtful gift basket is ready to delight.

Here’s a good example of a DIY Thanksgiving gift basket from Birds Party.

These cute printables are perfect when sending leftover pie or turkey home with friends and family. They can be printed on adhesive paper and stuck on Tupperware, glass jars, pie slice boxes, or even paper lunch bags, and have any message you want to express.

Here’s a good example of leftover turkey dinner labels from Studio DIY.

How many words can your guests identify? That’s the question of the hour in this scramble game. And all you have to do is scramble Thanksgiving-themed words like ‘turkey,’ ‘harvest,’ and ‘maple,’ and print them out on paper. You can add little fall-themed flourishes to the printable, like sketching leaves and pumpkins.

Here’s a good example of a Thanksgiving word scramble printable from Always The Holidays.

Making a list of things you’re thankful for is so much more enjoyable with this printable Thanksgiving activity. Put a few thick twigs in a glass or vase, securing them with pebbles. Print leaf-shaped cards and place these below the tree. Let guests write down what they’re thankful for on each leaf and hang them on the twigs.

Here’s a good example of a Thanksgiving tree printable from Oklahoma City Mom.

Print Thanksgiving posters using any free online tool. Make it cute (using kids’ pictures and drawings), funny (with quotes like ”Eat, Drink, and Be Thankful’), or personal (by handwriting notes in beautiful calligraphy styles). Slide this into any empty frame you have lying around or stick it to the walls using clear tape.

Here’s a good example of a Thanksgiving poster printable from Birds Party.

You no longer have to worry about awkward silences at your Thanksgiving party. A bit of glue and some printed paper can liven up the entire evening. Print conversation starters on paper and paste these onto cardboard or foam coaster shapes. Set these on the table and you’re done!

Here’s a good example of a Thanksgiving conversation coaster printable from Koti Beth.

Glue googly eyes on square paper and fold the paper into a triangle with the eyes on one side. Turn it over and fold the right and left corners towards the middle, then unfold. Fold the top of the triangle downwards, tucking the side flaps into the “pocket.” Stick printable feathers on and your turkey bookmark is ready to gobble up some pages.

Here’s a good example of turkey bookmark printables from Crayola.

Choose fall-themed pictures that contain trees, leaves, scarecrows, flowers, pumpkins, and more. Print these on white paper and provide the kids with loads of crayons, coloring pencils, or watercolors. Finally, help them embellish this with seasonal spices like mustard or pumpkin seeds, or you can even use buttons, flower petals, and child-safe glitter.

Here’s a good example of an embellished coloring printable from Kids Activities Blog.

Easily create a Thanksgiving banner in just five minutes. Find a simple online template, print it on cardstock, add some color with paint and watercolors, then string it up to add a festive touch to your celebrations. It’s quick and mess-free too!

Here’s a good example of a printable Thanksgiving banner from A Thoughtful Place.

Think up awesome clues for a scavenger hunt — you can even turn it into a fun “turkey” hunt with turkey-themed clues — and that’s half the work done. Print the clues on cardstock, hand them out to party guests, and let the (scavenger) games begin!

Here’s a good example of a Thanksgiving scavenger hunt printable from Maple Planners.

Use a design tool to create Thanksgiving-themed wine tags, making sure they can easily slip over most wine bottles. Customize them with a “thank you” message, a quirky wine-based message, or just leave it blank. Print and cut them out, and slip them over the bottles of wine!

Here’s a good example of printable Thanksgiving wine tags from Pineapple Paper Co.

Thanksgiving decor doesn’t get any simpler or any more meaningful than this. Any old chalkboard can be placed or hung up as a “gratitude board” with a few pieces of colorful chalk placed below it. Guests can write or draw what they are thankful for directly on the board.

Here’s a good example of a gratitude blackboard from A Grateful Life.

Dress up your pumpkins with gorgeous floral decorations that will have your house feeling like a lush paradise. Glue plastic or dried flowers onto plastic or ceramic pumpkins — these last longer — and you’re done. Place these as a centerpiece, on the mantle, or even on the porch to get that fall look.

Here’s a good example of floral pumpkins from The House That Lars Built.

Dust off all your old pictures — more props to you if they’re in black and white — and insert them into glass bottles. To enhance the old-world effect, consider adding a few inexpensive vintage bottles from local stores or online. They’re simple, inexpensive, and charming!

Here’s a good example of photographs in bottles from New England.

Save money on store-bought cards this year by making your own! Print illustrations and decorations to go on your card, which can be made from card stock. Leave space for a printed (or handwritten) message. For an extra personal touch, mail or hand deliver these cards, or slip them into a gift basket.

Here’s a good example of a handmade Thanksgiving card from Ayelet Keshet.

Purchase dried gourds online, then embellish them. Sounds easy, right? Get the kids to help you stick rhinestones on them, draw designs with Sharpies, and create patterns using glitter sparkle paint. You can bedazzle them with child-safe glitter too, and anything else shiny you have lying about. Let them dry and place them on your table as centerpieces.

Here’s a good example of bedazzled gourd centerpieces from Aunt Peaches.

Create adorable scarecrow decorations by putting hollow pasta on pipe cleaners for the body, arms, and legs. Add a wooden bead as the head and paint everything brown. Add a felt hat and clothes, and Sharpie on facial features. All that’s left to do is hang this up and invite a few more scarecrow friends to join the party.

Here’s a good example of a pasta scarecrow from Handmade Charlotte.

Repurpose old gloves into turkey puppets for the kids. Glue a felt beak and wattle to the thumb. Glue feathers — or paper cut in feather shapes — to the four fingers on both sides. Carefully put these gloves on, and your turkey puppet is ready to entertain!

Here’s a good example of a turkey glove puppet from Dream A Little Bigger.

Task the family with writing what they are grateful for on strips of orange paper, then glue them in a sphere shape. Shape green paper into a stem and glue this to the top. Make more pumpkins, staple these to a ribbon, and hang these across the mantle. Your gratitude pumpkin garland is complete!

Here’s a good example of a gratitude pumpkin garland from Somewhat Simple.

Need to keep the kids occupied during the holidays? Draw a turkey, help kids squeeze glue on the lines of the bird, sprinkle salt over this, and shake off the excess. Dip a wet paintbrush in paint and lightly brush it over the salt. And voila, you have a beautiful turkey salt painting for free.

Here’s a good example of a Thanksgiving turkey salt painting from Happy Toddler Playtime.

What better way to add a cozy air to the Thanksgiving celebrations than by creating a handwritten menu describing all the delicious meals being served? Check out free templates online, or come up with your own design, and print these out. Or, you can even write these on a chalkboard as a more cost-effective alternative.

Here’s a good example of a handmade Thanksgiving menu from Oh So Beautiful Paper.

Print random shapes — or print four parts of a huge design — and hang these on the wall with clear tape. Give the kids some crayons and paint, and let them color in a section of this design. When they’re finished, you’ll have a cute wall hanging ready for the holidays.

You can buy it here from Amazon.

Need an artistic project that will look beautiful but is relatively effortless? Then this craft idea is for you. Cover foam pumpkins with chunky yarn in any color, or colors, you like, using hot glue. And that’s it! Let this dry, then set them out as wooly, fluffy Thanksgiving decorations that won’t go soft and won’t attract pests either!

Here’s a good example of yarn-wrapped pumpkins from The Girl Creative.

Scoop out the flesh to make a homemade vase. Or, if you want something that lasts longer, check out local stores for pumpkin-shaped vases. Paint them the standard orange, or go elegant with white, classy with black, or vibrant with gold. Insert fresh fall flowers and foliage in a decorative display that will brighten up your home.

Here’s a good example of a pumpkin vase from Made To Be A Momma.

Create your own artistic botanical portrait using foraged leaves. Dry leaves in a book. Glue a few pieces of old newspaper or books to the back of an empty picture frame, on the visible side. Apply Mod Podge on the paper, stick the dried leaves on this, and add another layer of Mod Podge to help it stick well. Let it dry, and your portrait is ready to be displayed.

Here’s a good example of a leaf fossil portrait from Susan Marie.

Making this leaf bowl is easier than you’d think. Just blow up a balloon and place it upside down in a bowl. Liberally apply Mod Podge to the bottom, then place leaves all over, applying more Mod Podge over them. Let this dry, pop the balloon, and your bowl is ready to be filled.

Here’s a good example of a fall leaf bowl from To Simply Inspire.

Customize a fall wreath any way you like. Go classy with white mini pumpkins and dried gourds. Go eco-friendly with some dried flowers and twigs. Or celebrate the harvest with colored corn husks and fall leaves. All you need is wreath-shaped foam and you can match the wreath to your home and your personality.

Here’s a good example of an autumn wreath from The Pioneer Woman.

This one’s easy, inexpensive, and takes about five minutes to make. Grab a bunch of wheat stalks and tie them together with colorful yarn or ribbons. Then, simply place them on the table with place cards as a cute party favor or arrange them in a vase as a rustic centerpiece.

Here’s a good example of color-wrapped wheat from Inspired By Charm.

What’s a Thanksgiving list without plenty of leaf-based crafts? Here’s another one for you. Brush a thin layer of glue over leaves — real or false. Dip these in gold or silver paint. You can even spray paint these if that’s more convenient. Write names on each leaf or stick a name card on it, and place these around the table.

Here’s a good example of a gold leaf place card from Modern Glam.

Instantly elevate your Thanksgiving party with this stunning door decoration. You don’t have to do much — just collect dried flowers and foliage and arrange them in a bouquet. You can even include elements like dried artichokes or lotus pods. Secure this with floral tape or twine, and you’re done!

Here’s a good example of a dried floral door decoration from Alicia Lund.

Homemade napkin rings can be made of anything, from cork to clay and even yarn. Bake the clay, tie the yarn, or cut the cork into ring shapes. Make sure they’re in fall colors, and your table now looks a lot more festive. For a more elegant look, you can also spray gold paint on your napkin rings.

Here’s a good example of Thanksgiving-themed napkin rings from The Girl Inspired.

Give your Thanksgiving decor a modern twist with chic white concrete pumpkins. Mix and pour ready concrete mix into silicon and candle molds. Let it sit for a few days until it dries completely, then gently unmould. Leave it as it is for an elegant look or paint it white to match your stylish theme.

Here’s a good example of white concrete pumpkins from Sugar & Charm.

For those with exceptional crafting skills — or a cutting machine — try your hand at creating these pretty paper lanterns to brighten up the home. Cut intricate shapes on craft paper, fold it into a lantern shape, paste vellum paper inside, then glue the sides. Hook string or twine through the top, insert an LED light, and your lantern is ready!

Here’s a good example of fall cutout lanterns from Lia Griffith.

Unleash the baker in you with these modeling chocolate-based Thanksgiving cake toppers, which look and taste delicious! Create a fondant mix, then add food dye as per your needs. A turkey leg topping needs brown and white dye, a pumpkin pie topping will need orange dye, and so on. Attach them to the cake with a toothpick and it’s finished!

Here’s a good example of Thanksgiving cake toppers from Alana Jones Mann.

Ironed cotton napkins can be your canvas for this lovely craft. Grab some fall-themed stamps, press these on pigment stamp pads, and get stamping. Exercise your creative muscle to make beautiful designs on your napkins, then iron on high — with a scrap fabric placed over the cloth for protection — to set the designs. 

Here’s a good example of a fall-stamped napkin from Inspired By Charm.