Fun and Easy Thanksgiving Crafts for Toddlers

Last year, I sat on the kitchen floor with my little one, scraps of paper and glue sticks everywhere, trying to make something that resembled a turkey. Spoiler: it looked more like a chicken wearing a hat. But you know what? My toddler beamed with pride, and honestly, that’s what Thanksgiving crafts for toddlers are all about—messy little hands, big smiles, and memories that stick way longer than the glitter. If you’ve ever tried to keep a wiggly two-year-old entertained while prepping for the holiday, you know it’s not exactly easy. They want to help, but let’s be real… carving the turkey is not happening. That’s where these simple, fun craft ideas come in. Think easy projects that don’t take forever to set up, won’t stress you out, and actually keep your child engaged. Stick with me—I’ll share ideas that are cute, low-pressure, and perfect for tiny hands.

Thanksgiving Crafts for Toddlers

Thanksgiving Crafts for Toddlers are simple and fun activities that help little ones celebrate the holiday. They boost creativity, motor skills, and create special family moments. Here some Thanksgiving Crafts for Toddlers:

Paper Plate Turkey

Honestly, Paper Plate Turkeys are one of my favorite toddler crafts because they’re so simple, yet endlessly fun. I’ve found that just giving my little ones a paper plate, some paint, and a few feathers can keep them busy for ages. We usually start by painting the plate brown and letting it dry while they pick out feather colors. It’s messy, yes, but in my opinion, the best kind of messy. Watching them proudly glue their feathers on and create funny turkey faces is priceless.

To be fair, sometimes toddlers just smear paint everywhere, but that’s okay! I usually join in and make a silly turkey alongside them—it turns into a little mini art party. You can hang these on the fridge or even make a turkey garland. My kids love seeing their creations displayed, and honestly, it feels like the house is bursting with Thanksgiving cheer.

Handprint Turkey

 

Handprint Turkeys are such a classic, but I still love them every year. I always tell my toddlers that their hands are going to “grow feathers,” which gets them super excited. We usually do one hand in brown for the body and then use different colors on the fingers for feathers. It’s amazing to see how each handprint turns into a totally unique turkey.

One time, my little one tried to paint the whole page green instead of brown, and honestly, I just let it happen—it still looked cute. I’ve found adding googly eyes or a little beak really brings the turkey to life. It’s such a simple activity but seeing those tiny handprints immortalized on paper is honestly heart-melting. Plus, it doubles as a sweet keepsake for grandparents.

Feather Collage Turkey

Feather Collage Turkeys are one of those crafts where toddlers can go wild with texture and color. I usually gather a bunch of craft feathers, some glue, and a basic turkey template. My kids love picking which colors go where and layering the feathers—it honestly looks like a messy rainbow of fun.

To be fair, I’ve learned that pre-cutting a few shapes helps when attention spans wane. I usually sit with my toddler and we chat about the colors or make silly turkey sounds while gluing, which makes it way more interactive. When they finish, we always stand back and admire it like it’s a museum piece. It’s surprisingly impressive, and in my opinion, it’s one of the crafts that really makes the dining table look festive.

Paper Cornucopia

Paper Cornucopias are, honestly, a tiny bit tricky but worth it. I usually start with a simple cone made from construction paper and then let my toddler fill it with paper fruits and veggies we’ve cut out beforehand. The first time I tried this, my kid decided to stuff the whole thing with crumpled paper balls instead of pretend vegetables—but hey, it worked!

I’ve found adding a few glittery leaves or stickers makes it extra festive. It’s a great way to talk about Thanksgiving foods and harvest time while crafting. In my experience, toddlers love the feeling of “filling” something, so this usually keeps them engaged. Honestly, seeing them balance the paper fruits inside without everything falling out is adorable. It’s messy, interactive, and perfect for a holiday centerpiece that’s totally toddler-approved.

Painted Cornucopia

Painted Cornucopias are messy in the best way, and honestly, that’s why I love them. I usually give my toddlers some paints and a paper cone and let them go wild. The first time I did this, my kid ended up with purple hands and orange cheeks, and I just laughed—it adds to the charm.

To be fair, I usually prep with old newspaper or a big tray because things get messy fast. My favorite part is seeing how each child interprets the cornucopia—some go abstract, others try to paint individual fruits. Honestly, I think letting toddlers experiment with paint like this is more valuable than a “perfect” final piece. When it dries, we sometimes add paper fruits inside, and suddenly it looks like a mini harvest explosion.

Mini 3D Cornucopia

Mini 3D Cornucopias are honestly one of those crafts that impress parents more than toddlers. I usually fold small cones and let my kids stuff them with tiny tissue paper fruits or popcorn. The first time I did this, my toddler tried to eat a piece of popcorn—it’s all part of the fun!

I’ve found that using bright colored paper for fruits keeps toddlers engaged. To be fair, they sometimes just crumple everything and call it done, but honestly, it still looks cute. We usually make a little “harvest table” with all the mini cornucopias displayed, and my kids love pointing to the ones they made. In my opinion, it’s a craft that doubles as both decor and a tactile activity.

Paper Pilgrim Hat

Paper Pilgrim Hats are surprisingly fun for toddlers. I usually make simple black hats with a yellow buckle and give them glue, tape, and paper to decorate. Honestly, the best part is when they decide to “personalize” the hat—sometimes adding pink feathers or stickers.

To be fair, the first time we tried this, my toddler ended up wearing the hat upside down and thought it was hilarious. I’ve found that helping them fold the basic shape and letting them add details themselves works best. We sometimes even wear them during snack time—it turns into a little role-play moment. Honestly, it’s simple but keeps toddlers engaged for a solid 20 minutes, which is like a mini victory in my world.

Felt Pilgrim Hat

Felt Pilgrim Hats feel extra special because they’re soft and tactile. I usually cut the shapes beforehand and let my toddler glue or stick them together. One year, my kid decided to put the hat on a stuffed animal first, which honestly made me laugh for a solid five minutes.

I’ve found using felt with adhesive dots keeps frustration low because toddlers don’t need scissors. To be fair, glue sometimes gets everywhere, but honestly, the tactile feeling keeps them entertained. We also decorate with little felt flowers or stickers, which makes each hat unique. In my opinion, these are perfect for pretend play, and seeing my toddler proudly wear their creation is honestly priceless.

Handprint Pilgrim Hat

Handprint Pilgrim Hats are a mix of keepsake and craft, and honestly, I love them for memory-making. I usually trace my toddler’s hand for the brim and add a paper top, then let them paint or color. The first time we did this, my little one tried to paint with their foot too—it was chaos but hilarious.

I’ve found it works best to let toddlers press their hand gently and then decorate with stickers or glitter. To be fair, sometimes they smear paint everywhere, but honestly, that’s part of the charm. These hats make great framed keepsakes for grandparents or holiday cards. In my opinion, combining handprints with a Pilgrim hat is a crafty way to make Thanksgiving personal.

Painted Leaf Prints

Painted Leaf Prints are honestly one of my favorites because they combine nature and art. I usually collect a few leaves outside, give my toddler some paint, and let them stamp the leaves onto paper. The first time, my kid tried to stamp their arm too, and honestly, it made me laugh more than I expected.

I’ve found that using different colors on each leaf makes the art pop. To be fair, sometimes leaves break or get stuck to little fingers, but honestly, that’s fine. We usually talk about the shapes and colors as we go, which makes it a mini learning activity. In my opinion, it’s simple, tactile, and looks amazing when hung on the fridge.

Leaf Collages

Leaf Collages are such a fun way to make nature-based art. I usually let toddlers pick leaves of different shapes and sizes, then glue them onto a big sheet. Honestly, it’s always funny to see which leaf they choose first—it often says something about their personality that day.

I’ve found that layering leaves and adding a few glitter accents keeps them engaged longer. To be fair, sometimes my toddler ends up gluing them upside down, but honestly, it doesn’t matter—it all looks festive. We usually talk about colors, sizes, and shapes while crafting, which makes it a little learning moment. In my opinion, leaf collages are perfect for both creativity and fine motor skills.

Leaf Stamping

Leaf Stamping is honestly a little messy but so worth it. I usually brush paint on leaves and let my toddler press them onto paper. One year, my kid ended up stamping the floor, my arm, and the cat—honestly, I just rolled with it.

I’ve found that using firm leaves like oak or maple gives the best prints. To be fair, sometimes paint pools and smears, but honestly, toddlers love the unpredictability. We usually layer different colors for a vibrant look, and it always ends up looking like a tiny autumn masterpiece. In my opinion, leaf stamping is one of those crafts that’s as much fun for parents as it is for kids.

Thankful Tree

The Thankful Tree is honestly one of my favorite ways to combine crafts with gratitude. I usually draw a big tree trunk on a sheet of paper and let my toddler add leaves with little things they’re thankful for. The first time, my toddler wrote “cookies” on every leaf, which honestly made me laugh.

I’ve found adding stickers or small drawings alongside words keeps it visually interesting. To be fair, toddlers might not understand every leaf, but honestly, the point is the conversation about gratitude. We usually hang the tree on the wall and add to it each day leading up to Thanksgiving. In my opinion, it’s a craft that doubles as a sweet family tradition.

Gratitude Jar

Gratitude Jars are honestly so simple yet meaningful. I usually cut small paper strips and let my toddler scribble or draw things they’re thankful for, then drop them in a jar. One year, my kid kept trying to eat the paper—honestly, I just had to laugh.

I’ve found that using colorful strips makes it more fun. To be fair, toddlers may not write actual words, but honestly, even scribbles count as gratitude. We usually read the notes aloud at dinner, which sparks fun conversations. In my opinion, a Gratitude Jar is one of those crafts that creates memories far beyond just making it.

“I Am Thankful For…” Cards

“I Am Thankful For…” Cards are honestly a quick and heartwarming craft. I usually cut small cardstock pieces, write the prompt, and let my toddler decorate and fill them in. One year, my little one wrote “dog” on every card, and honestly, I couldn’t stop laughing.

I’ve found that using stickers, crayons, and glitter pens keeps them engaged. To be fair, they may not fully understand gratitude yet, but honestly, the exercise sparks little conversations that matter. We usually display the cards on the fridge or table, which makes the whole house feel extra festive. In my opinion, these cards are simple, sweet, and a little snapshot of a child’s joyful mind.

Tips for Parents

Thanksgiving Crafts for Toddlers can be fun, but a little guidance helps keep it safe and enjoyable. Here are some tips for parents to make Thanksgiving crafts a positive experience:

• Always supervise cutting or small items to prevent accidents.

• Use non-toxic paints, glue, and materials that are safe for little hands.

• Keep activities short and simple to match your toddler’s attention span.

• Encourage storytelling and creativity while making crafts to make it more engaging.

• Display their creations proudly to boost confidence and celebrate their effort

FAQ

What materials are safe for toddlers to use?

Always choose non-toxic paints, glue, markers, and craft materials. Avoid small items that could be a choking hazard.

How long should a craft activity last for toddlers?

Keep each activity short, around 10–20 minutes, to match their attention span and prevent frustration.

Can these crafts be done with items found at home?

Yes! Many crafts use simple items like paper plates, construction paper, leaves, cotton balls, and crayons.

How can I make crafts more fun for my toddler?

Let them explore colors, textures, and shapes freely. Encourage storytelling about their craft and celebrate their effort.