57 Fun & Easy Thanksgiving Crafts for a Hands-on Holiday 2023

One of the best ways to get into the seasonal spirit is with Thanksgiving crafts. Embrace the season with crafts that feature the fall colors, textures and themes of fall and Thanksgiving.

Crafting with kids is also a great way to create a yearly tradition they’ll look forward to doing every holiday season. Doing arts and crafts is also a great way to help kids develop their creativity and cognitive skills, according to Michigan State University.

There are also similar benefits for adults when doing arts and crafts, including stress relief, building confidence and satisfaction from accomplishing something, says Aletia.

What makes these crafts even better is that they can be displayed and used as décor for around the house or on the Thanksgiving table. If you’re looking for fall activities to do inside, why not break out the art supplies and make something new?

Allow yourself to embrace your creativity and try these Thanksgiving arts and crafts projects. This guide has plenty of Thanksgiving crafts for kids of all ages as well as adults.

Jump to Section

• Fun Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Workshops
• Easy Thanksgiving Crafts for Adults
• Best Thanksgiving Craft Decorations
• Unique Thanksgiving Crafts for the Table
• Easy Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids

Fun Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Workshops

1. Art Classes

If you’re new to embracing your creativity, why not try art classes in Atlanta, art classes in Chicago, art classes in NYC or art classes near you? These classes are taught by local experts and don’t require any prior experience.

Here, you can learn different techniques and art styles to improve your craft or start your creative journey. These art classes are also fun experiences with family and friends.

2. Paint and Sip

Grab some art supplies and your favorite drink for paint and sip in Washington, D.C.,  paint and sip in Denver, paint and sip in San Diego and paint and sip near you.

These classes are taught by expert artists and will guide you through the simple step-by-step instructions to create a unique work of art. You won’t need any previous artistic experience to create a masterpiece. Paint and sip classes make fun and creative Thanksgiving activities

3. Pottery Classes

Learn how to turn clay into a work of art during pottery classes in Houston, pottery classes in Los Angeles, pottery classes in Boston and pottery classes near you. Taught by local experts, you’ll learn how to throw on the wheel and handbuild creations from a simple lump of clay.

You won’t need any prior experience as experts will guide you through making vases, bowls and other decorative objects you could use as Thanksgiving craft decorations. Create a one-of-a-kind work of art to display in your home.

Easy Thanksgiving Crafts for Adults

4. Dyed Pampas Grass

Pampas grass is a beautiful piece of décor that can add a textured detail to your home. The soft, fluffy plumes placed in a vase make a great centerpiece or decorative detail on a shelf.

Naturally coming in a light tan color, you can make pampas grass fit a fall color scheme by dying it. Add an all-purpose fabric dye and a drop of dish soap to a pot of boil water.

Mix it up and once the pot is boiling, add the dried pampas grass. Dye it warm shades or red, orange, and yellow to create easy DIY fall décor.

5. Cookie Decorating

Who doesn’t love to finish their meal with a sweet treat? Get into the fall spirit by decorating cookies. You can buy a cookie decorating kit or gather the materials yourself.

You’ll need cookies, piping bags, icing and food coloring. After baking the cookies and letting them cool, decorate them with leaves, pumpkins, cornucopias, turkeys and anything else that reminds you of the season.

These make fun and tasty Thanksgiving crafts for middle school kids, teens and adults.

6. Gratitude Pumpkin

You’ve probably heard of a gratitude journal. Well, a gratitude pumpkin is simple. This is a fun Thanksgiving activity to reflect on all the things you’re thankful for. You can also do this in a group with friends or family.

To do this, all you need is a large pumpkin. It can be either a real one or a fake one. You can paint the pumpkin if you wish or leave it natural. Then, use a few permanent markers to write what you’re thankful for. Pass around the pumpkin until the surface is full of gratitude.

7. Decoupage Leaf Bowl

The colorful leaves are one of the best parts of the season. Put them on full display by creating a decoupage leaf bowl. All you need is a handful of leaves–either some you gather from outside or plastic ones from the craft store–decoupage, a paintbrush, and a balloon.

Blow up the balloon, add a layer of decoupage then layer the leaves around the balloon. Add more layers of decoupage and leaves until it’s in a bowl shape and seal them in with decoupage.

Once it completely dries, pop the balloon and now you have a fun, fall-themed bowl.

8. Punch Needle Coasters

Wondering what can I make and sell for Thanksgiving? Punch needle coasters have been a popular craft that people have made and sold.

Punch needling uses yarn to create miniature rugs that can be used as coasters in the house or in the car. Create fall-themed coasters with leaves, turkeys, pumpkins and other motifs to use as décor or sell to friends and family. 

9. Felted Pumpkins

Start a cozy hobby this season by trying needle felting, a craft that turns loose fibers into a textile or fabric. Using felting needles, you’ll continuously poke fiber to make shapes.

As a beginner, using a cookie cutter can be an easy way to achieve your desired shape, but you can also try making three-dimensional shapes. Make little felted pumpkins that you can display on surfaces or turn into a garland.

10. Fall Wine Charms

Bring your friends over to make these fun Thanksgiving crafts for adults. Make fall-themed wine charms using oven-baked clay and basic jewelry-making tools.

Use the clay to make fall shapes and the jewelry-making tools to attach a ring that can go around the stem of the wine glass. You can also try some wine glass painting ideas to create a customized wine-drinking experience.

Once all the crafts are finished, enjoy a glass of wine while watching a movie with friends.

11. Painted Leaves

If you’re looking for unique fall painting ideas, consider leaf painting. Swap out a typical canvas for a few colorful fall leaves and let your creativity flow.

First, allow the leaves to dry flat by pressing them in a book or between heavy objects. Paint fall scenes, abstract patterns or any idea that comes to your mind.

Once the paint has dried, seal it with decoupage and frame the leaves to act as fall décor. These can even make fun Thanksgiving gifts to show you’re thankful for the people in your life.

12. Concrete Pumpkins

Concrete pumpkins make unique Thanksgiving crafts for adults. Buy some silicone molds in the shape of pumpkins in various sizes. You can also find craft concrete and paint.

With this fun Thanksgiving craft, you can create decorative objects to display in your home or even a jar with a top or a candle holder. Use the paint to add a unique finish to this craft. Creating these is one of the most creative fall date ideas.

13. Fall-Scented Candles

Who doesn’t love their home filled with the comforting scents of fall? You can create your own candle making ideas with products purchased at the craft store. All you need is soy wax, wax dye, wax scents, wicks and molds to create the candle.

You’ll also want a pot to melt the wax over the stove. Create candles that smell like pumpkin, vanilla, cinnamon, apples, spices and unique combinations.

Create different candle shapes and designs and display them in your home. These can be fun art ideas for teens who are looking to get creative.

14. Clay Magnets

An easy way to infuse some of the fall season into your home is with magnets. Use oven-baked clay to create unique magnets for a fun Thanksgiving craft project.

Form clay into fall and Thanksgiving-themed shapes like leaves, pumpkins and turkeys by using molds or cookie cutters. Bake them and then glue a magnet to the back. This can be a fun Thanksgiving craft for middle school kids as well as adults.

15. Sewing Trim Pumpkins

Have some leftover or scrap ribbon and sewing trim? You can use them in an easy Thanksgiving craft. Grab either a real or fake pumpkin to be the base of the project.

You can either paint it or leave it to be its natural color. Glue the sewing trim or scrap ribbon up the sides of the pumpkin to create a simple and minimalist piece of Thanksgiving décor.

16. Painted Tote Bags

Gather your friends for Friendsgiving ideas and have a paint night. Get blank canvas tote bags and acrylic paint for this Thanksgiving craft. Turn on your favorite cozy movie and paint the bags with whatever your heart desires.

You can make it fall- or Thanksgiving-themed or check out these tote bag painting ideas. Once they’re dry, you’ll have a unique piece of art you can carry around on a daily basis.

Best Thanksgiving Craft Decorations

17. Autumn Wreath

A classic piece of decor for autumn is a pretty wreath you can put on your front door or above your fireplace. Use this Thanksgiving craft as a way to create a custom wreath for your home.

You can buy supplies for this fun Thanksgiving craft decoration at a craft store. Use a wreath frame, fake leaves, pine cones, fabric, ribbon and any other decorative details. Once you assemble your wreath, you can hang it on the door to welcome guests to Thanksgiving dinner. 

18. Wire Leaves

This modern and minimalistic craft idea is a great Thanksgiving craft that you can use then use to decorate your home. Use a craft wire with a 20 to 24 gauge for this craft; you’ll also need pliers.

Bend the plier into the shape of leaves; be sure to choose different shapes. You can use colored wire to reflect the changing colors of fall leaves. Then, you can use these leaves as wall sculptures, garlands or place settings on the Thanksgiving table.

19. Pompom Turkeys

A classic Thanksgiving craft uses a ton of artistic materials to make turkeys. This is a fun Thanksgiving craft for preschoolers that they’ll love seeing displayed around the house. Using yarn, felt, feathers and googly eyes, create an adorable turkey.

Make a pompom out of any yarn and scissors to clean up the edges and shape it. Cut the felt into the shape of a beak and a waddle. Then, glue the felt pieces, googly eyes, and feathers onto the pompom to finish the turkey.

20. Thankful Family Tree

Thanksgiving is a time to express thanks for your family. This fun Thanksgiving craft will help you show gratitude for those you love. Spend the day creating a family tree by taking pictures and arranging them to show your hereditary line.

This is a great Thanksgiving craft for kids and adults alike. Then, you can have fun adding people to it as family members get married or have children.

21. Marigold Garland

Marigolds are a classic fall flower and bringing them into your home can add a ton of brightness. For this Thanksgiving craft, you can use real or fake marigolds, but either way, you’ll only need the blooms.

Remove the stems, but keep the stem base in place. Use scissors or a needle to poke holes into the stem base. These add the flowers onto a piece of cord or string. Then, hang the garland to add a bright piece of décor to your home.

22. Gemstone Gourds

Infuse a little bit of glamor into your Thanksgiving decor with gemstone gourds. Use craft rhinestones and pearls to embellish gourds and pumpkins in this Thanksgiving craft.

Paint the fake pumpkin with glue and attach the rhinestones or pearls. It’s best to work in small sections so the glue doesn’t dry. You can cover the entire pumpkin or gourd or make a design. Then, you can display this glam gourd somewhere in your home.

23. Thankful Banner

Show exactly how grateful you are by creating a banner that says just that. This Thanksgiving craft involves creating a banner that reads "Thankful" that you can display during dinner.

You can use felt, construction paper, or fabric to create the banner. Cut out shapes and letters. Glue the letters to the shapes and string them onto a rope or cord. Then, display the banner on the wall of your home.

24. Painted Branches

If you’re looking for a simple piece of decor to add a minimalist statement, use this painted branches Thanksgiving craft. You’ll need either real or fake branches and some spray paint.

Once you’ve gathered the branches, coat them in a layer of spray paint. After they’ve dried, place them in a vase for a unique piece of décor.

25. Sequined Pumpkins

This fun Thanksgiving craft decoration will add some shimmer to your home. Find sequins of different colors, some glue, paintbrushes and pumpkins. Use the paintbrush to apply the glue, then cover the pumpkins with sequins.

You can use all the same colors or use various shades to create a pattern. Though it may be a project that takes some time, it makes for unique arts and crafts for adults that can be displayed.

26. Framed Leaf Collage

If you love the changing colors of fall foliage, why not fill your home with it? Go out and gather a few colorful leaves and press them until they’re flat and dry. Then, create a collage of leaves and frame them to be minimalistic fall décor.

This is a great Thanksgiving craft for kids who will enjoy being outside and going on a nature walk and then seeing what they collected hanging up in their home.

27. Painted Wood Blocks

A simple and minimalistic piece of decor and a fun Thanksgiving craft. Use blank wooden blocks and paint to create a fun decoration. Paint letters on the block to spell out words like “thanks”, “grateful” or “family”.

You can also include leaves, pumpkins or turkeys on the sides of some blocks. This Thanksgiving craft will be a versatile piece of decor in your home.

28. Antique Glass Lanterns

Create colored glass lanterns with this Thanksgiving craft. Color decoupage with food dye and grab a few old glass jars. Coat the inside of the jars with the decoupage mixture and allow the excess to run out.

You can also wipe away some of the decoupage to create patterns. Then, place the glass in the oven at 200 degrees for 40 minutes. When they come out, they’ll look like antique glass. Fill the jars with candles to create lanterns.

29. Tissue Paper Lanterns

These pretty little Thanksgiving crafts are sure to illuminate your home. Using a balloon and tissue paper, you can create a unique piece of décor. You’ll also need decoupage and scissors.

Start by cutting out shapes and strips of tissue paper. Consider fall shapes like leaves, pinecones and flowers. Blow up the balloon and apply the decoupage.

Then, layer the strips and shapes of tissue paper until the balloon is covered. Once it’s dry, you can pop and remove the balloon. Cut a small hole in the base of the lantern and insert a battery-operated light to illuminate it.

Unique Thanksgiving Crafts for the Table

30. Take Home Pie Boxes

When it comes to Thanksgiving, the table is one of the most important features. That’s why you should put some focus on your Thanksgiving crafts on the table.

Make pie boxes that people can take home leftover slices of their favorite pies. Use food-safe paper boxes and food-safe markers to decorate them. Then, place them at each setting so everyone has a box.

31. Turkey Napkins

A classic Thanksgiving craft for the table is making a turkey out of napkins. Use a cloth napkin and fold it to create a turkey and place one at each place setting.

Guests will be delighted when they sit down for a meal. Plus, it’ll give your tablescape another interesting layer.

32. Painted Rock Place Settings

Make name cards for your tablescape with this Thanksgiving craft for the table. Find a few rocks with flat surfaces and use acrylic paint to give them color and pattern.

Finish by using a paint pen to write every guest’s name on the flat surface. Then, place them at every plate so everyone knows where they’re sitting.

33. Themed Napkin Rings

Another way to add decor to the table is with themed napkin rings. With this Thanksgiving craft, there are a ton of ways to pull it off. You can use strips of fabric or ribbon.

Make a napkin ring out of beads and tassels. Or try wire, wood or polymer clay to create them. Slide the cloth napkins into the ring before displaying them on the table.

34. M&M Turkey Goodie Bags

Give your guests a sweet treat by creating M&M goodie bags shaped like turkeys. Fill cellophane bags with M&Ms or other candies. Then, use construction paper to make the features of a turkey and glue them on to create a yummy feathered friend.

35. Thankful Placemats

What is a give thanks craft for Thanksgiving? These are Thanksgiving crafts where everyone can write their own reasons for why they’re thankful.

Create placemats out of paper with each of your guests' names on it and a prompt that reads “I’m thankful for”. Leave pens on the table so guests can write the people, places and things they’re happy to have in their lives.

36. Gold Leaves Place Cards

This Thanksgiving arts and crafts project will infuse a little bit of metallic glamor onto your tablescape. Use either real or fake leaves and metallic gold paint. Brush on a layer of paint until the leaf is completely gold.

Then use a paint pen to write the names of your guests. Once everything is dry, use these as place cards to direct guests to where to sit.

37. Paint Chip Confetti

You may be surprised at what you can do with paint chips. This Thanksgiving craft for the table will cost almost nothing. Head to your local hardware store and pick out a few paint chips in your Thanksgiving color scheme.

Use a leaf paper punch to punch shapes out from the paint chips. Use this as confetti to decorate your table.

38. Wine Bucket Bows

A good dinner always has a good wine pairing. This is an easy Thanksgiving craft that will instantly elevate your tablescape. Purchase a few types of ribbons from a craft store.

Choose ribbons that differ in width, color, texture and print but still go together. Then, layer the ribbons on the wine bucket and tie them into a bow. This will instantly make this table detail look festive.

39. Dyed Table Linens

If you can’t find the ideal colors for your Thanksgiving tablescape, why not create them? Find white or off-white table runners, tablecloths and napkins.

Then, use an all-purpose fabric dye to dye them the color of your choice. You don’t have to dye it a solid color, either; you can use multiple colors to create a unique pattern.

40. Woven Placemats

Add a little texture to your table with this Thanksgiving craft. Use weaving reed, fabric, or ribbon to create woven placemats. Weave them into a shape that’s a little larger than a plate. Then, you can set the table with the plates and silverware on top.

41. Pumpkin and Flower Vase Centerpiece

Combine the best elements of the season into one unique centerpiece. Carve out a pumpkin to act as a vase for the center of the table.

Fill it with water and place fresh stems of mums, marigolds and other fall flowers. This beautiful living centerpiece will add a pop to your Thanksgiving table.

42. Painted Taper Candles

Don’t forget to set the ambiance of your Thanksgiving table. Purchase tall taper candles and a few colored tealight candles for this Thanksgiving craft. You’ll also need a paintbrush and a lighter.

Light the tealight candles and allow them to melt. Use the melted wax as a paint to paint on the taper candles. Once they’re dry, you have pretty custom candles for your Thanksgiving centerpiece.

43. Stamped Table Runner

Another way to decorate the table is with a custom table running. Use a plain table runner, some fabric paint and stamps to create a unique linen.

Stamp around the table runner to create a fun pattern all around the fabric. Place it in the center of the table for a stylish part of your centerpiece.

44. Wood Slice Chargers

Add a rustic detail to your table with this fun Thanksgiving craft. Purchase unfinished wood rounds to use as chargers under your plates.

You can use paint to decorate and customize them so they add a pop of color or pattern underneath the plates.

Easy Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids

45. Leaf Animals

This easy Thanksgiving craft will be a fun one to do with young kids. Use large leaves to be the body of different animals. Then use construction paper and googly eyes to add details like the mouth, nose and fur.

If you cut out the pieces beforehand, this can be a great Thanksgiving craft for preschoolers.

46. Candy Cornucopia 

This Thanksgiving craft will delight kids of all ages. They’ll love watching candy come tumbling out of this Thanksgiving cornucopia.

Use waffle ice cream cones and dip them into candy melts to create the cornucopias. Then, fill the cones with a bunch of candy. Kids will love filling their cornucopias with their favorites and watching it spill out before they eat it.

47. Beaded Pumpkins and Corn

Kids will be delighted at these adorable three-dimensional art pieces they make. This Thanksgiving craft only needs pipe cleaners and beads to make.

Slide the beads onto the pipe cleaners and then form them into the shapes of pumpkins, corn or gourds. Creating these can be great Thanksgiving activities to do with the kids before dinner is ready.

48. Pinecone Animals

You can also go on the hunt for pinecones and turn them into your favorite animals. Wondering how to make pinecone turkeys and other animals?

Use the pinecone as the body and pieces of felt, feathers and googly eyes to finish off the little critters. You can even add fun accessories like hats, bowties and ribbons to customize the pinecone animals.

49. Paper or Crayon Turkey

If you have an excess of crayons, use them to create crayon turkeys. This Thanksgiving craft makes for an easy project to do on the day. Cut construction paper in the shape of a body, feet, beak and wobble.

Glue the crayons together in a fan shape; these will act as the feathers. Then, glue the body, face and googly eyes to finish the turkey. These colorful little masterpieces with be fun keepsakes for the day. 

50. Paper Headbands

Give everyone a fun accessory for the dinner table with this Thanksgiving craft from the kids. Use strips of construction paper to create a headband. You can use a stapler to secure the pieces of paper to each other.

Then, use feathers, glitter, markers, sequins and other craft supplies to create fun paper headbands. Have the kids pass them out so everyone at the table as a custom headband to wear. 

51. Classic Hand Turkey

What would Thanksgiving be without a classic hand turkey craft? Trace kids’ hands on construction paper and cut them out.

Draw a face on one thumb and glue the hands together so the fingers are staggered. But how do you make a thankful turkey craft? Kids can write what they’re thankful for on each of the fingers.

52. Cookie Turkeys

The turkey on the table won’t be the only tasty turkey this year. With this Thanksgiving craft for kids, you can create adorable turkey sweet treats, Make your favorite sugar cookies and then use candy corn as the tail feathers.

Use a chocolate kiss as the face and candy eyes to finish the turkey. These sweet treats can also make great Thanksgiving gifts for guests to take home with them.

53. Painted Pumpkins

Decorating a pumpkin is a hallmark of the season. For kids, painting pumpkins is one of the easiest ways to decorate. All you’ll need is some paint and paintbrushes.

This Thanksgiving craft idea is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages and adults. You can paint a face on your pumpkin or decorate it with cool patterns. These pumpkin painting ideas can get you inspired.

54. Paper Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie is a favorite dessert every Thanksgiving. Why not make paper versions? Use construction paper to make pumpkin pie slices.

For younger kids, you can just cut out triangles and have them decorate them. For older kids, they can create 3D versions by folding and taping the paper. Then, you can use these paper pumpkin pies as décor around the house.

55. Turkey Piñata

There’s no rule that says you can have a piñata at Thanksgiving. And you can easily make one using a balloon and paper mache. Once the piñata has hardened, paint it to look like a turkey and use tissue paper to give it a textured finish.

Then, fill the empty piñata with candy. Kids will love making it and then breaking it open for an after-dinner treat. Or make mini versions for guests to take home, which is one of the most unique DIY gift ideas.

56. Pumpkin Moon Sand

Kids love a hands-on project and this Thanksgiving craft is just that. You can make pumpkin-scented moon sand with flour, vegetable oil and pumpkin puree.

Mixing the ingredients together, you get a fun moldable mixture that kids will love to get their hands in. They can build, squeeze and smush the sand as they see fit. Plus, the ingredients are all edible, so it’s completely safe for young kids who might give it a taste.

57. Coffee Can Scarecrow

If you have some extra coffee cans, then you have the perfect base for this Thanksgiving craft. Glue a sheet of brown felt to the coffee can to create the face of the scarecrow.

Use buttons to create the eyes and colored felt to create the nose and mouth. Find a straw hat for a doll to place on top of the coffee can and use pieces of twine raffia under the hat to look like straw coming out of the scarecrow.

Then, you can decorate the hat with feathers, silk flowers and ribbon to finish the project.

Fall is the perfect time to engage in new hobbies and get creative. Launch yourself into new projects and make Thanksgiving arts and crafts to display during the fall holiday season.

You can do creative projects with kids or with the family. Or gather your friends for an adult crafting night. Use what you make as DIY home décor to display on the Thanksgiving table or around the house.

These fun, easy Thanksgiving crafts are just the place to start to indulge in your creative side.

For even more fun art ideas for fall, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!