41 Easy Thanksgiving Crafts and Art Activities for Toddlers

Picture this: tiny hands covered in paint, giggles filling your kitchen, and your toddler actually excited about Thanksgiving crafts instead of asking for screen time.

Finding age-appropriate holiday activities that don’t end in meltdowns (yours or theirs!) feels impossible when you’re dealing with short attention spans and developing motor skills.

You’re about to discover 41 brilliant Thanksgiving art activities designed specifically for toddlers – from mess-free turkey crafts to sensory bins that keep little ones engaged for more than five minutes.

Get ready to bookmark your favorites and transform your home into a festive creativity zone that makes memories while building those precious fine motor skills!

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1 Turkey Brownie Treats

Transform ordinary brownies into adorable turkey faces that toddlers will love making and eating. These sweet treats become the perfect Thanksgiving dessert with just a few simple decorations.

Give your little ones candy corn pieces to press into the brownie tops for colorful turkey feathers. They can add googly eyes or mini chocolate chips for the face.

Let toddlers use orange frosting to create turkey beaks and waddles below the eyes. Their tiny fingers work perfectly for this gentle decorating task, and they’ll beam with pride at their edible masterpieces.

2 Footprint Turkey Craft

Turn tiny toes into turkey magic with this adorable twist on the classic handprint craft! Your toddler’s footprint becomes the turkey’s plump body, creating a memorable keepsake.

Set up a clean workspace near a sink or have wet wipes ready. Paint your child’s foot brown and press it onto paper with toes pointing down.

Once dry, add colorful handprints around the heel for beautiful tail feathers. Finish by drawing on a head, beak, and wobbly legs to complete your footprint friend!

3 Turkey Juice Box

Transform ordinary juice boxes into adorable turkey decorations that make mealtime extra special. Your toddler will love sipping from their handmade creation.

Cut colorful paper feathers and glue them behind the juice box. Add googly eyes and an orange triangle beak to the front.

This craft hides bright commercial labels while adding festive charm to your Thanksgiving table. Plus, it keeps little hands busy while you prep dinner!

4 Turkey Watercolor Painting

Watercolor paints create stunning turkey feathers that blend and flow just like real ones. Your toddler can watch colors magically mix together as they paint.

Give your little artist a brush and let them experiment with different colors. They can dab, swirl, or splash paint to make each feather unique.

No two turkeys look the same when you use watercolors. The paint naturally creates beautiful patterns that make every turkey special and one-of-a-kind.

5 Turkey Stick Puppets

Popsicle stick puppets turn your toddler into a Thanksgiving storyteller in minutes. These simple crafts need just basic shapes and wooden sticks.

Cut out turkey shapes from construction paper or let kids color pre-made templates. Glue each turkey to a popsicle stick and you’re ready for showtime.

Prep all pieces ahead of time when working with multiple toddlers. This keeps everyone engaged and prevents meltdowns over missing supplies.

6 Pinecone Sensory Bin

Natural textures meet festive fun in this simple pinecone sensory bin that doubles as beautiful Thanksgiving decor.

Fill a shallow basket or tray with collected pinecones from your nature walk. Add small autumn leaves, acorns, or mini pumpkins for extra texture variety.

Little hands love exploring the bumpy surfaces and different shapes. The natural materials create a calming sensory experience that keeps toddlers engaged.

Best part? This activity requires zero cleanup since everything stays contained in the bin.

7 Paper Plate Turkeys

Paper plates transform into adorable turkeys with just a few simple materials your toddler already loves using.

This craft gives kids more independence than hand turkeys since they can glue, color, and arrange pieces without needing your hand as a template. Your little one controls every creative decision.

Grab brown paper plates, colorful construction paper, googly eyes, and glue sticks. Let your toddler tear or cut feathers in bright fall colors, then watch them proudly arrange their turkey’s personality.

The best part? Each turkey turns out completely unique, just like your child’s imagination.

8 Number Coloring Pages

Number coloring pages give your toddler a fun way to practice counting while creating Thanksgiving art. These pages combine learning with creativity as little ones match colors to numbers.

Hand your child their favorite crayons or markers and let them work independently. You get a stress-free activity that keeps them busy while you tackle other tasks.

Choose pages with simple Thanksgiving themes like turkeys, pumpkins, or leaves. The numbered sections help toddlers recognize numbers while building fine motor skills through coloring.

9 Yarn Pumpkin Garland

Your toddler’s little fingers get amazing practice while creating this adorable autumn decoration. Hand them mini pumpkins and colorful yarn to wrap around each gourd.

The wrapping motion strengthens their grip and coordination naturally. Let them choose their favorite fall colors like orange, yellow, and brown for extra excitement.

Once they finish wrapping several pumpkins, you can string them together into a beautiful garland. Hang it across doorways or mantels for instant Thanksgiving charm that showcases their hard work.

10 Chalk Turkey Craft

Colorful chalk creates stunning turkey feathers that little hands love making. This mess-friendly craft gives toddlers a fun way to explore art while creating their Thanksgiving masterpiece.

Simply draw a turkey body on paper, then let your child rub chalk around it for vibrant feathers. The soft texture feels amazing to tiny fingers.

Indoor-safe chalk works perfectly for this activity. Your toddler can blend colors and create beautiful, fluffy-looking feathers that pop off the page.

11 Turkey Paper Craft

Colorful feathers and wobbly lines make this turkey craft absolutely perfect for little hands. Print a simple turkey outline and let your toddler glue it onto bright construction paper.

The magic happens when kids design their own bird. They can scribble wild patterns, add dots with finger paints, or stick on paper scraps for textured feathers.

No rules exist here—messy masterpieces count just as much as neat creations. Your toddler’s turkey might look nothing like the real thing, and that’s exactly what makes it special.

12 Turkey Napkin Rings

Transform plain napkin rings into adorable turkey decorations that make your Thanksgiving table extra special. Your toddler will love helping create these festive touches for family dinner.

Set up an assembly line approach for easy crafting. Gather scrapbook paper, glue, and plain napkin rings, then cut out all turkey shapes first.

Let your little one help glue the colorful feathers and turkey faces onto each ring. Work step by step together—cut, glue, attach, and dry.

These handmade turkey rings add the perfect kid-friendly charm to your holiday table setting.

13 Turkey Coloring Sheets

Colorful turkey pictures instantly transform your toddler’s artwork into festive Thanksgiving decorations. Your little artist creates something special while you get beautiful homemade decor.

Print simple turkey outlines and watch your toddler go wild with crayons or markers. They love filling in those big tail feathers with rainbow colors.

Add extra Thanksgiving fun by including pumpkins or cornucopias on the same page. Your toddler’s finished masterpieces become instant party decorations that make them beam with pride.

14 Pilgrim Hats

Black construction paper transforms into the perfect Pilgrim hat that toddlers can actually wear during Thanksgiving dinner.

Cut a large circle for the brim and help your little one roll black paper into a cone shape. Staple or tape the pieces together for instant wearable fun.

Add a yellow paper buckle to the front for that authentic Pilgrim look. Your toddler will beam with pride wearing their handmade creation at the dinner table.

15 Pine Cone Turkeys

Bright orange and brown feathers transform simple pinecones into adorable Thanksgiving centerpieces that toddlers love making.

Head outside with your little ones to collect pinecones from your yard or local park. The treasure hunt becomes half the fun!

Back inside, help toddlers glue colorful construction paper feathers to the back and add googly eyes to the front. A small orange triangle creates the perfect beak.

These charming table decorations work beautifully as place cards too—just write each guest’s name on the feathers for a personal touch.

16 Paper Turkey Bags

Brown paper bags transform into adorable turkey treats that kids absolutely love making. Your toddler gets to practice cutting, gluing, and decorating while creating something useful.

Grab lunch-sized paper bags and let little hands turn them into colorful turkeys with construction paper feathers, googly eyes, and orange beaks. The handles become perfect turkey necks!

Fill these handmade bags with small treats, stickers, or tiny toys. They work great as party favors or special surprises that toddlers can give to family members during Thanksgiving dinner.

17 Paper Gratitude Tree

Colorful paper leaves cover your handmade tree trunk as your toddler discovers what makes them happy. This simple craft turns gratitude into something they can see and touch.

Cut out a brown paper tree trunk and tape it to your wall or fridge. Give your little one pre-cut leaf shapes in fall colors like red, orange, and yellow.

Help them think of things they love by asking simple questions. "What makes you smile?" or "Who gives you hugs?" Write their answers on each leaf and watch their tree grow with thankfulness all month long.

18 Paper Placemats

Your toddler’s old coloring pages transform into beautiful Thanksgiving table decorations with this simple craft. Instead of throwing away their artwork, give it new life as festive placemats.

Gather any drawings, failed art projects, or scrap paper from throughout the year. Your little one feels proud seeing their creations displayed at the dinner table.

Simply laminate the papers or cover them with clear contact paper for durability. These personalized placemats protect your table while showcasing your toddler’s artistic talents to grateful dinner guests.

19 Sponge Brush Painting

Soft sponge brushes create amazing textures that regular paintbrushes just can’t match. Your toddler will love how these fluffy tools make paint look bumpy and interesting on paper.

Set out fall colors like orange, red, yellow, and brown with a few sponge brushes. Show your little one how to dab and press the sponge into paint, then onto paper.

Let them explore freely! They can layer colors on top of each other or create patterns by pressing the sponge in different ways. The abstract results always look beautiful and professional.

20 Clay Pot Crafts

Transform old clay pots into adorable turkey families that brighten your Thanksgiving table! Your toddler can help paint and decorate each pot while learning about colors and textures.

Start with different sized pots to create mama, papa, and baby turkeys. Let your little one brush on warm fall colors like orange, red, and yellow.

Add construction paper feathers, googly eyes, and orange beaks using child-safe glue. Your toddler develops fine motor skills while creating something special.

These charming turkey decorations become keepsake centerpieces that remind you of creative time spent together every holiday season.

21 Turkey Coloring Pages

Print and color – it’s that simple! Turkey coloring pages give you an instant activity that keeps little hands busy right away.

Stack up different turkey designs so toddlers can pick their favorites. Some might love detailed feather patterns while others prefer simple, chunky outlines.

The best part? You can prep these ahead of any gathering. Just grab some crayons and watch kids settle into focused coloring time.

Keep extras on hand because toddlers often want to color multiple turkeys once they get started!

22 Turkey Line Art

Colorful wavy lines transform a simple turkey outline into a masterpiece that toddlers absolutely love creating. The wonky, zigzag patterns make every turkey look uniquely silly and fun.

Hand your little artist crayons or markers and let them fill the turkey shape with wild, squiggly lines. No rules here – the crazier the lines, the better!

You can draw the basic turkey outline yourself, or work together to create the bird shape. Then watch as your toddler turns it into a rainbow of wobbly artwork that’s purely their own.

23 Thanksgiving Number Activities

Turkey feathers make counting feel like a fun game instead of homework! Your toddler gets excited about numbers when they see familiar Thanksgiving shapes.

Pumpkin counting activities work perfectly too. Set up orange circles or real mini pumpkins for hands-on learning.

Try having your little one count turkey tail feathers or arrange numbered pilgrim hats in order. These themed activities make number recognition stick better than plain flashcards.

The holiday connection keeps toddlers engaged longer, turning math practice into festive playtime they actually request!

24 Toilet Paper Roll Turkey

Colorful feathers pop out from this adorable turkey that toddlers absolutely love making! You transform an everyday toilet paper roll into a festive Thanksgiving friend.

Simply paint the roll brown for the turkey’s body. Let your little one glue colorful paper feathers around the back while you help attach googly eyes and an orange beak to the front.

This craft keeps tiny hands busy for 15-20 minutes. Plus, your finished turkey becomes a perfect table decoration that toddlers feel proud displaying during Thanksgiving dinner.

25 Handprint Turkey Art

Your toddler’s tiny handprint transforms into an adorable turkey with just a few simple steps. This classic craft gets a fresh twist that kids absolutely love.

Press their hand in brown paint and stamp it on paper. The thumb becomes the head while fingers spread out as colorful tail feathers.

Let your little artist color and decorate each feather with crayons, markers, or stickers. Add googly eyes and an orange beak to bring their turkey friend to life.

This keepsake captures their precious handprint while creating a Thanksgiving memory you’ll treasure forever.

26 Dot Marker Thanksgiving

Colorful dots transform simple Thanksgiving pictures into vibrant masterpieces your toddler will love creating.

Print out turkey outlines, pumpkin shapes, or fall leaves for your little artist to dot away. These chunky markers fit perfectly in tiny hands and make satisfying splashes of color.

Your toddler can work independently while you prep nearby. No mess, no stress – just pure creative fun that keeps busy hands happy for 15-20 minutes.

27 Turkey Cookie Assembly

Candy corn feathers and pretzel legs transform plain Oreos into adorable turkey treats! This hands-on project builds fine motor skills while your toddler follows step-by-step directions.

Start with chocolate Oreos as the turkey body. Your little one can press candy corn into the cream filling to create colorful tail feathers.

Add pretzel sticks for legs and candy eyes to bring each turkey to life. The best reward? Eating these delicious creations together when you’re finished!

28 Turkey Name Letters

Your toddler creates a personalized turkey using the letters from their own name as colorful feathers. Each letter becomes a separate feather that attaches to the turkey’s body.

This craft builds letter recognition while your child identifies and arranges each letter in the correct order. They practice spelling their name in a fun, hands-on way.

Help your toddler double-check the sequence before gluing everything down. The finished turkey becomes a special keepsake that celebrates both their artistic skills and growing literacy.

29 Color Matching Turkey

Your toddler learns colors and shapes while creating their very own turkey masterpiece. This hands-on activity keeps little minds engaged and excited about learning.

Cut feathers from colorful construction paper and attach them to a paper plate turkey body. Make each feather a different bright color like red, orange, yellow, and brown.

Give your child small torn pieces of matching paper or colorful confetti. They match each piece to the correct feather color on their turkey.

This activity works perfectly on rainy days when you need indoor fun that’s both educational and creative.

30 Clay Pumpkin Pots

Your toddler’s hands create adorable pumpkin decorations while enjoying the wonderful squishiness of clay. This craft combines sensory play with artistic expression perfectly.

Air-dry clay works best for little hands since it stays soft and forgiving. Your child can pinch and shape the clay into small pot forms, then add pumpkin details like ridges and stems.

The finished pots become precious keepsakes that actually hold small items. Display them proudly on your Thanksgiving table or use them as tiny planters for the season.

31 Creamer Pilgrim Craft

Your empty creamer containers transform into adorable pilgrim figures that toddlers absolutely love making. This craft takes just minutes to set up and keeps little hands busy.

Simply wrap the container in black paper for the pilgrim’s body and add a white collar around the neck area. Your toddler can draw a face or glue on paper features.

Finish with a classic pilgrim hat cut from black construction paper. This project works perfectly when you need a quick activity during busy Thanksgiving prep time.

32 Paper Bag Turkeys

Paper bags transform into adorable turkey puppets that toddlers absolutely love. These simple crafts use items you already have at home.

Cut colorful paper into feather shapes and let your little one glue them onto the bag’s back. Patterned scissors create fun zigzag or wavy feather edges for extra texture.

Draw a simple face on the bag’s bottom flap. When your toddler slips their hand inside, the turkey comes alive and ready for puppet show fun!

33 Fall Leaf Suncatchers

Colorful autumn leaves dance in your windows when toddlers create these magical suncatchers. Your little ones get to think like tiny architects while building something beautiful.

Choose any fall shape your toddler loves – maple leaves, pumpkins, or acorns work perfectly. Cut out the center and let them fill the empty space with tissue paper, glitter, or translucent craft gems.

Hang these sparkly creations in sunny windows and watch your child’s face light up. The sunlight transforms their simple craft into a dazzling display that celebrates the season.

34 Turkey Letter Bin

Your toddler sorts colorful letters while surrounded by silly turkey toys in this engaging sensory bin. Fill a shallow container with rice or beans, then add foam letters and small turkey figurines.

Watch your little one dig through the textures to find hidden letters. They’ll giggle at the goofy turkey friends while building important pre-reading skills.

This activity combines hands-on learning with Thanksgiving fun. Your toddler practices letter recognition without realizing they’re learning!

35 Coffee Filter Turkey

Coffee filters transform into beautiful turkeys with just a few simple supplies and create stunning tie-dye effects that toddlers love.

This craft works perfectly for one child or an entire classroom since the materials are inexpensive and easy to manage. The filters soak up colors beautifully, creating vibrant feather patterns.

Your little one can scrunch, dip, and watch the colors blend together like magic. Add a simple turkey head cutout, and you have an instant Thanksgiving decoration that showcases their creativity.

36 Turkey Headbands

Your little ones will light up when they see themselves wearing these adorable turkey creations! These festive headbands transform toddlers into the cutest gobblers at your Thanksgiving gathering.

Start by measuring each child’s head to cut the perfect headband size from brown construction paper. Let kids choose their favorite colors for the feathers—orange, red, yellow, and brown work beautifully together.

Simply glue or tape the colorful feathers to the back of the headband. Add a small orange triangle for the beak and a red wattle underneath for that authentic turkey look.

37 Feather Turkey Art

Your little one creates a textured masterpiece using real feathers and vibrant colors. This turkey craft feels amazing under tiny fingers!

Start with a simple turkey outline on paper. Let your toddler glue colorful feathers around the body to make beautiful tail plumage.

The different textures keep toddlers engaged longer than regular coloring. They love touching and arranging the soft feathers while building fine motor skills.

This sensory-rich project combines art and touch perfectly for curious hands.

38 Fall Sensory Play

Orange rice and mini pumpkins turn your sensory bin into a fall wonderland that soothes busy toddlers during the hectic holiday rush.

The holidays can overwhelm little ones with all the excitement and visitors. Sensory play gives them a calm way to release energy and reset their emotions.

Fill a large container with colored rice, dried corn kernels, or autumn leaves. Add small pumpkins, acorns, and scoops for endless exploration.

Your toddler gets the quiet time they need while still enjoying festive fun that matches the season.

39 Paper Plate Pumpkins

String threading turns ordinary paper plates into adorable pumpkin masterpieces your toddler will love making.

Cut triangle eyes and a zigzag mouth from your orange paper plate. Give your little one orange yarn or string to weave through holes you’ve pre-punched around the edges.

This craft strengthens tiny fingers while creating beautiful texture. Your toddler practices hand-eye coordination as they pull the string through each hole.

Add a green paper stem on top, and you’ve got a festive pumpkin that’s perfect for autumn decorating!

40 Paper Turkey Craft

Colorful paper feathers pop right off the page in this exciting 3D turkey project. Your toddler gets to crumple, fold, and layer different colored papers to create texture.

Start with a simple turkey body template. Let your little one scrunch up orange and red paper for the feathers, then glue them behind the body.

The hands-on folding and gluing keeps busy fingers engaged while building fine motor skills. Plus, each turkey turns out completely unique!

41 Paper Hand Turkey

Your little one’s handprints become colorful feathers on this adorable turkey craft that doubles as a keepsake gift.

Trace your toddler’s hands on different colored construction paper to create the turkey’s beautiful tail feathers. Let them practice their cutting skills by snipping along the traced lines with safety scissors.

Glue the paper hands in a fan shape behind a brown turkey body. Add your child’s photo as the turkey’s face for an extra special touch that grandparents will treasure forever.