Thanksgiving DIY Projects to Do With Your Kids

5 Thanksgiving DIY Projects to Do With Your Kids

Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude, family, and delicious food, but it's also a wonderful opportunity to get crafty with the kids! Crafting together keeps little hands busy during the holiday season, and fosters a sense of accomplishment and joy at the same time. Here at Shop-O-Rama, we handpicked five delightful Thanksgiving DIY projects to create with your kids to ensure a memorable and fun-filled holiday.

1. Leaf Art

Leaf art is a beautiful way to incorporate natural elements into your Thanksgiving crafts. Collecting leaves and using them to create artwork can be a fun outdoor activity followed by a creative indoor session.

Materials:

• Fallen leaves (various shapes and sizes)
• Construction paper or cardstock
• Glue stick
• Markers, crayons, or paint
• Glitter, sequins, or other decorative elements (optional)

Instructions:

• Collect leaves – Take a nature walk with your kids to collect fallen leaves in different shapes, sizes, and colors.
• Prepare the leaves – Press the leaves between sheets of newspaper and place a heavy book on top to flatten them. Leave them for a day or two to ensure they are dry and flat.
• Create leaf art – Arrange the leaves on construction paper or cardstock to create various designs such as animals, people, or abstract patterns. Glue the leaves in place.
• Decorate – Use markers, crayons, or paint to add details to your leaf creations. Add glitter, sequins, or other decorative elements for extra flair.

2. Thanksgiving Headdress

A Thanksgiving headdress can be a fun and educational craft inspired by Indigenous headdresses. It's also a great opportunity to discuss the history and cultural significance behind the attire.

Materials:

• Construction paper or foam craft pieces of various colors
• Feathers (craft feathers or paper feathers)
• Glue or stapler
• Scissors
• Markers and stickers for decoration

Instructions:

• Create the headband – Cut a strip of construction paper about two inches wide and long enough to wrap around your child's head. Staple or glue the ends together to form a headband.
• Prepare the feathers – Cut feather shapes from the construction paper or use craft feathers.
• Encourage your kids to decorate the feathers with markers, stickers, or other craft supplies.
• Attach the feathers – Glue or staple the feathers to the inside back of the headband so that they stand up when worn.
• Decorate the headband – Let your kids add drawings, stickers, and other embellishments.

3. Cornucopia

A cornucopia, or horn of plenty, is a classic symbol of abundance and nourishment. Creating a mini cornucopia with your kids can be a meaningful way to discuss the significance of Thanksgiving.

Materials:

• Brown construction paper or cardstock
• Small artificial fruits and vegetables
• Glue or tape
• Scissors

Instructions:

• Shape the cornucopia – Roll the brown construction paper into a cone shape and use glue or tape to keep it secure. Trim the end if necessary to make it stand flat.
• Fill the cornucopia – Let your kids arrange and glue the small artificial fruits and vegetables inside the cone. They can also add some faux leaves for extra flair.
• Decorate – Encourage your kids to decorate the outside of the cornucopia with drawings or additional elements like glitter or stickers.

4. Gratitude Tree

A gratitude tree is a heartwarming way to reflect on what you and your family are thankful for and makes the ultimate centerpiece for your Thanksgiving festivities!

Materials:

• A small branch or twig
• A vase or container
• Pebbles or sand to secure the branch
• Construction paper of various colors
• Scissors
• String or ribbon
• Markers

Instructions:

• Prepare the branch – Place it in a vase and secure it with pebbles or sand.
• Create leaves – Cut out leaf shapes from the construction paper. Punch a hole at the top of each leaf and thread a piece of string or ribbon through it to make a hanger.
• Express gratitude – Encourage each family member to write something they are thankful for on a leaf. Hang the leaves on the branches.
• Decorate the base – Optionally, you can decorate the vase or container with fall-themed elements like ribbon, faux leaves, or small pumpkins.

5. Ombre Pine Cones

Ombre pine cones add a touch of seasonal elegance to your Thanksgiving décor. This project is easy for any age group and can be made with your favorite fall colors!

Materials:

• Pine cones
• Acrylic paint (various fall colors)
• Paintbrushes
• Newspaper or a drop cloth

Instructions:

• Prepare your workspace – Lay newspaper or a drop cloth on your surface to protect it.
• Paint the pine cones – Choose three or four shades of a single color for the ombre effect (e.g., light to dark orange). Start with the lightest color and paint the top third of the pine cone. Use the next darkest shade to paint the middle section, blending slightly with the first color. Finish with the darkest shade at the bottom, blending with the middle section.
• Drying – Allow the pine cones to dry completely.
• Display – Arrange the pine cones in a bowl or use them to decorate your Thanksgiving table.

These five Thanksgiving DIY projects provide a fun way to spend time with your kids and help teach them about the holiday’s significance. For more great ways to celebrate the season of giving and gratitude, come in and visit us today at Shop-O-Rama.