Thanksgiving crafts for preschoolers are a great way to celebrate the season while helping little ones develop their creativity and motor skills. These simple activities, from handprint turkeys to pumpkin stamps, allow children to explore the holiday’s themes of gratitude and togetherness. In this guide, we’ve gathered over 20 engaging and easy craft ideas that are perfect for young children. Let these festive projects bring joy to your holiday celebrations and create lasting memories.
20+ Thanksgiving crafts for preschoolers
These simple and engaging activities help kids express their gratitude while exploring different materials and textures. Here are over 20 Thanksgiving crafts that will keep your little ones entertained and excited for the holiday season.
1. Handprint turkey
This classic Thanksgiving craft allows preschoolers to create a turkey using their handprints, making it a memorable keepsake. It’s a fun and easy way for kids to get involved in holiday crafting.
Materials:
- Brown paint
- Colored construction paper (red, yellow, orange)
- Googly eyes
- Glue
How to do it:
- Have your children dip their hands in brown paint and press in onto a sheet of paper to make the turkey’s body.
- Cut out feathers from colored paper and glue them around the handprint to create the turkey’s plumage.
- Add googly eyes and a beak to complete the turkey face.
2. Pumpkin stamps
Create fun pumpkin prints with real pumpkins! This craft adds a sensory element to the experience as children explore texture and shapes.
Materials:
- Small pumpkin
- Orange paint
- White or brown paper
How to do it:
- Cut a small pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds.
- Dip the pumpkin half in orange paint and stamp it onto a piece of paper.
- Let kids decorate the pumpkin print with green stems or faces.
3. Thanksgiving placemat
Preschoolers can create their very own Thanksgiving placemat, perfect for Thanksgiving dinner. This craft combines coloring and creativity for a personalized touch to the table.
Materials:
- Large sheet of paper or placement template
- Markers
- Crayons or colored pencils
How to do it:
- Have your child color Thanksgiving-themed pictures like turkeys, pumpkins, or fall leaves.
- Laminate the finished placemat for a long-lasting keepsake.
4. Paper plate pilgrim hat
This easy-to-make pilgrim hat is a great way to introduce preschoolers to Thanksgiving traditions. It’s perfect for costume play or to wear during Thanksgiving activities.
Materials:
- Paper plate
- Black construction paper
- Yellow construction paper for the buckle
- Glue
How to do it:
- Cut a paper plate in half, then color the top part black.
- Cut a yellow square for the buckle and glue it to the center of the plate.
- Attach the hat to your child’s head with a string or just let them hold it as a fun prop!
5. Corn on the Cob Craft
Let preschoolers explore the textures of corn while making a colorful paper corn on the cob. It’s a great way to discuss fall harvest and the food associated with Thanksgiving.
Materials:
- Yellow and orange construction paper
- Scissors and glue
- Green paper for the husks
How to do it:
- Cut small squares or circles from yellow and orange paper to create the kernels.
- Arrange the kernels on a green paper “corn cob” and glue them down.
- Attach green paper to the base of the husks.
6. Thankful tree
The thankful tree is an interactive craft where children can express what they are thankful for. It’s a wonderful way to teach gratitude and help kids reflect on the season.
Materials:
- Brown construction paper (for the trunk and branches)
- Paper leaves
- Markers or crayons
How to do it:
- Draw or cut out a tree trunk and branches on brown paper and glue it to a wall or large poster.
- Cut out leaves from colorful paper and let preschoolers write or draw what they’re thankful for on each leaf.
- Glue the leaves onto the tree.
7. Feather headbands
Feather headbands are a simple and fun accessory that preschoolers can wear while celebrating Thanksgiving. This activity allows them to use a variety of colors and textures to make their own unique headband.
Materials:
- Colorful feathers
- Construction paper
- Glue and scissors
How to do it:
- Cut a strip of construction paper to fit around your child’s head.
- Glue feathers to the paper strip, arranging them in any order.
- Attach the ends of the strip together to make a headband.
8. Leaf rubbings
Leaf rubbings are a great way for preschoolers to explore nature while making beautiful art. This simple activity promotes fine motor skills and introduces kids to texture exploration.
Materials:
- Fresh leaves
- White paper
- Crayons
How to do it:
- Place a leaf under a piece of white paper.
- Use a crayon to rub over the paper, revealing the texture and shape of the leaf.
- Repeat with different leaves and colors for a vibrant leaf collection.
9. Turkey cupcakes
Combine crafts and treats with this fun edible craft that preschoolers will love to decorate and eat! It’s a delicious way to celebrate Thanksgiving.
Materials:
- Cupcakes
- Chocolate frosting
- Candy corn or colored candies
- Sprinkles
How to do it:
- Frost the cupcakes with chocolate icing.
- Use candy corn or colored candies to form the turkey’s feathers.
- Add a candy for the turkey’s eyes and beak.
10. Pinecone turkeys
Pinecone turkeys are a charming Thanksgiving craft using natural materials. It’s a great way for kids to connect with the outdoors and create a festive decoration.
Materials:
- Pincecones
- Feathers
- Googly eyes
- Construction paper for the beak and waddle
- Glue
How to do it:
- Glue feathers to the back of a pinecone to create the turkey’s tail.
- Add googly eyes and a small paper beak and waddle to the pinecone.
- Let preschoolers decorate their turkeys however they like.
11. Thanksgiving collage
A Thanksgiving collage gives preschoolers the freedom to explore their creativity and create a masterpiece with a variety of Thanksgiving-themed images.
Materials:
- Magazines or printed pictures
- Glue
- Scissors
- Large paper for the base.
How to do it:
- Have preschoolers cut out images of pumpkins, turkeys, and fall leaves from magazines or printouts.
- Glue the cut-out images onto a large piece of paper to create a Thanksgiving-themed collage.
12. Paper bag turkey puppets
This adorable craft lets preschoolers make their own turkey puppets and put on a Thanksgiving play. It’s a fun and interactive activity for kids.
Materials:
- Paper bags
- Colored markers
- Feathers
- Googly eyes
How to do it:
- Turn a paper bag upside down and glue on feathers to form the turkey’s tail.
- Use markers to draw the turkey’s face and add googly eyes.
- Let preschoolers use the puppet for a Thanksgiving performance.
13. Autumn leaf crown
This craft lets preschoolers wear their autumn creations proudly. It’s a simple way to use natural materials and celebrate the beauty of fall.
Materials:
- Autumn leaves
- Construction paper
- Glue
How to do it:
- Cut a strip of construction paper to fit around your child’s head as a crown.
- Glue autumn leaves around the strip to create a colorful leaf crown.
14. Pilgrim and Native American dolls
These paper dolls help preschoolers learn about Thanksgiving history while creating their own characters. It’s a great craft for building cultural awareness and creativity.
Materials:
- Paper dolls
- Fabric scraps
- Markers or crayons
How to do it:
- Dress paper dolls in pilgrim or Native American clothing using fabric scraps.
- Use markers to add facial features and other details.
- Let preschoolers create a story or play with their new dolls.
15. Fall foliage wreath
This craft uses natural elements like leaves and twigs to create a beautiful fall wreath. It’s perfect for decorating your home or classroom.
Materials:
- A paper plate
- Fall leaves
- Glue
How to do it:
- Cut a hole in the center of a paper plate to make the wreath base.
- Glue fall leaves all around the edge of the plate to create the wreath.
- Hang the wreath on the wall to celebrate the season.
16. Turkey headbands
Let preschoolers create their own festive headbands featuring turkeys. This fun project adds a personal touch to their Thanksgiving celebrations.
Materials:
- Construction paper
- Feathers
- Glue
How to do it:
- Cut out a strip of construction paper to fit around your child’s head.
- Add colorful feathers to the strip to form the turkey’s tail.
- Glue a paper turkey face on the front of the headband.
17. Thanksgiving bingo
A Thanksgiving bingo game is a fun and interactive way for preschoolers to learn more about Thanksgiving symbols while playing a game.
Materials:
- Printable bingo cards with Thanksgiving symbols
- Markers or buttons to cover spaces
How to do it:
- Give each child a bingo card filled with Thanksgiving symbols.
- Call out the symbols, and the children mark them off on their cards until they get a bingo!
18. Thankful handprint banner
This craft combines handprints and gratitude. It’s a wonderful way to encourage preschoolers to think about what they are thankful for.
Materials:
- Large sheet of paper
- Paint (for handprints)
- Markers
How to do it:
- Have each child dip their hands in paint and dress them onto the paper to create handprints.
- Write what each child is thankful for near their handprint.
- Display the banner in your classroom or home.
19. Pumpkin spice scented playdough
Create a festive playdough activity by adding pumpkin spice scent to homemade dough. Kids will love squishing and shaping the dough into pumpkins and fall-themed creations.
Materials:
- Homemade or store-bought playdough
- Pumpkin spice or cinnamon
How to do it:
- Mix pumpkin spice or cinnamon into the playdough.
- Let children shape the dough into pumpkins, leaves, or other fall objects.
20. Pilgrim hat craft
Create fun pilgrim hats from construction paper, perfect for adding a festive touch to your Thanksgiving celebration.
Materials:
- Black and yellow construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
How to do it:
- Cut out a rectangle from black construction paper for the hat band.
- Cut out a square and a rectangle for the buckle and glue them onto the band.
- Attach the band around a cup or small paper cone to complete the pilgrim hat.
21. Pinecone fall tree
Make a small fall tree using pinecones as the base. It’s a simple way to incorporate nature into a craft project.
Materials:
- Pinecones
- Small branches
- Fall-colored felt or construction paper
How to do it:
- Use small branches to form a tree shape.
- Glue pinecones to the branches for a textured look.
- Decorate with small pieces of felt or paper for leaves.
If you want to go beyond crafts, here’s a list of Thanksgiving activities for preschoolers that are perfect for class or home!
Final thoughts
These Thanksgiving crafts for preschoolers are not only fun and engaging, but they also offer a wonderful opportunity for kids to learn about the holiday and express their creativity. Whether they’re making a turkey handprint, decorating a pumpkin, or crafting a thankful tree, these activities help foster a sense of gratitude and joy. Enjoy these crafts with your little ones and create memories that will last long after Thanksgiving is over!
