We're Obsessed With These Turkey-Themed Balloon Crafts
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While the main event everyone looks forward to is usually the delicious Thanksgiving dinner, Turkey Day comes along with a ton of fun activities for kids. Take on some festive decorating with the family or teach your kids clever yet simple Thanksgiving crafts.
From turkey balloons to pumpkin and acorn shaped sun catchers, these craft ideas will get the whole family in the giving spirit. The best part? They’re all kid-friendly, meaning they require minimal supplies and adult assistance (parental supervision is recommended). So while you’re preparing the house for friends and family, set up the kids with these simple DIYs. There are even a few food crafts – think turkey-shaped chocolate covered marshmallow lollipops and candy-filled cornucopia.
And if you’re thinking of taking on some fall DIYs with the kids, consider adding these Thanksgiving crafts for adults to your plate. Once you’re done crafting, you’ll have desserts prepared for the big day and meaningful hand-crafted decorations for your holiday tablescape.
Turkey Pine Cones
Scavenge your backyard for pine cones until you find the perfect assortment to dress up as little turkeys.
Get the tutorial at A Pumpkin and a Princess »
Thanksgiving Felt Wreath
Simple yet festive, this felt Thanksgiving wreath is perfect for any doorway. Choose fall colors and cut away.
Get the tutorial at Alice & Lois »
Paper Roll Turkey
Save those used paper rolls for a fun DIY creation. Let kids trace their hands in different colored construction paper, cut them out and glue them on.
Get the tutorial at Artsy Fartsy Mama »
Family Thankful Jar
This is one that keeps on giving. While kids can DIY the jar, all family members can participate in adding what they're thankful for throughout the season. Find an old jar and download the free printables for a fun and easy craft.
Get the tutorial at Alice & Lois »
RELATED: 85 Easy Fall Crafts for Adults
Turkey Shirt
What's better than a craft you can wear? Prep for Turkey Day with an on-theme DIY T-shirt.
Get the tutorial at Artsy Fartsy Mama »
Emoji Turkey Leg Balloon
With just balloons and paper, kids can can have fun recreating the turkey leg emoji for the big feast to come. 🍗
Burlap Pumpkin Garland
Hang this DIY pumpkin banner on the mantel, on top of the doorway or around your table on Thanksgiving Day.
Get the tutorial at Crafting Cheerfully »
Fall Suncatchers
Let the fall light shine in with pumpkin, acorn and apple-shaped sun catchers.
Get the tutorial at Crafts by Amanda »
RELATED: 50 Simple Fall Crafts for Kids
Watercolor Turkey Place Settings
Create a playful place setting for Thanksgiving guests with construction paper and watercolor paints. It's that easy!
Get the tutorial at Days With Grey »
Pilgrim Treat Box
Keep small kids busy at dinner with pilgrim-shaped treat boxes, perfect for holding crayons or pre-turkey nibbles.
Get the tutorial at A Pumpkin and a Princess »
Paper Bag Turkey
Use a grocery bag and two paper lunch bags to DIY an eye-catching "turkey" centerpiece. And when it comes to filling it with confetti, the more, the better.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY »
Thanksgiving Hats
Blogger Brittany shares all the steps to make fun Thanksgiving-themed hats. For this one, she used brown paper bags, craft paint and cardboard. Other favorites include her popcorn ball, pumpkin pie and candy cornucopia ideas.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built »
Beaded Pipe Cleaner Pumpkins
This craft only requires two basic materials: orange pony beads and pipe cleaners. It's a mess-free project, where you twist and warp pipe cleaners into the shape of a pumpkin.
Get the tutorial at One Little Project »
RELATED: 20 Easy and Fun Pumpkin Crafts for Kids
Handprint Leaf Turkey
Here's a Thanksgiving classic: Start by tracing your little one's hand on brown paper. Next, cut out pieces for the turkey's beak and legs, then use a black marker to draw the eyes. Glue some leaves onto a paper plate (you'll use these as the "feathers"), then attach the turkey's body (aka their handprint) on top.
Get the tutorial at I Heart Arts N' Crafts »
Glittery Book Page Leaves
After gathering a few leaves in different shapes and sizes, trace them onto book pages. Cut the shapes out, deck them out in glitter and use clothespins to attach them to twine for hanging.
Get the tutorial at Domestically Blissful »
Leaf Lion
Put a smile on your kid's face with this easy craft. Once they've gathered their favorite fall foliage, all they have to do is set their lion on top. Now, that's what we call a mane!
Get the tutorial at Hello, Wonderful »
Give Thanks Hands
Here's an easy DIY that involves tracing kids' hands and wrists (with fingers closed together) onto a large foam sheet. Don't forget to finish their new creation with a festive sticker, or they can easily use glitter to write any phrase they wish.
Get the tutorial at Kid Friendly Things To Do »
Pie Boxes
Blogger Kelly has fun pie labels to print and place on simple pie boxes. You can use her labels or decorate your own leftover boxes with glitter, felt, tissue paper and colorful markers. We're leaving the creativity up to your little one!
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY »
Color-Wrapped Wheat
Purchase a few wheat stalks, bunch them together and then wrap embroidery floss around them to create colorful centerpieces for the Thanksgiving dinner table. It's a simple craft for kids and adults alike.
Get the tutorial at Inspired by Charm »
Gratefulness Leaf Garland
Print out blogger Laura's leaf template or use your own leaves to trace onto card stock. You'll need a woven garland and small clothespins for hanging. For the final touch, have kids write what they're grateful for on the leaves.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess »
Balloon Turkeys
If your kid loves balloons, this craft is for them. Along with double-stick tape and scissors, this project requires colored card stock, balloons and large googly eyes.
Get the tutorial at Hello, Wonderful »
Paper Bag Turkey
Here's a quick and easy craft. Parents can even prep all the paper cut-outs and feathers in advance to rule out any decision-making.
Get the tutorial at The Best Ideas for Kids »
Coffee Can Scarecrow
Scarecrows are great for Thanksgiving and the overall fall season. Before throwing away coffee cans, use them to make adorable scarecrows to add a festive touch to your home for Thanksgiving. The blogger recommends this craft for kids seven and up.
Get the tutorial at Crafts by Amanda »
Turkey Windsocks
Attract a flock of turkeys with these noise-free windsocks, customized with the ribbons and feathers of your choice.
Get the tutorial at Happiness Is Homemade »
Hand Turkey Drawing
You can't go wrong with a good old-fashioned hand turkey! Have your kids watch our step-by-step tutorial video, then get to work crafting their Turkey Day masterpieces.
Get the hand turkey tutorial »
Leaf Painting
With a some puffy paint in fall colors, they can create all of their favorite designs on leaves. Make it even more fun by using different types of leaves — maple, hydrangea, you name it.
Get the tutorial at The Best Ideas for Kids »
Leaf People
Looking for something to do with all of those leaves your kids collected? Turn them into leaf people! All you need are puffy paint, cardstock, markers and glue.
Get the tutorial at Emma Owl »
RELATED: Best Leaf Crafts for Kids and Adults to DIY This Fall
Turkey Marshmallow Lollipops
Who said crafts can't be edible? Show them how to make these chocolate-dipped turkeys with marshmallows, candy corn, candy eyes and a toothpick.
Get the tutorial at Kid Friendly Things to Do »
Cereal Box Turkey
Remind kids of what Thanksgiving is really all about with a cereal box turkey that displays their words of gratitude. Other than the cereal box, don't forget the googly eyes and turkey pattern pieces.
Get the tutorial at Crafts by Amanda »
Acorn Craft
This fine motor craft is all about teaching kids how to mix colors, specifically how to make the color brown. Along with learning how to draw and cut out an acorn shape, they'll also work on counting and choosing their preferred buttons.
Get the tutorial at No Time for Flashcards »
Pumpkin Stress Balls
Here's a simple craft that's fun and useful for any stressful moments you may experience as you prep for Turkey Day. Fill orange balloons with rice, then use a Black Sharpie to draw silly pumpkin faces.
Snack Turkey
Although this might require more work and help, kids will enjoy every step of DIY'ing their very own turkey snack holder. The body is made from styrofoam balls, while brown stockings cover the body's shape.
Get the tutorial at Kid Friendly Things To Do »
Cupcake Liner Owl
Grab some extra cupcake liners from your kitchen pantry and turn them into a pair of cute owls. If your kid is a Harry Potter fan, they can make their very own Hedwig (or at least make an attempt).
Get the tutorial at Artsy Craftsy Mom »
RELATED: 50 Easy and Fun Crafts for Kids
Felt Pie-Slice Garland
Pie is the real star of Thanksgiving. Cut triangles out of burgundy, brown and orange felt to act as the pie's base. Then, hot glue a rickrack crust and button to each slice. String the pie slices together with twine and hang them next to the dessert table.
Mini Roast Turkey Piñata
Kids can make their very own mini turkey in piñata form. Once they're done, fill these little roasts with candy corn and treats for a fun Thanksgiving surprise.
Get the tutorial at Handmade Charlotte »
Wooden Spoon Scarecrow
Once they turn these wooden spoons into friendly-faced scarecrows, they can use them as props to make story time more fun.
Get the tutorial at The Best Ideas For Kids »
Toilet Paper Roll Turkeys
This turkey puts your kid's heart on display: On each feather, they can write down something they're grateful for (like you!).
Get the tutorial at The Best Ideas for Kids »
Quirky Leaf Friends
Before you get carried away with raking, round up a few colorful leaves for this easy craft. Humanize the foliage with hand-drawn eyes, mouths and other human-like features.
Get the tutorial at Handmade Charlotte »
Craft Stick Scarecrow
Craft sticks, googly eyes and crinkly yellow paper make a cute scarecrow. Once they're done crafting, tell your kids to dream up their own story about this cute scarecrow and his friends.
Get the tutorial at Simple Mom Project »
Apple Stamping Pumpkin Craft
Take a few leftover apples from your orchard haul and turn them into adorable pumpkin-shaped stamps. Then bring your pumpkin shapes to life with pipe cleaners and googly eyes.
Get the tutorial at Made to be a Momma »
Bedazzled Gourds
Make real or artificial gourds look centerpiece-worthy by embellishing them with rhinestones in different colors and sizes.
Get the tutorial at Aunt Peaches »
RELATED: Easy Thanksgiving Centerpieces to Dress up Your Dining Room Table This Fall
Painted Rocks and Leaves Centerpeice
Convince your kids to pitch in with party prep by painting a bunch of rocks in colorful shades. Then spell out a holiday-appropriate phrase — "give thanks" or "so grateful" — with white paint.
Get the tutorial at Handmade Charlotte »
Pumpkin Mason Jars
Make the most out of empty mason jars (or any glass jars, really) by painting them in shades of orange and topping them with a stem and leaves.
Get the tutorial at The 36th Avenue »
Leaf Turkey
Add some festive flair to a printout of Tom the Turkey with an array of colorful leaves straight from your backyard.
Get the tutorial at Easy, Peasy, and Fun »
RELATED: 30 Easy and Fun Turkey Crafts for Kids
Owl Handprint
Tiny hands make for the cutest birds. Once your kids trace their handprints on colored paper, they can decorate them with feathers, eyeballs and of course, a beak.
Get the tutorial at The Best Ideas for Kids »
Candy Cornucopia
Typically, cornucopia are stuffed with an assortment of fresh fruits and veggies. On one of the best holidays of the year? Sweets take over.
Get the tutorial from Happiness Is Homemade »
Pumpkin Soap
Although this shea butter creation looks and smells as good as the edible version, it'll leave a soapy aftertaste. In other words, don't eat it — just lather up with its pumpkin spice goodness.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted »
Crayon Turkeys
Add coloring pages to each place setting to prevent kids from getting bored and restless during dinner.
Get the tutorial at Paging Supermom »
Pom Pom Pumpkins
Since your pumpkin carving days are long gone (until next year, that is), try your hand at these DIY yarn beauties that you can stick on your mantel for years to come.
Get the tutorial at A Kailo Chic Life »
RELATED: Best Pumpkin Decorating Ideas That Require No Carving at All
Turkey Glove Puppet
Buy a few extra pairs of gloves and transform 'em into a flock of multi-colored turkeys. Next up: an epic puppet show.
Get the tutorial at Dream a Little Bigger »
Pumpkin Pie Coasters
For a craft that's almost sweeter than pie, cut three sheets of felt — orange, brown and white — to glue together an on-theme coaster.
Get the tutorial for A Kailo Chic Life »
Gratitude Pie
A spinning "pie" chart helps kids pinpoint what they're thankful for. To make, cut out a construction paper circle the same size as the inside of a paper plate. Attach with brass fastener, then remove a "slice" of pie. Write "I'm Thankful for …" along the top and ask them to add responses as they rotate the "slice" around the pie.
Pumpkin Handprint
Far-away family will love this adorable greeting card. Use tiny hands to stamp out pumpkins (or red apples), and have kids write a personalized message.
Get the tutorial at Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls »
Pom-Pom Turkeys
Soft and sweet, these yarn turkeys are way cuter than the birds your kids will spot at the farm. They're more cuddly too.
Get the tutorial at Growing Up Gabel »
Painted Corn Husk Headband
Their love for rainbow-everything translates perfectly to this seasonal canvas: corn husks.
Get the tutorial at Hello, Wonderful »
Family Tree
Introduce kids to the whole family before they visit Grandma's for the holiday. For a seasonal spin, use red and orange ink to resemble fall foliage.
Wall of Blessings
Before you get out the Christmas advent calendar, try this day-counting ritual. Attach rows of twine to an empty frame and clip on numbered fake leaves. Instead of giving gifts (December will be here soon!), ask kids to write down something they're grateful for each day on the corresponding leaf.
Fall Bookmark
One way to encourage kids to get ahead on their book report for school? Make these cute bookmarks out of felt and craft sticks.
Paper Apples
Apple picking is one of the best parts of fall, and this easy-to-follow paper craft only adds to the fun, especially once apple season comes to an end.
Get the tutorial at Non Toy Gifts »
RELATED: 30 Recycled Crafts for Kids That Are Easy and Fun
Paper Plate Leaf
Mimic the changing leaves outside with these kid-friendly versions, embellished with stickers, doodles and glitter glue.
Get the tutorial at Glued to My Crafts »
Paper Pumpkin
A much simpler version of paper quilling, this brightly colored pumpkin will look extra festive hanging in a window.
Get the tutorial at One Creative Mommy »
Leaf Catcher
Let each child write down what they're most thankful for, and then capture all of their positive thoughts in this pretty display.
Get the tutorial at Handmade Charlotte »
Paper Gourds
These paper pumpkins are fastened together at the top with curly pipe cleaner stems (no glue required!).
Get the tutorial at Alpha Mom »
Mason Jar Turkey
A mason jar makes an appearance in yet another DIY. This time, turn it into a turkey, complete with colored craft sticks as feathers.
Get the tutorial at About Family Crafts »
Corn Wreath
Use bubble wrap and washable paint to make each ear of corn look just like one you'd find in a field.
Get the tutorial at Purely From the Heart »
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