5 Easy Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to reunite far-flung family members over a delicious meal, but it can be shockingly expensive. According to US News and World Report, Americans will spend nearly $2.4 billion on food alone this year. While it can be tough to find a turkey at a bargain, you don’t have to spend a lot to decorate your home for this holiday. Just enlist your kids and get crafting! Here are five of the best Thanksgiving crafts for kids allowing them unleash their inner Picasso, all while also helping you decorate without breaking the bank.
Not Your Average Pumpkin Centerpiece
Thanksgiving pumpkin crafts for kids are a classic, and for good reason. These lovely gourds are plentiful this time of year, and their surface is the perfect canvas for letting creativity run wild.
You’ll need:
- Several pumpkins
- Bingo markers
- Silk florals
- Hot glue gun
Small- to medium-sized pumpkins make ideal centerpieces for the Thanksgiving table. For a fresh twist, let kids decorate a white pumpkin with colorful bingo markers. Older kids can wreath their pumpkins with silk florals using a hot glue gun (with supervision, of course). For dozens more ideas, check out this stellar roundup by Livingly.
Paint Chip Turkey
The best thing about this craft from Canadian Family is that it’s a great way to use up those old paint chips you’ve accumulated over the years.
You’ll need:
- Paint chips in various colors
- Brown construction paper
- Permanent marker
- Googly eyes
- Glue
- Brass fastener
Your paint chips will make up the turkey’s tail feathers. First, have kids cut them into long oblongs, then write something they are thankful for on each “feather.” Younger kids can draw a picture to represent their gratitude. Brown construction paper makes up the turkey’s body, and small orange triangles for the beak (either from construction paper or paint chips) and googly eyes complete its face. To put it all together, use a hole punch and metal brad or brass fastener.
Autumn Tree Place Cards
Hosting a crowd for Thanksgiving? Help everyone find their seats with these pretty place cards, modified from Satsuma Design’s Q-Tip fall tree art.
You’ll need:
- Cardstock or blank cards
- Brown construction paper
- Glue stick
- Cotton swabs
- Poster or acrylic paint in brown, yellow, red, and orange
- Black marker
Orient your cards or cardstock so they will stand. First, cut out a tree trunk shape and glue it on the card backing (smaller kids may need help with this part). Then, dip cotton swabs in glue and dot it on to make autumn-colored leaves, pointillism-style. Finish up by writing guests’ names on each card.
Customized Pot Holders
Customized pot holders or oven mitts make thoughtful, useful gifts for the host or hostess.
You’ll need:
- Plain pot holder or oven mitt
- Acrylic paint
Decorate the pot holder with acrylic paint. Fun, autumn-themed ideas include handprint turkeys or painting with leaves, but the possibilities are endless!
Easy Autumn Wreath
This simple yet lovely wreath is easy for even young kids to make.
You’ll need:
- Paper plate
- Glue
- Leaves (real or silk)
Cut out the center of a paper plate, then glue leaves all around. While silk floral leaves will last longer, real leaves collected from an outdoor adventure make this craft even more fun!
Key Takeaways
- Keep the kids occupied with these easy Thanksgiving crafts for kids
- Make easy, eye-catching centerpieces and place cards
- Craft heartfelt hostess gifts
- Decorate your home with simple yet sweet kid creations
To find the supplies for these fun crafts, plus lots of other Thanksgiving essentials for the kitchen and home, visit your local one dollar zone! today.
Happy Thanksgiving!