Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reflect on what we’re grateful for and encourage our children to do the same. These five family-friendly Thanksgiving crafts bring everyone together in a creative celebration of gratitude. From table centerpieces to lasting keepsakes, each project adds a touch of warmth and meaning to your Thanksgiving season.
Gratitude Projects That Bring Family Together
Incorporating gratitude-themed crafts into Thanksgiving traditions can help family members express their appreciation and make the holiday more memorable. These projects are simple, fun, and bring everyone closer, creating Thanksgiving memories that last a lifetime.
1. Family Gratitude Tree: A Thanksgiving Centerpiece with Meaning
Looking for a standout Thanksgiving centerpiece? The Family Gratitude Tree is a beautiful way to involve everyone in the holiday spirit while creating an eye-catching decoration. This Thanksgiving craft allows each family member to share what they're thankful for, adding a personal touch to your holiday decor.
Supplies needed:
- Small sturdy branches with twigs
- Vase or container
- Sand, rocks, or decorative stones
- Construction paper in fall colors (red, orange, yellow, brown)
- Scissors, markers, string, hole punch
- Optional: Paint for decorating the branch
Directions:
- Prepare your branch, trimming as needed. Let kids paint or decorate it if they’d like.
- Place the branch in a vase or container filled with sand or stones for stability.
- Cut leaf shapes from construction paper, punch a hole in each, and attach a loop of string.
- Set the leaves and markers in a bowl next to the tree. Family members can write what they’re grateful for and hang it on the tree.
 Krystal Farnell | Macaroni KID |
2. Gratitude Tablecloth: A Keepsake That Grows with Memories
The Gratitude Tablecloth is a lasting family keepsake that grows richer with each Thanksgiving. Each November, gather as a family and write down what you’re thankful for, along with the date. This tablecloth becomes a family tradition and heirloom, bringing warmth and gratitude to Thanksgiving year after year.
How to Make a Gratitude Tablecloth:
- Use a plain white cotton tablecloth and permanent markers.
- Every Thanksgiving, bring out the tablecloth and have your family and guests add new gratitude messages.
3. Gratitude Turkey Centerpiece: Fun for Kids and Festive for the Table
The Gratitude Turkey Centerpiece is a fun and meaningful Thanksgiving craft that doubles as a festive decoration. Kids enjoy adding colorful “feathers” to this foam turkey, each one inscribed with a thankful thought, creating a heartwarming display for your Thanksgiving table.
Materials Needed:
- Foam craft balls (6” for body, 4” for head)
- Brown and white yarn
- Googly eyes
- Red and yellow felt
- Toothpicks
- Colored construction paper
Instructions:
- Wrap the foam balls in yarn for the turkey’s body and head, then attach them with toothpicks.
- Add a face using googly eyes and felt shapes.
- Cut feather shapes from construction paper and have each family member write something they’re thankful for on a feather.
- Attach the feathers to toothpicks and push them into the turkey to create a tail of gratitude.
Pro Tip: Reuse this turkey centerpiece each year, adding new feathers as your family’s gratitude grows.
 Kara Murphy | Macaroni KID |
4. Gratitude Cootie Catcher: A Playful Twist on Thankfulness
The Gratitude Cootie Catcher is a nostalgic craft that includes fun gratitude prompts. This Thanksgiving craft is ideal for younger kids who might need encouragement to express thanks.
How to Make a Gratitude Cootie Catcher:
- Print a FREE Thanksgiving gratitude cootie catcher template. Get it here!
- Fold it and complete the prompts inside!
Bonus Tip: Place the cootie catcher at the kids' table on Thanksgiving to keep little ones entertained and engaged in gratitude activities while waiting for dinner.
 Mary Monahan | Macaroni KID, and DNY59 | Canva |
5. Turkey Handprint Painting: A Keepsake of Family Memories
Create a cherished piece of Thanksgiving decor with a Turkey Handprint Painting. This art piece features each family member’s handprint as part of a turkey’s “feathers,” capturing the spirit of family for Thanksgiving.
Materials Needed:
- Large canvas
- Washable paint
- Sponge brushes
- Markers for finishing touches
Directions:
- Stamp each family member’s handprint on the canvas in a fan shape to form a turkey’s tailfeathers.
- Add eyes, a beak, and legs with markers to complete the turkey designs.
- Finish with personal touches and display it proudly.
This handprint turkey becomes a treasured Thanksgiving keepsake, capturing memories that add warmth to your Thanksgiving decor year after year.
Make Crafting and Gratitude Thanksgiving Traditions
These Thanksgiving crafts are a wonderful way to spend time together, spark conversations about gratitude, and create meaningful mementos that brighten your holiday season. Whether it's a Family Gratitude Tree, a keepsake Gratitude Tablecloth, or a playful Gratitude Cootie Catcher, each of these crafts helps deepen the spirit of thankfulness during Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving and happy crafting!
