Last Updated on August 3, 2026 by Masha Eretnova
Looking for simple Thanksgiving crafts for kids that keep little hands busy and make the holiday more fun? I’ve listed easy paper crafts, printable activities, turkey projects, and colorful decorations that children can enjoy at home or in the classroom.
Each idea gives kids a chance to color, cut, glue, paint, and create something personal for Thanksgiving. These crafts also encourage pretend play and gratitude while creating sweet keepsakes families can enjoy during the holiday.
Paper Plate Thanksgiving Pies Craft for Kids

Kids can turn paper plates into their favorite Thanksgiving pies using paint and printable pieces. They will have fun choosing a flavor, adding whipped cream, and creating their own toppings. This craft also gives preschool and early elementary kids a playful pie they can use for pretend serving.
Turkey Wooden Spoon Puppet

This turkey wooden spoon puppet gives kids a fun character for Thanksgiving play. They can enjoy adding feathers, googly eyes, and a ribbon to make each turkey look different. With adult help for the hot glue, kids can use the finished puppet for stories or a small puppet show.
Thankful Turkey Paper Heart Craft

Kids can make this thankful turkey paper heart craft while thinking about the people and things they love. Writing thankful words on the colorful feathers gives the activity a personal touch. It is a sweet Thanksgiving craft for practicing cutting, gluing, and gratitude.
Disguise a Turkey Doctor Printable

This disguise a turkey doctor printable turns a Thanksgiving activity into a fun pretend-play idea. Kids can create a silly doctor character and imagine how the turkey avoids becoming dinner. The writing prompt also gives them space to add their own funny story.
Printable Turkey Headband Craft for Kids

Kids can wear this printable turkey headband during Thanksgiving parties, classroom activities, or family celebrations. Coloring the turkey lets each child create a headband that feels different and personal. Once it is ready, they can wear it for photos, games, or holiday fun.
Pumpkin Apple Stamping Craft

Apple stamping gives kids a playful way to make pumpkin art with paint. Pressing each apple half onto the paper creates a new shape, so every print looks a little different. Kids can add stems or funny faces once the pumpkins dry.
Printable Thanksgiving Hats for Kids

A little coloring time can turn into a fun Thanksgiving accessory with these printable hats. Kids can choose their own colors and enjoy wearing their finished creations around the table. They also make a cheerful activity for preschool, elementary classrooms, or family gatherings.
Coffee Filter Turkey Craft

Color mixing becomes the fun part of this coffee filter turkey craft. Kids can watch the marker colors spread across the filter and create a new pattern each time. The finished turkey makes a cheerful Thanksgiving decoration with a look that is all their own.
Q-Tip Indian Corn Craft

Dot painting makes this Q-tip Indian corn craft playful and easy for kids. They can choose several paint colors and fill the corn with their own tiny patterns. The finished piece adds a cheerful touch to a fall or Thanksgiving display.
Thankful Turkey Printable Craft

This thankful turkey printable helps kids pause and think about the good things in their lives. They can write one thankful thought on each feather and color the turkey in their favorite shades. The finished craft makes a meaningful Thanksgiving keepsake for home or the classroom.
Thanksgiving Paper Plate Wreath

Making a holiday decoration feels extra special when kids can choose every detail themselves. They can cover this Thanksgiving paper plate wreath with their favorite colors and silly foam stickers. The finished wreath gives them something cheerful to show at dinner or hang at home.
Easy Thanksgiving Cards for Kids

These easy Thanksgiving cards give kids a fun way to make something kind for someone they care about. They can build silly turkey designs with stickers and add their own message inside. Sharing the finished cards helps children take part in the holiday in a thoughtful way.
Pilgrim Photo Craft for Kids

This pilgrim photo craft gives kids a playful way to see themselves as part of the Thanksgiving scene. Moving the arms and legs makes the finished character fun to hold, pose, and display. Families can save it as a personal holiday memory with their child’s smiling face.

Masha Eretnova, born in 1991, is a Chiang Mai-based certified teacher, artist, and blogger with 20+ years of personal painting journey.
She started painting and drawing very early and is now an international abstract artist and educator passionate about acrylic painting, gouache, and crafts.
Her works are part of international exhibitions and contests, including ArtlyMix (Brazil), Al-Tiba 9 (Spain), Exhibizone (Canada), Italy, and many more.
Besides her artistic pursuits, Masha holds a post-grad diploma in Teaching Film Photography and 2 music school diplomas: piano and opera singing.