These colorful crafts bring a fun twist to classic desserts, upcycle household items into adorable keepsakes and repurpose pumpkins, acorns, gourds, and apples to create festive decorations.
Kids will love earning about the important Thanksgiving pillars of community, gratitude, and generosity while letting their creative imaginations run wild!
1. Make a Thankful Turkey
This 3D turkey can be made to stand on students' desks or on a classroom table display. Kids will enjoy adding things they are grateful for to its colorful feathers.
Learn more: Teachers Pay Teachers
2. Decorate Mini Pumpkins
These adorable mini pumpkins are easy and fun to decorate. They can bring a festive touch to classroom decorations or make beautiful centerpieces for a school event.
Learn more: Princess Pinky Girl
3. Make a Turkey out of Pine Cones
These pinecone turkeys combine nature, texture, and color to create a cute keepsake every kid will love.
Learn more: Mommy's Fabulous Finds
4. Make Some Popsicle Corn Crafts
There's no better way to celebrate the fall harvest than with this clever corn craft. They are simple to put together, yet rich with detail and texture, making them a wonderful keepsake or present.
Learn more: Glued to My Crafts
5. Make a Scrumptious Edible Craft
Featuring festive pilgrim hats, these yummy turkeys are made entirely from candy, making them a delicious treat for the home or classroom.
Learn more: Our Best Bites
6. Make a Turkey Craft Out of Corn Husks
Who knew that corn husks could make such realistic-looking feathers? Using simple construction paper, some paint, and their imagination, students are sure to love creating these inventive beauties.
Learn more: A Little Pinch of Perfect
7. Try an Apple Stamp Pumpkin Craft
What better way to celebrate the rich harvest of fall than to combine apples and pumpkins in one clever craft? Kids are sure to get a laugh out of decorating them with silly googly eyes.
Learn more: Tea Time Monkeys
8. Make an Adorable Leaf Garland
This simple garland looks lovely strung up around the classroom or framing a bulletin board display. Students can create any colorful leaf pattern they like while practicing their fine motor skills while attaching the accompanying letters.
Learn more: The Best Ideas for Kids
9. Make Corn Husk Dolls
With just a bit of help, students will be able to make their very own keepsake dolls. This is also a wonderful opportunity to incorporate a cross-curricular lesson in the history, culture, and customs of Native Americans, who began making such dolls over a thousand years ago.
Learn more: Gift of Curiosity
10. Make Turkeys Out of Cans With Ribbons
This festive craft is made from recycled materials around the house, including metal cans and spare ribbons. They are easy to create and make for beautiful window decorations.
Learn more: Little Bee Blog
11. Make a Pipe Cleaner Turkey Treat Holder
With a few twists and turns, students can transform pipe cleaners and craft paper into an adorable turkey treat holder. Why not throw in some popcorn, candy, or a place card for a Thanksgiving meal?
Learn more: Kid Friendly Things to Do
12. Make a Collage of Pumpkin Seeds
This textured craft uses painted seeds to create a beautiful pumpkin collage. It also makes a neat opportunity to explore seeds and discuss the bountiful fall harvest.
Learn more: Things to Share and Remember
13. Make Some Colorful Napkin Rings
Why not elevate your basic linen napkin with these beaded rings? Kids will surely be inspired to set the Thanksgiving table with their own DIY craft.
Learn more: Public Broadcasting Service.org
14. Make Turkey Place Card Holders
What better way to make guests feel special than with their own custom cardholder? These cute little turkeys make a wonderful addition to any Thanksgiving feast.
Learn more: Mom It Forward
15. Make a Colorful Leaf and Mason Jar Craft
These adorable twine-wrapped mason jars will light up the Thanksgiving table with their warm, inviting glow. Why not accessorize with a bit of ribbon, some branchy pieces, or throw in some cinnamon pumpkin candles?
Learn more: San Diego Family
16. Make a Gourd and Coffee Filter Turkey
This creative activity incorporates real or artificial gourds with coffee filters to create a festive addition to a classroom display or a table centerpiece to bring home.
Learn more: Mom It Forward
17. Make a Festive Turkey Wreath
This beautiful holiday craft is a fun way to get students involved in creating Thanksgiving decor for their classrooms. The accompanying free template makes it easy for even the youngest learners to assemble.
Learn more: Party with Unicorns
18. Make a Turkey Wooden Spoon Craft
This clever craft is cheap and easy to make, requiring only a wooden spoon, some paint, and a little creative flair.
Learn more: Happy Home Fairy
19. Make a Pop Up Holiday Greeting Card
Incorporating art and writing, this impressive 3D craft makes for a great opportunity to discuss the spirit of giving and the importance of generosity during the holiday season.
Learn more: Prudent Penny Pincher
20. Make an Edible Ice Cream Cone Craft
Who doesn't love a bite of dessert, especially when it looks this good? These cone teepees are all sugar and charm, with a salty pretzel twist.
Learn more: The Simple Parent
15 Turkey-Flavored Thanksgiving Activities for Middle School