- This craft idea focuses on giving thanks at this time of year. Start by finding a small tree branch with several smaller branches. Place small rocks or sand in a small bucket. Place the tree branch in the bucket. Cut out various leaf shapes from brown, red and orange construction paper. On each leaf, help your child write or draw something for which they are thankful. Punch a hole in each leaf. Tie a string or ribbon through the hole to make a loop. Hang the leaves on the tree branch. The Tree of Thanks makes an attractive centerpiece for Thanksgiving dinner and it helps the family focus on the positives in life.
- Turkey headbands are a fun craft to get into the Thanksgiving mood. Cut a long strip of brown construction paper. The strip should fit around the child's head. Hold the strip around her head and tape it together at the correct length. Cut feather shapes from colorful construction paper. Attach the feathers to the back of the headband. Cut a brown circle for the turkey's head. Attach it to the front of the headband. Cut a diamond shape out of orange paper. Fold it in half to form the turkey's beak. Attach it to the circle. Add eyes and a wobble out of red paper. Cut two wings out of brown paper and attach them to the side of the head.
- An empty coffee can could be transformed into a Pilgrim's hat to make a festive centerpiece for Thanksgiving dinner. Cover an empty coffee can with brown paper or paint it brown. Cut a large circle out of brown paper to serve as the brim of the hat. Cut the circle so it hangs over the coffee can by 1 inch all the way around. Attach the circle to the bottom of the coffee can. Cut a strip of paper to go around the hat. Cut a buckle out of paper and place it on the strip. Attach it to the coffee can. Fill the coffee can with real or artificial flowers to finish off the centerpiece, or paint the lid brown and place it on the can.
- Homemade place mats add a personal touch to the Thanksgiving table. Use a rectangular shaped piece of construction paper. Decorate it with Thanksgiving stickers or draw Thanksgiving symbols. Make a hand print turkey on the place mats by painting the hand. Paint the palm of the hand and the thumb brown. Paint the fingers different colors to create the feathers. Add the facial features. Laminate the place mats to prevent damage.
