As Thanksgiving approaches, families often gather to celebrate with food, gratitude, and togetherness. But while the turkey and stuffing are essential, the decorations can set the mood and create lasting memories. Engaging kids in the decorating process not only brings joy but also sparks their creativity. This list features 17 exciting Thanksgiving decorations that kids can easily make, helping to fill your home with festive cheer and warmth.
Paper Plate Turkeys
Start with a simple paper plate and let kids unleash their creativity! They can paint or color the plate brown for the turkey’s body. Use colored paper to cut out feathers, which can be glued on the back. Add googly eyes and a triangle-shaped beak for a fun touch. These turkeys make great decorations for the dining table or can even be hung on walls, adding a personal touch to your Thanksgiving decor.
Pine Cone Pilgrims
Gather some pine cones from your backyard or a local park. Kids can paint them to resemble little pilgrims by adding faces and traditional hats using construction paper. This craft encourages outdoor exploration and creativity, and the finished pine cone pilgrims can serve as charming centerpieces or table decorations that celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Day Handprint Art
Create a memorable piece of art using the kids’ handprints. Use colorful paints to make handprints on a canvas or sturdy paper. Once dry, kids can turn their handprints into turkeys or fall leaves by adding details with markers. This is a simple yet meaningful decoration that showcases their creativity and can be displayed proudly during Thanksgiving gatherings.
Felt Thanksgiving Garland
Help kids cut out shapes like pumpkins, turkeys, and leaves from felt. They can string these shapes together to create a festive garland. This project is great for fine motor skills and can be hung around the house for an eye-catching Thanksgiving display. Plus, it’s durable enough to use year after year!
DIY Pumpkin Centerpieces
Use small pumpkins as a base for a fun centerpiece. Kids can paint or decorate them with stickers and markers. Arrange these decorated pumpkins in a bowl or on a platter with some fall leaves for a vibrant centerpiece. This project is an easy way to bring the autumn spirit indoors and make the table more inviting.
Colorful Leaf Place Cards
Take a walk and collect different leaves, or use colored paper to cut out leaf shapes. Each child can write family members’ names on a leaf and decorate it with markers or glitter. These colorful place cards not only guide guests to their seats but also add a personal touch to the Thanksgiving table setting.
Gratitude Tree Craft
Create a gratitude tree using a brown paper bag as the trunk and branches made from twigs or cardboard. Kids can cut out leaves from colored paper and write what they are thankful for on each leaf. Hang the leaves on the branches to create a beautiful display that encourages everyone to reflect on gratitude during the holiday.
Turkey Hats from Brown Paper Bags
Transform brown paper bags into fun turkey hats! Cut out the bottom of the bag and decorate the outside with turkey feathers, eyes, and a beak. Kids can wear these hats during Thanksgiving dinner, adding a playful element to the celebration. It’s a fun way to engage them in the festivities and get them excited about the holiday.
Thanksgiving Wreath with Kid’s Artwork
Use a cardboard circle as the base for a Thanksgiving wreath. Let kids decorate it with their artwork, including drawings and paintings of fall scenes, pumpkins, or turkeys. This wreath can be hung on a front door or wall, showcasing their creativity and making your home feel welcoming for guests.
DIY Cornucopia from Cardboard
Create a cornucopia using a cardboard cone as the base. Kids can decorate it with paint or markers and fill it with fake fruits and veggies like apples, pumpkins, and gourds. This project allows children to learn about the symbolism of the cornucopia while creating a stunning centerpiece for the Thanksgiving table.
Thanksgiving Table Runner with Handprints
Use a long piece of fabric or paper as a table runner and let kids stamp their handprints in fall colors like red, orange, and yellow. They can add details like leaves or turkeys around their handprints. This easy Thanksgiving craft not only personalizes the table setting but also becomes a cherished keepsake.
Decorative Mason Jar Lanterns
Take empty mason jars and let kids decorate them with paint, stickers, or colored paper. Placing a battery-operated tea light inside turns these jars into lovely lanterns. These decorative jars can be placed around the house to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for Thanksgiving evening.
Thanksgiving-Themed Painted Rocks
Collect some smooth rocks and let kids paint them with Thanksgiving themes like turkeys, pumpkins, or autumn leaves. These painted rocks can be used as table decorations or hidden around the yard for a fun Thanksgiving scavenger hunt. It’s a simple and enjoyable craft that promotes creativity and outdoor fun.
Craft Stick Turkeys
Using craft sticks, kids can create their own turkeys by gluing sticks together to form a body. They can decorate their turkeys with colorful paper feathers and googly eyes. This easy Thanksgiving craft is perfect for developing fine motor skills and can be a fun decoration for the table or around the house.
Easy Thanksgiving Window Clings
Make window clings using puffy paint or specialized cling film. Kids can draw Thanksgiving-themed designs like turkeys or pumpkins. Once dry, these clings can be placed on windows to add a festive touch to your home. They’re easy to remove and can be stored for next year’s celebration.
Thanksgiving Banner with Family Photos
Create a festive banner using string and family photos. Kids can decorate paper flags with drawings or stickers, then attach family pictures to the flags. Hang this banner where guests will see it, adding a personal touch to your Thanksgiving decor. This project fosters family bonding and creates a warm atmosphere.
Thanksgiving Paper Chains
Make colorful paper chains using construction paper in fall colors. Kids can cut strips and link them together to create long chains that can be draped around the house. This easy Thanksgiving decoration adds a cheerful touch and is a fun way to involve kids in the decorating process.