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Simple Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids

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At about a week before Thanksgiving dinner I pull out my trusty laptop and open up my "Thanksgiving To Do List" from the previous year. By creating, saving and updating a "to do" you never have to start from scratch. Let's face it, when getting ready for a family gathering there are some things we do every year...clean the bathroom, clean the basement and clear out the front entrance. Even the food we serve is on this list. It is super handy to know what you served the previous year...maybe make the dishes again or change it up. Since, our holiday dinners are usually potluck, it is helpful to see who brought what last year. Finally, this to do list is how I generate my shopping list. Taking inventory of what needs to be done reminds you of what needs to be purchased...like new napkins, tablecloth, etc.
 
I also like to include craft ideas on my list. In past years we've created a craft paper table runner, complete with vegetable prints stamped on by my daughters. Some years my daughters create pieces of seasonal art to hang around the living room, dining room and front entrance. This year I have recruited my girls to make napkin rings. They experimented with three different design options. Here is what we did.

Simple Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids

toilet paper rolls
glue
tape
scissors
piece of cardboard (old cereal box)
"fall" coloured construction paper
paint
paint brush
markers

1. Cut each toilet paper roll in half, creating 2 smaller rolls...one small roll for each place setting
2. Cut "fall" coloured construction paper in strips that are long enough to wrap around the toilet paper roll and wide enough to cover the roll

3. rub glue on roll and wrap with construction paper strip - the rolls are done

Turkey Napkin Ring

1. trace your child's hand on cardboard, cut out the hand print

2. trace the handprint onto construction paper
3. cut out the handprint and create your turkey - the thumb is the head of the turkey
4. to make the beak, cut a small triangle out of yellow or orange paper and a small strip of red for the waddle - glue together

5. glue the beak in place

6. tape or glue the turkey to the napkin ring

Apple Print Napkin Ring

1. cut an apple in half, pat dry with paper towel
2. notch out a small "handle" in the skin side of the apple
3. pour small amount of paint on a plate
4. using a paint brush, paint the cut side of the apple with paint
5. stamp the apple onto a piece of construction paper or cardstock

6. let the apple print dry, then cut out and tape or glue to the napkin ring

Pumpkin Napkin Ring

1. using markers, draw a series of pumpkins on construction paper

2. cut out the pumpkins and tape or glue to the napkin ring

Once the napkin rings are completed, simply slip a napkin in each ring and they are ready to go on the Thanksgiving table. My girls decided to make all three options! This craft was easy enough for the girls to do on their own...and challenging enough to hold the interest of my 8 year old. It's always nice to have children contribute on special occasions. The key is not allowing the table to be overrun by kids crafts...keep it simple and limited...unless you enjoy sitting at the kiddie table? 
thanksgiving crafts for kids

 

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About Jen

Jen Farr is a mother living in Toronto, Canada. She has been sharing her DIY crafts, recipes, activities and parenting advice for over 15 years on her blog Kitchen Counter Chronicle. Jen is the mom of 2 lovely daughters. She believes in the power of taking small steps that can make big impacts on the world.

Comments

  1. JDaniel4's Mom says

    What wonderful ideas! I love your pumpkins.

  2. RedTedArt says

    What a lovely set of Thanks Giving crafts. The napkin rings are adorable!

    Thank you for joining Kids Get Crafty, lovely to have you there!

    Maggy

  3. mermaid says

    Very cool! I like the turkey one 🙂

  4. rainydaymum says

    I love the turkey hand print and also the way that the apples have become pumpkins - very crafty and creative.

  5. Brooke @ Let Kids Create says

    I love that they can help with decorating the table. Everything turned out great! Thanks for linking it up to Monday Madness!

  6. KitchenCounterChronicles says

    thanks ladies! They were fun and easy to make!

  7. andie jaye says

    what a fun and unique was to set the thanksgiving table! thanks so much for linking this up to my tip-toe thru tuesday party! hope to see you again this week!

  8. Laura @Art For Little Hands says

    I love all these ideas. I also love that you keep a running list to see again the next year. I am so not that organized.

  9. Kelly says

    This is such a sweet way for kids to be involved in preparing for Thanksgiving dinner. Thanks for sharing at the AfterSchool party!