We're Obsessed With These Turkey-Themed Balloon Crafts

thanksgiving crafts, turkey balloon crafts
65 Simple Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids Aww Sam / Hello Wonderful


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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.

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Get the tutorial at A Pumpkin and a Princess »

turkey pine cones
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.

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Get the tutorial at Alice & Lois »

thanksgiving felt wreath
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.

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Get the tutorial at Artsy Fartsy Mama »

paper roll turkey
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

family thankful jar
Alice & Lois


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 »

turkey shirt
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. 🍗

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Get the tutorial at Aww Sam »

emoji turkey balloon
Aww Sam


Burlap Pumpkin Garland

Hang this DIY pumpkin banner on the mantel, on top of the doorway or around your table on Thanksgiving Day.

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Get the tutorial at Crafting Cheerfully »

burlap pumpkin garland
Crafting Cheerfully


Fall Suncatchers

Let the fall light shine in with pumpkin, acorn and apple-shaped sun catchers.

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Get the tutorial at Crafts by Amanda »

RELATED: 50 Simple Fall Crafts for Kids

fall suncatchers
Crafts by Amanda


Watercolor Turkey Place Settings

Create a playful place setting for Thanksgiving guests with construction paper and watercolor paints. It's that easy!

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Get the tutorial at Days With Grey »

watercolor turkey place settings
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 »

pilgrim box
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.

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Get the tutorial at Studio DIY »

thanksgiving crafts, diy turkey on a gold plate made of paper and stuffed with colorful confetti
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 »

thanksgiving crafts, woman wearing a diy hat with a paper turkey on top
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.

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Get the tutorial at One Little Project »

RELATED: 20 Easy and Fun Pumpkin Crafts for Kids

thanksgiving crafts, diy pumpkin made using beads and a green pipe cleaner
One Little Project


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 »

thanksgiving crafts, diy turkey with leaves for feathers and a handprint design
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.

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Get the tutorial at Domestically Blissful »

thanksgiving crafts glittery book page leaves hanging as a garland
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 »

thanksgiving crafts leaf lion with drawn on eyes and leaves for the mane
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.

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Get the tutorial at Kid Friendly Things To Do »

thanksgiving crafts, diy hands with a give thanks note in front
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 »

thanksgiving crafts, pie boxes with plates of pie beside them
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.

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Get the tutorial at Inspired by Charm »

thanksgiving crafts, wheat in a glass vase on the table with colorful wine wrapped around each one
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.

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Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess »

thanksgiving crafts, garland with paper leaves attached and words written on the front of each one
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.

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Get the tutorial at Hello, Wonderful »

thanksgiving crafts, three balloons designed to look like turkeys
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.

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Get the tutorial at The Best Ideas for Kids »

thanksgiving crafts, brown paper bag designed to look like a turkey
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 »

thanksgiving crafts coffee can decorated with a straw hat to look like a scarecrow
Crafts by Amanda


Turkey Windsocks

Attract a flock of turkeys with these noise-free windsocks, customized with the ribbons and feathers of your choice.

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Get the tutorial at Happiness Is Homemade »

turkey crafts windsocks in orange and yellow colors with cans in the center with turkey faces
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 »

thanksgiving crafts for kids
Meaghan Murphy


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.

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Get the tutorial at The Best Ideas for Kids »

thanksgiving crafts green leaf with puff paint in the shape of a heart
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

thanksgiving crafts, diy leaf people with painted features
Emma Owl


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 »

thanksgiving crafts turkey lollipop in hand
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.

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Get the tutorial at Crafts by Amanda »

thanksgiving crafts cereal box turkey made of a cereal box and paper
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.

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Get the tutorial at No Time for Flashcards »

thanksgiving crafs, paper acorn with buttons
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.

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thanksgiving crafts pumpkin stress balls with drawn on faces
mike garten


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.

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Get the tutorial at Kid Friendly Things To Do »

thanksgiving crafts, styrofoam turned into a large turkey with snack cups filled with popcorn on top
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

thanksgiving crafts cupcake liner owls with googly eyes
Artsy Craftsy Mom


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.

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thanksgiving crafts, garland made with felt pie slices and buttons
Mike Garten for Country Living


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 »

thanksgiving crafts, diy paper turkey on a green paper plate
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 »

thanksgiving crafts, spoons decorated to look like scarecrows in a jar
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 »

thanksgiving crafts, toilet paper turkeys made with toilet paper rolls
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 »

thanksgiving crafts, brown laves with drawn on faces
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.

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Get the tutorial at Simple Mom Project »

thanksgiving crafts, scarecrow made with craft sticks
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.

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Get the tutorial at Made to be a Momma »

thanksgiving crafts apple stamped pumpkin faces
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.

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Get the tutorial at Aunt Peaches »

RELATED: Easy Thanksgiving Centerpieces to Dress up Your Dining Room Table This Fall

thanksgiving crafts bedazzled gourds on the table
Aunt Peaches


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 »

thanksgiving crafts table centerpiece made with rocks that read give thanks
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 »

thanksgiving crafts pumpkin mason jars painted orange and yellow
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

thanksgiving crafts leaf trkey on paper with a drawn body
Easy, Peasy, and Fun


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.

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Get the tutorial at The Best Ideas for Kids »

thanksgiving crafts, paper owls made using handprints and feathers
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 »

thanksgiving crafts candy cornucopia with candy corn inside
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 »

thanksgiving crafts pumpkin soap in the shape of a pie
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 »

thanksgiving crafts, diy turkey head with crayons
Bettijo B. Hirschi/ 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

thanksgiving crafts pom pom pumpkins
A Kailo Chic Life


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 »

thanksgiving crafts turkey puppet gloves
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 »

thanksgiving crafts pumpkin pie coasters with glasses on top
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.

thanksgiving crafts gratitude pie on the plaid table cloth
Danielle Occhiogrosso


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 »

thanksgiving crafts, pumpkin handprint card
Frugal Fun 4 Boys


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.

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Get the tutorial at Growing Up Gabel »

thanksgiving crafts pom pom turkey with googly eyes and pipe cleaner feet
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 »

thanksgiving crafts corn husk painting craft
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.

thanksgiving crafts family tree craft
Philip Friedman/Studio D


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.

thanksgiving crafts, gratitude wall with count down numbers on colorful leaves
Danielle Occhiogrosso


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.

thanksgiving crafts, diy leaf shaped bookmark
Andrew McCaul


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

thanksgiving crafts paper roll apple cores
Non Toy Gifts


Paper Plate Leaf

Mimic the changing leaves outside with these kid-friendly versions, embellished with stickers, doodles and glitter glue.

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Get the tutorial at Glued to My Crafts »

thanksgiving crafts, diy leaves made of paper plates
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 »

thanksgiving crafts, diy rolled paper pumpkin
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.

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Get the tutorial at Handmade Charlotte »

thanksgiving crafts, diy leaf catcher with red string and paper leaves
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 »

thanksgiving crafts, paper gourds
Brenda Ponnay


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 »

thanksgiving crafts mason jar turkey with googly eyes
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.

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Get the tutorial at Purely From the Heart »

thanksgiving crafts, diy corn wreath
Purely From the Heart

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