10+ Heartfelt DIY Thanksgiving Crafts

DIY Thanksgiving crafts are a fun and creative way to celebrate the holiday while adding a personal touch to your decorations.

Thanksgiving Handprint Turkey

I don’t know about you, but handprint crafts always make me a little nostalgic. There’s something about seeing those little painted hands stamped on paper that feels like a snapshot of time. I remember the first time I tried a handprint turkey with my niece – she got so much paint on her shirt, and we laughed for ages. Honestly, the mess was half the fun. The best part is, you don’t need anything fancy. Just some construction paper, markers, and paint. You trace (or stamp) the hand, and suddenly those fingers become feathers. It’s simple, but so full of charm.

What I really love is how personal these turkeys become. Each handprint is unique, and when kids add little googly eyes or scribbly beaks, the turkeys turn out so quirky. To be fair, even adults get a kick out of it – I’ve done one for myself just for fun. I think they make adorable keepsakes to tuck away, or even use as Thanksgiving dinner table décor. Honestly, every time I see them taped on the fridge, it makes me smile.

Leaf Turkey

Now this one feels like the perfect blend of nature and craftiness. A Leaf Turkey is exactly what it sounds like – a turkey made with real leaves. I love taking a little walk outside before Thanksgiving and collecting different shades of autumn leaves. It feels like part of the project itself, almost like a scavenger hunt. I still remember finding a bright red maple leaf last year that instantly became the turkey’s “show-off” feather. In my opinion, no store-bought craft supply beats that real fall texture.

Once you’ve got your leaves, you just arrange them as feathers behind a paper or cardboard turkey body. Glue them down, add a beak, eyes, maybe even a little wattle, and suddenly you’ve got this rustic, cozy turkey staring back at you. I’ve found these look amazing as centerpieces because they bring in that warm, natural vibe. To be fair, leaves can crumble if you’re not gentle, but honestly, the imperfections make them even prettier.

Pom-Pom Turkey Craft

Okay, this one is ridiculously cute. Pom-pom turkeys are my go-to whenever I want a craft that’s soft, colorful, and a little playful. The first time I made one, I actually raided my leftover yarn scraps, thinking it might not even work, but it turned out to be one of my favorite little Thanksgiving decorations. Honestly, who can resist a fuzzy little turkey sitting on the table?

Here’s the fun part – you can either buy pre-made pom-poms or make your own by wrapping yarn around cardboard. Once you’ve got the pom-poms, glue on some felt for wings, a beak, maybe pipe cleaners for feet. The whole thing comes together in a way that’s almost comical, and kids especially love giving them wild feather colors. I’ve seen pink and blue turkeys that would never survive in the wild, but hey, it’s crafting – anything goes. To be fair, I think these turkeys are more for decoration than keepsakes, but they’re pure joy to make.

Thanksgiving Place Cards

These adorable place cards make your Thanksgiving dinner extra special, allowing each guest to have their own personalized seating space.

Materials Used:

• Small craft paper (for cards)
• Markers
• Stickers (optional)
• Scissors
• Ribbon (optional)

Steps:

1. Cut the craft paper into small rectangles, about the size of a standard place card.
2. Write the name of each guest on the card with a marker.
3. Add a small Thanksgiving-related drawing or stickers to personalize each place card.
4. If desired, add a ribbon to the top of the card for extra decoration.
5. Set these place cards on the dinner table to make your Thanksgiving meal feel even more festive.

Paper Plate Pilgrim Hats

Crafting these charming Pilgrim hats is a perfect way to bring the story of the first Thanksgiving to life for children.

Materials Used:

• Paper plates
• Black construction paper
• Yellow construction paper
• Glue
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Begin by cutting a paper plate in half to form the brim of the hat.
2. Cut a strip of black construction paper and glue it around the rim of the plate, securing the sides.
3. Cut out a square from the yellow construction paper to make a buckle, then glue it onto the black strip.
4. Optional: You can color the rest of the paper plate to resemble the top of the Pilgrim’s hat.
5. Let the hats dry, then wear them during your Thanksgiving celebration!

Mason Jar Pumpkin Centerpiece

Mason jars make the perfect base for creating a charming Thanksgiving centerpiece that will brighten up any table.

Materials Used:

• Mason jars
• Orange paint or orange tissue paper
• Green pipe cleaners
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun

Steps:

1. If using paint, coat the mason jar with orange paint and let it dry completely. If using tissue paper, glue it around the jar.
2. Twist a green pipe cleaner into a curly stem shape and glue it to the top of the mason jar.
3. Create additional leaves from green paper and attach them to the jar with glue.
4. Place a small candle inside the jar (battery-operated is best) or use the jar as a holder for Thanksgiving flowers.
5. Use it as a centerpiece on your Thanksgiving dinner table.

Handprint Pumpkin Craft

A fun craft for young children, this handprint pumpkin is a great way to celebrate the fall season and Thanksgiving.

Materials Used:

• Orange paint
• Green construction paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• Markers

Steps:

1. Paint your child’s hand with orange paint and press it onto a piece of white paper, forming the shape of a pumpkin.
2. Once the paint is dry, cut out a small rectangle from green construction paper to create the pumpkin’s stem and glue it at the top of the handprint.
3. Use markers to add additional details like pumpkin lines or vines on the green stem.
4. Display this craft in your home as a reminder of the fall season.

Thanksgiving Wreath Craft

This craft will help you create a beautiful wreath that you can hang on your door or wall for Thanksgiving.

Materials Used:

• Cardboard or paper plate
• Construction paper (orange, yellow, red, and green)
• Glue
• Scissors
• Ribbons or other decorations (optional)

Steps:

1. Start by cutting the center out of a paper plate to form the wreath base.
2. Cut the construction paper into leaf shapes in various colors.
3. Glue the leaves onto the wreath base, overlapping them slightly to form a full circle.
4. Add additional decorations such as ribbons, small pumpkins, or mini pinecones for extra detail.
5. Hang the wreath on your door or around the house to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Corn Husk Dolls

These traditional Thanksgiving crafts are great for teaching children about the harvest and early American traditions.

Materials Used:

• Corn husks
• String or twine
• Scissors
• Markers or paint

Steps:

1. Soak the corn husks in water for about an hour to soften them.
2. Lay three to four corn husks flat and tie them together at the top with string.
3. Fold the bottom ends of the husks upward to form the skirt of the doll and tie them with string.
4. Use markers or paint to add a face and hair to your corn husk doll.
5. Display these dolls as part of your Thanksgiving decorations.

Turkey Footprint Craft

A heartwarming Thanksgiving craft for children, this project turns their footprints into adorable turkey feathers.

Materials Used:

• Brown paint
• Colorful construction paper
• Googly eyes
• Scissors
• Glue
• Marker

Steps:

1. Paint the bottom of your child’s feet with brown paint and have them stamp their feet on a piece of white paper.
2. Once dry, cut out colorful feathers from construction paper and glue them around the footprint to create the turkey’s tail.
3. Add googly eyes to the footprint and draw a beak and wattle with a marker.
4. Write a Thanksgiving message or the year at the bottom of the craft for a special memory.

Acorn Crafts

Using acorns collected from outside, these tiny treasures can be turned into adorable Thanksgiving crafts.

Materials Used:

• Acorns
• Paint (acrylic or tempera)
• Glue
• Small paper shapes or googly eyes
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Paint the acorns with bright colors like gold, red, or orange.
2. Once dry, glue small paper shapes or googly eyes to turn the acorn into a turkey, owl, or other fall-themed character.
3. Display your acorn creations as part of your Thanksgiving decor.

Pinecone Turkey Craft

This is a great way to repurpose nature finds into a fun Thanksgiving decoration.

Materials Used:

• Pinecones
• Construction paper
• Googly eyes
• Feathers (real or paper)
• Glue

Steps:

1. Start by gluing googly eyes onto the pinecone.
2. Cut out a small turkey beak and wattle from construction paper and glue them below the eyes.
3. Glue colorful feathers to the back of the pinecone to form the turkey’s tail.
4. Place these pinecone turkeys on the table or hang them as ornaments.

Thanksgiving Tree

Create a “Thanksgiving Tree” where you can add thankful notes from family and guests, making it a meaningful centerpiece.

Materials Used:

• Branches
• Small tags or pieces of paper
• Markers
• Ribbon
• Vase or pot

Steps:

1. Collect some small branches and arrange them in a vase or pot.
2. Cut out small tags from paper and write things you’re thankful for on each one.
3. Attach the tags to the branches using ribbons or string.
4. Display the Thanksgiving Tree in your home as a centerpiece or on the table during your holiday meal.

Popcorn Garland

This simple yet festive craft adds a rustic touch to your Thanksgiving decorations.

Materials Used:

• Popcorn (freshly popped)
• Needle and thread
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Pop a batch of popcorn and let it cool.
2. Thread a needle with strong thread or twine.
3. Carefully string the popcorn onto the thread, creating a garland of popcorn.
4. Drape the garland across your Thanksgiving table or use it to decorate your home for the holiday.

Cinnamon Stick Candles

Create a simple and fragrant candle holder using cinnamon sticks that will add a warm scent to your Thanksgiving dinner.

Materials Used:

• Cinnamon sticks
• Glue
• Small candle
• Ribbon

Steps:

1. Glue cinnamon sticks vertically around the outside of a small jar or candle holder.
2. Secure them in place with a ribbon around the middle of the jar.
3. Place a candle inside the jar and light it up to create a warm, cozy atmosphere for your Thanksgiving celebration.

Felt Pumpkin Coasters

These coasters not only protect your table but also add a festive touch to your Thanksgiving gathering.

Materials Used:

• Orange felt
• Green felt
• Scissors
• Glue or fabric glue

Steps:

1. Cut out circular shapes from orange felt for the coaster base.
2. Cut out smaller shapes from green felt to create pumpkin leaves and vines.
3. Glue the leaves and vines onto the orange felt circle to create a pumpkin design.
4. Let the glue dry completely before using them to protect your table during Thanksgiving.

Felt Autumn Leaves

Crafting felt leaves can bring a bit of fall color into your home, perfect for Thanksgiving decor.

Materials Used:

• Felt in various autumn colors
• Scissors
• Glue

Steps:

1. Cut leaf shapes out of different colors of felt.
2. Layer the leaves to form a decorative arrangement.
3. You can glue them onto the table runner or as part of a centerpiece.
4. Use the leaves to create garlands, wreaths, or place settings for the holiday.

Thanksgiving Pom-Pom Garland

A cheerful addition to your Thanksgiving decor, this pom-pom garland can be hung up anywhere in your home.

Materials Used:

• Pom-poms in autumn colors
• Needle and thread

Steps:

1. Thread a needle with strong thread.
2. String a series of colorful pom-poms along the thread to create a garland.
3. Hang the garland above the table, along the mantel, or across a wall to add festive charm.

Pinecone Pumpkin Centerpiece

Using natural materials like pinecones, this craft is perfect for an elegant Thanksgiving centerpiece.

Materials Used:

• Pinecones
• Orange paint
• Green construction paper
• Glue

Steps:

1. Paint the pinecones with orange paint to resemble pumpkins.
2. Once the paint has dried, cut out small leaves and vines from green construction paper.
3. Glue the leaves and vines to the top of each pinecone to complete the pumpkin look.
4. Display the pinecone pumpkins on your Thanksgiving table as a centerpiece.

Thanksgiving Banner

A simple yet effective way to add a festive touch to your home is by creating a Thanksgiving banner.

Materials Used:

• Burlap or fabric
• Markers or paint
• Scissors
• String or ribbon

Steps:

1. Cut pieces of burlap or fabric into rectangles.
2. Use markers or paint to spell out “Happy Thanksgiving” on each piece.
3. Attach the fabric pieces to a string or ribbon, spacing them out evenly.
4. Hang the banner on your wall or across the fireplace to set a festive mood for your celebration