45 Fun Thanksgiving Crafts for Toddlers
Thanksgiving crafts for toddlers are a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday while keeping little hands busy and engaged.
These simple projects help young children develop important skills like hand-eye coordination and creativity, all while having fun. The best part?
Most of these Thanksgiving crafts for toddlers use materials you already have at home, making them budget-friendly and easy to start right away.
From paper plate turkeys to handprint art, these activities create lasting memories and adorable keepsakes. Get ready to enjoy quality time with your toddler while making festive decorations together.
Why Do Thanksgiving Crafts Matter for Toddlers?
Thanksgiving crafts offer toddlers wonderful opportunities to grow and learn. Through simple activities like gluing, cutting, and painting, young children develop fine motor skills that prepare them for writing and other tasks.
Crafting also sparks creativity and imagination as toddlers experiment with colors, textures, and materials. These projects create special moments for families to connect and celebrate the holiday together.
The most important thing to remember is that the process matters more than the final product. Messy hands, crooked shapes, and unique interpretations are all part of the fun.
Focus on enjoying quality time with your little one rather than creating picture-perfect decorations.
What You’ll Need for Most of These Easy Toddler Crafts
Before you start crafting with your toddler, gather a few basic supplies. Most of these materials are inexpensive and easy to find at home or your local craft store. Here’s what you’ll need for the projects:
| CATEGORY | MATERIALS |
|---|---|
| Paper & Craft Base | Construction paper, paper plates, paper cups, cardboard scraps, tissue paper |
| Adhesives | Child-safe glue sticks, washable glue, and double-sided tape |
| Cutting Tools | Safety scissors, pre-cut shapes |
| Coloring Supplies | Crayons, washable markers, finger paints, colored pencils |
| Decorative Add-ons | Feathers, googly eyes, pom-poms, sequins, buttons |
| Nature Elements | Dried leaves, pinecones, sticks, acorns |
| Textured Materials | Cotton balls, yarn, pasta, rice, beans |
| Household Items | Toilet paper rolls, cupcake liners, coffee filters, paper bags |
| Sensory Ingredients | Playdough, flour, salt, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, food coloring |
| Finishing & Display | String, clothespins, magnets, frames, tape |
Having these supplies ready makes crafting smoother and more enjoyable. You don’t need everything on this list—just pick what works for each project you choose to try.
Thanksgiving Crafts for Toddlers Using Everyday Materials
These crafts are perfect for busy parents who want quick, fun, and mess-free activities. Each project uses simple household items like paper plates, cotton balls, and leaves.
They’re not only adorable but also help toddlers improve hand-eye coordination and creativity.
1. Paper Plate Turkey
Start with a plain paper plate as your turkey’s body. Have your toddler color or paint it brown. Cut out paper feathers in red, orange, and yellow, then help your child glue them around the back edge of the plate.
Add googly eyes, a small triangle for the beak, and a red paper wattle. For a final touch, write your toddler’s name on the plate and hang it as Thanksgiving décor.
2. Handprint Cornucopia
Trace your toddler’s hand on brown construction paper and cut it out — this becomes the cornucopia base. Next, cut out small shapes of fruits and veggies from colorful paper like pumpkins, grapes, and apples.
Have your child glue the “produce” spilling out of the handprint cornucopia. Use crayons or markers to add extra details. This simple craft helps toddlers practice gluing, coloring, and learning about Thanksgiving symbols.
3. Fingerprint Fall Tree
Draw or paint a simple brown tree trunk on white paper. Pour small dots of red, orange, and yellow paint onto a tray. Have your toddler dip their fingertips in the paint and gently press around the tree branches to create colorful autumn leaves.
Encourage them to fill the paper with “fall leaves.” Once dry, you can write their name and the year at the bottom – a wonderful keepsake to cherish each Thanksgiving.
4. Cotton Ball Sheep
Cut a sheep outline from sturdy paper or use a coloring sheet. Let your toddler glue cotton balls all over the body to make it fluffy. Cut out a small face and legs from black paper and glue them in place.
You can even draw a little smile on the sheep’s face. This soft, tactile craft is perfect for sensory play and helps toddlers strengthen their fine motor skills while having fun.
5. Leaf Collage
Go on a short nature walk and collect dry leaves of different shapes and colors. Once home, spread them out on a table and let your toddler choose their favorites.
Glue leaves onto paper in any pattern – turkey, pumpkin, or a colorful mix. Add crayons or stickers for extra fun. This simple collage combines creativity with outdoor learning.
6. Feather Headband
Cut a strip of brown construction paper long enough to fit around your toddler’s head. Let them decorate it with crayons, markers, or stickers. Next, glue colorful craft feathers along one side of the strip.
Once it’s dry, tape or staple the ends together to make a headband. Your toddler can wear it proudly during Thanksgiving celebrations. It’s a great craft for building creativity and helping little ones feel part of the holiday fun.
7. Cupcake Liner Pumpkin
Flatten an orange cupcake liner and glue it onto a sheet of paper. Cut out a small green stem and leaf from construction paper and stick them at the top. Help your toddler draw lines on the pumpkin using a crayon to give it texture.
You can make a patch of several pumpkins by adding more liners. This easy craft teaches shape recognition and is a wonderful way to talk about harvest time.
8. Tissue Paper Turkey
Cut out a large oval from brown paper for the turkey’s body and a smaller one for its head. Glue the head on top and add googly eyes, a beak, and a wattle. Tear or cut colored tissue paper into small squares.
Have your toddler crumple them and glue them around the body as feathers. It’s a bright and playful craft that strengthens hand coordination while making a cheerful Thanksgiving decoration.
9. Popsicle Stick Scarecrow
Line up five Popsicle sticks vertically to make the scarecrow’s face and glue them together using another stick across the back. Add a hat made from construction paper at the top, and glue on googly eyes, a triangle nose, and a marker-drawn smile.
Use yarn or raffia for hair on the sides. Once finished, your toddler will love displaying this friendly scarecrow among your fall decorations.
10. Pasta Necklace for Thanksgiving
Collect dry pasta, such as penne or macaroni, and place it in small bowls. Mix paint in fall shades like orange, brown, and yellow, then let your toddler dip or brush the pasta pieces to color them.
Once dry, help them string the pasta onto a piece of yarn. Tie the ends together to create a Thanksgiving necklace. It’s a great fine-motor activity that doubles as a fun craft and festive accessory.
11. Coffee Filter Corn
Flatten a coffee filter and have your toddler color it using washable markers in yellow, orange, and brown. Lightly spray it with water to soften the colors.
Once dry, cut it into a corn shape and glue it onto construction paper. Add green paper husks around the edges. This simple craft lets toddlers play with colors and patterns while creating a cute Thanksgiving corn decoration.
12. Spoon Pilgrims
Take two plastic spoons – one for a boy and one for a girl pilgrim. Draw faces on the backs of the spoons with markers. Cut out tiny hats and collars from construction paper and glue them on.
Add small details, such as hair, using yarn or paper strips. These spoon pilgrims make adorable table decorations and help toddlers learn about Thanksgiving traditions in a hands-on, creative way.
13. Button Acorn Art
Draw large acorn shapes on thick paper or cardboard. Sort buttons in shades of brown, tan, and orange. Let your toddler glue the buttons inside the acorn shape, filling it completely.
You can also use small beads or paper dots if you don’t have buttons. Once dry, display the artwork on your fridge. This activity helps improve sorting and gluing skills while introducing kids to fall themes.
14. Recycled Box Turkey
Use a small cardboard box as the turkey’s body. Cover it with brown paper or let your toddler paint it. Cut out colorful paper feathers and glue them to the back of the box.
Add a paper face with eyes, a beak, and a wattle on the front. You can even stuff the box with newspaper to make it stand tall. This eco-friendly project teaches kids about reusing materials while crafting a festive item.
15. Yarn-Wrapped Pumpkins
Cut a pumpkin shape from cardboard and punch a few holes around its edges. Give your toddler orange yarn to wrap around the cardboard until it’s covered. Add a small green yarn piece at the top for the stem.
The wrapping motion helps toddlers strengthen their hand muscles and stay focused. These soft, colorful pumpkins look lovely as table decorations or window hangings for Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Art and Sensory Crafts for Toddlers
These hands-on Thanksgiving crafts focus on touch, smell, and creativity. They’re great for keeping toddlers engaged while helping them learn through sensory play.
16. Pumpkin Spice Playdough
Mix one cup of flour, half a cup of salt, two teaspoons of cream of tartar, one tablespoon of oil, and a cup of water. Add orange food coloring and a teaspoon of pumpkin spice before heating it on low until thick.
Once cooled, give it to your toddler to squish, roll, and shape. The warm scent and soft texture make it a cozy, sensory activity perfect for Thanksgiving week.
17. Corn Kernel Sensory Bin
Pour dried corn kernels into a large plastic bin. Add small scoops, spoons, and cups for pouring and filling. You can hide small toy turkeys or pumpkins for your toddler to find.
This activity keeps little hands busy and encourages pretend play while developing coordination. Make sure to supervise closely, especially if your child is still learning not to put objects in their mouth.
18. Leaf Painting with Toddlers
Collect a few dry leaves from outside and place them on a flat surface. Dip a paintbrush or sponge into fall-colored paints like red, orange, and yellow.
Have your toddler gently dab or brush over the leaves, then lift them to reveal colorful leaf prints. The process helps them learn about shapes and patterns while enjoying a fun painting session inspired by nature.
19. Feather Sorting Tray
Spread out a variety of craft feathers in different sizes and colors. Give your toddler a muffin tin, small bowls, or an ice cube tray. Encourage them to sort the feathers by color or size.
You can also talk about textures – soft, fluffy, or smooth. This easy activity builds early sorting and color recognition skills while providing a calming, sensory-rich playtime.
20. Apple Stamping Art
Cut an apple in half and blot the cut side with a paper towel to remove extra moisture. Dip it in washable paint and stamp it onto paper to make colorful prints.
Your toddler can use red, green, or yellow paint to create an apple pattern or fall design. It’s a fun and mess-friendly craft that introduces kids to basic printing techniques and sensory textures.
21. Cranberry Water Play
Fill a shallow bin with water and add a handful of fresh cranberries. Give your toddler spoons, cups, and small strainers to scoop, pour, and stir. Cranberries float, making them fun to chase and scoop.
You can even add ice cubes or a few drops of red food coloring for extra excitement. This easy sensory activity encourages hand–eye coordination and introduces your child to the textures and sounds of water play.
22. Turkey Feather Sensory Bottles
Use an empty plastic water bottle and fill it with colorful craft feathers. Add a few sequins, glitter, or small beads for sparkle. Pour in clear water or baby oil, then tightly seal the lid with glue or tape.
When your toddler shakes or rolls the bottle, the feathers swirl beautifully inside. These bottles are soothing to watch and make a great calm-down activity for busy Thanksgiving days.
23. Thanksgiving Color Sorting
Cut out paper circles or squares in fall shades like orange, red, yellow, and brown. Gather small matching items such as pom-poms, buttons, or beads in the same colors.
Have your toddler place each item on its matching color. This activity strengthens focus, sorting skills, and color recognition. It’s quick to set up and ideal for short play sessions before or after Thanksgiving meals.
24. Pumpkin Seed Art
Clean and dry pumpkin seeds from a fresh pumpkin. Once dry, place them in small bowls and add drops of food coloring to dye them different shades. After they dry again, give your toddler glue and paper to create patterns or shapes with the seeds.
They can make pumpkins, leaves, or abstract art. This craft encourages creativity, sensory exploration, and patience while using simple seasonal materials.
25. Puffy Paint Pumpkin
Mix equal parts of shaving cream and white glue in a bowl, then add orange food coloring. Draw a pumpkin shape on sturdy paper and let your toddler fill it in with the puffy paint using a spoon or brush.
Once dry, the paint will feel soft and fluffy to the touch. Add a green stem on top with construction paper or paint. It’s a fun sensory craft that also looks cute on display.
26. Pinecone Painting
Collect a few pinecones and place them on a sheet of paper or in a box to control the mess. Give your toddler washable paint in fall colors like orange, red, and yellow. Let them roll, dab, or brush paint onto the pinecones.
Once dry, you can use the painted pinecones as decorations or centerpieces. This activity helps toddlers express creativity and explore textures while enjoying a colorful Thanksgiving craft.
27. Cinnamon Dough Ornaments
Mix one cup of applesauce with one cup of ground cinnamon until a soft dough forms. Roll it out and let your toddler use cookie cutters to make shapes like turkeys, pumpkins, or leaves.
Poke a hole at the top for hanging, then let them dry overnight. Add string or ribbon once hardened. These ornaments smell wonderful and make lovely Thanksgiving keepsakes to hang around the home.
28. Bubble Wrap Corn Printing
Cut a piece of bubble wrap into an oval shape to mimic a corn cob. Apply yellow, orange, and green paint onto the bubble side using a brush. Place a sheet of paper over it and press gently to make a corn pattern.
Lift the paper to reveal the bumpy texture. This fun printing craft teaches toddlers about textures and patterns while adding a playful twist to Thanksgiving art.
29. Fall Rice Shakers
Pour dry rice into a few ziplock bags and add different drops of food coloring – red, orange, and yellow. Shake the bags to coat the rice, then let it dry.
Fill small plastic bottles or containers halfway with the colorful rice and seal them tightly. Toddlers can shake them to make gentle sounds and watch the colors mix. It’s a cheerful sensory activity that adds rhythm to craft time.
30. Paper Bag Scarecrow
Flatten a paper lunch bag and have your toddler draw a happy scarecrow face on one side. Stuff the bag with newspaper or tissue paper, then tie it near the top with a string to form the head.
Cut yellow paper strips or use yarn for hair and glue them inside the bag’s opening. Add a paper hat and small patches for detail. This simple scarecrow makes a cute Thanksgiving decoration.
Thanksgiving Keepsake Crafts for Toddlers
These keepsake crafts are heartwarming ways to celebrate family and gratitude. Each one helps toddlers express thankfulness while creating something you’ll treasure for years.
31. Thankful Handprint Tree
Draw or paint a tree trunk on a large sheet of paper. Have your toddler dip their hand in washable paint and press handprints around the branches to form colorful leaves.
Once it’s dry, help them write or draw what they’re thankful for inside each handprint. This craft doubles as a beautiful decoration and a sweet reminder of gratitude shared by your little one.
32. Fall Leaf Garland with Names
Cut out leaf shapes from red, yellow, orange, and brown construction paper. Have your toddler write or draw family members’ names on each one.
Punch a hole at the top, string the leaves together with yarn or ribbon, and hang the garland across a window, doorway, or mantle for a warm, handmade Thanksgiving decoration.
33. Turkey Photo Frame
Cut a simple frame shape from cardboard or thick paper. Let your toddler decorate it with feathers, pom-poms, and colorful paper.
Glue a photo of your child or family in the center, then add a paper turkey face to the corner for a festive look. This adorable craft makes a perfect Thanksgiving memento or a thoughtful gift for grandparents.
34. Gratitude Jar with Stickers
Find a small jar or plastic container and let your toddler decorate it with fall-themed stickers, ribbons, or washi tape. Cut small slips of paper and write (or help your toddler draw) things they are thankful for each day.
Place the notes inside the jar and open them together on Thanksgiving Day. It’s a simple tradition that helps teach appreciation in a fun, hands-on way.
35. Handprint Tablecloth Keepsake
Lay a plain white or light-colored tablecloth on a flat surface. Dip your toddler’s hands in washable fabric paint and press prints along the edges. You can add the year and each family member’s name beside their handprints.
Once dry, use it as a special Thanksgiving tablecloth every year. This keepsake captures memories and grows more meaningful with each holiday meal.
36. Thanksgiving Memory Rocks
Collect smooth rocks from your yard or a park and wash them clean. Once dry, give your toddler paint or markers to decorate each rock with Thanksgiving symbols such as hearts, leaves, or turkeys.
After the paint dries, write one thing your family is thankful for on each rock. Store them in a small basket or bowl as a yearly reminder of gratitude and creativity shared together.
37. Footprint Pilgrim Scene
Spread brown craft paper on a flat surface and paint your toddler’s foot with washable brown paint. Press it down to make a footprint – this becomes the pilgrim’s body.
Once dry, draw or glue on paper clothes, hats, and faces. You can even add a background with pumpkins and corn. This adorable craft captures your child’s growing footprint while celebrating Thanksgiving traditions.
38. Turkey Gratitude Cards
Fold small sheets of cardstock to make mini cards. On the front, have your toddler glue paper feathers and a small circle for a turkey face.
Inside, help them write or draw something they are thankful for. You can hand these cards out to family members at dinner or send them in the mail. It’s a meaningful way to combine crafting and kindness.
39. Mini Gratitude Board
Cut a piece of cardboard or foam board and cover it with construction paper. Help your toddler glue paper leaves, hearts, or feathers around the edges. In the center, write “Things I’m Thankful For.”
Each day leading up to Thanksgiving, add drawings, stickers, or photos that show what your toddler appreciates. It becomes a colorful reminder of thankfulness and creativity.
40. Personalized Pumpkin Ornaments
Use small foam or paper pumpkins and write your toddler’s name on them with a marker. Let them decorate using stickers, glitter glue, or paint. Punch a hole at the top and thread a ribbon for hanging.
These personalized pumpkins can go on a tree, window, or wall. It’s a fun keepsake that helps toddlers take pride in their creations while adding a festive touch to your home.
41. Handprint Family Banner
Cut several pieces of colored paper into rectangles and have each family member make a handprint using washable paint. Once dry, write each person’s name and something they’re thankful for under their print.
Punch holes at the top of each sheet and thread them together with a string to make a banner. Hang it across a wall or doorway for a cheerful Thanksgiving decoration that celebrates family togetherness.
42. Paper Leaf Thankful Chain
Cut strips of paper in fall colors like orange, yellow, red, and brown. Help your toddler write or draw something they’re thankful for on each strip.
Loop and tape the ends together, linking each one to form a chain. Keep adding more every day until Thanksgiving. This simple and interactive craft helps kids understand gratitude while making a colorful decoration for the season.
43. Keepsake Thanksgiving Candle Wrap
Give your toddler a sheet of plain paper and let them decorate it with Thanksgiving drawings, stickers, or handprints. Once finished, wrap the paper around a flameless or LED candle and secure it with tape or ribbon.
You can also write “We’re Thankful For” and add family names or special words. This charming keepsake makes a lovely centerpiece while safely showcasing your child’s creativity.
44. Gratitude Turkey Feathers
Cut a large turkey body from brown paper and several colorful feather shapes. Each day, have your toddler tell you one thing they’re thankful for, then write it on a feather and glue it to the turkey.
By Thanksgiving Day, your turkey will be full of meaningful “gratitude feathers.” This activity encourages positive reflection while building anticipation for the holiday.
45. Holiday Photo Magnet Craft
Print small family photos or snapshots from past Thanksgivings. Let your toddler decorate foam sheets or cardboard squares with paint, stickers, or paper cutouts.
Glue the photos in the center and attach a small magnet strip to the back. Once dry, stick them on the fridge. These mini photo magnets make heartwarming keepsakes and add a personal, festive touch to your home.
Tips for Successful Thanksgiving Crafting with Toddlers
Crafting with toddlers works best when you set realistic expectations and create a positive environment. These simple tips will help make your Thanksgiving craft sessions more enjoyable and less stressful for everyone involved.
- Keep It Short: Aim for 10-20 minute sessions. Stop before they lose interest.
- Get Organized First: Set out all materials before you begin to keep toddlers focused.
- Accept the Mess: Spills and scattered supplies are normal. Lay down newspaper for easy cleanup.
- Use What You Have: Toilet paper rolls and paper plates work just as well as store-bought supplies.
- Celebrate Their Work: Compliment effort and creativity rather than focusing on perfection.
Remember that the goal is spending quality time together and helping your toddler learn through play. The finished product doesn’t need to be perfect to be meaningful.
The Bottom Line
These Thanksgiving crafts for toddlers prove that holiday fun doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.
With basic supplies and a little creativity, you can create memorable moments with your little one this season. Remember, the messy fingerprints and crooked feathers are what make each project special and unique.
Start with one or two crafts that match your toddler’s interests and skill level. Which Thanksgiving crafts for toddlers will you try first?
Share your favorite crafts and how they turned out in the comments – I’d love to see your toddler’s creations!
