Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids

Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy the warm, cozy feelings of having family together and pondering on what we are thankful for. Spend some time with your loved ones making crafts. Make some easy, fun crafts with the kids this season with things you can find around the house. Maybe get your guests involved with the crafting process as well.

Wild Bird Feeder

Gather some pinecones from the park or your own backyard for this craft. Tie some string or pipe cleaners around the ends. Coat the pine cone in peanut butter and then a light coat of bird seed. Hang it from a backyard tree or a bird feeder to watch the birds have a feast.

Pretzel/Cereal/Candy Necklace

Shop for your favorite pretzels, cereal, and candy with holes (such as life savers or Froot Loops). Cut a 30-inch length of yarn and string your edibles onto the yarn. Tie the ends and make a bow. Each guest should have an edible necklace at their place setting to eat or wear!

Thanksgiving Centerpiece

Make a simple, yet elegant, Thanksgiving centerpiece with items from nature. You can use a basket you have already to collect squash, Indian corn, fruit, nuts, leaves, gourds, and maybe a small pumpkin. Put the biggest items in first and then fill in the space with the smaller items. Place in the center of your dinner table for added charm to your holiday feast.

Leaf Place Cards

Gather some newly fallen leaves from your yard to make cute place cards for your guests. Use markers, paints, or other art materials to write each guest's name on a leaf. Place the leaves at each guest's dinner plate.

Leaf Rubbing Place Cards

Another variation on the leaf place setting name cards involves leaves, crayons, and construction paper. Fold a piece of paper in half with a leaf inside. Rub a crayon gently across the front of the paper. Use a different colored crayon to color in the background. Use another crayon to print the guests' names on the name cards. Use nice fall colors like yellow, red, and brown.

Stained Glass Decorations

Sharpen some old crayons and use the shavings to make stained-glass decorations. Use an iron to melt the shavings between wax paper and cut out Thanksgiving-themed shapes, such as turkeys, pumpkins, leaves, corn, pilgrims, and feathers. Place your decorations around your home or as place setting markers for your guests.