22 Fun Thanksgiving Decorations for Kids That Bring Joy and Creativity

Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, family time, and delicious food—but for kids, it’s also about fun! Decorating your home with Thanksgiving decorations for kids is a wonderful way to keep little ones engaged and excited for the holiday. From DIY crafts to playful centerpieces, these ideas make the celebration both festive and child-friendly. Below, we’ll explore 22 kid-friendly Thanksgiving decorations that are simple, creative, and sure to make your home extra special.

1. Handprint Turkey Placemats

Turn mealtime into fun by letting kids trace their hands on paper, color them like turkeys, and use them as placemats. It adds a personal touch to the dinner table while keeping little ones busy before the feast.

2. Pinecone Turkey Crafts

Kids can glue colorful feathers onto pinecones to make adorable turkey decorations. Place them on the dining table or mantel for a playful Thanksgiving vibe.

3. Paper Pumpkin Garlands

Cut out pumpkin shapes from orange paper, let the kids decorate them, and string them into a garland. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and adds charm to walls or doorways.

4. Thanksgiving Coloring Tablecloth

Cover the kids’ table with a large sheet of craft paper printed with Thanksgiving images. Provide crayons so kids can color while waiting for dinner to be served.

5. DIY Gratitude Tree

Help children write what they’re thankful for on paper leaves and hang them on branches in a vase. This doubles as a meaningful centerpiece and activity.

6. Felt Pilgrim Hats

Make wearable pilgrim hats from felt or construction paper. Not only do kids love dressing up, but these hats also make adorable table photos.

7. Corn Husk Dolls

A fun traditional craft, corn husk dolls give kids a chance to connect with history while creating rustic decorations. Display them on shelves or the dining table.

8. Pumpkin Painting Station

Instead of carving, let kids paint small pumpkins with bright colors, glitter, or stickers. These painted pumpkins become cheerful décor for any room.

9. Leaf Garland with Kids’ Names

Collect fall leaves, laminate them, and let children write their names or messages of thanks. String them together for a personalized garland.

10. Turkey Napkin Rings

Kids can craft napkin rings from cardboard rolls, decorated with feathers and googly eyes. It’s a fun project that also makes dinner settings unique.

11. Thanksgiving Mason Jar Lanterns

Provide kids with mason jars, tissue paper, and glue to design glowing lanterns. Place battery tea lights inside for safe, festive lighting.

12. Candy Corn Centerpiece

Fill jars with layers of candy corn and let kids decorate the outside with ribbons or stickers. These colorful jars add sweetness to the décor.

13. Handprint Wreaths

Using construction paper, kids can cut and color their handprints, then glue them into a circular wreath. It makes a heartwarming decoration for doors or walls.

14. Turkey Balloon Decorations

Blow up balloons and let kids attach paper feathers and faces to turn them into silly turkeys. These lightweight decorations bring joy to any party area.

15. Pilgrim Ship Centerpiece

Create a mini Mayflower using paper, cardboard, and markers. Kids will enjoy building it, and it looks fantastic as a dining table centerpiece.

16. Thanksgiving Story Stones

Paint stones with Thanksgiving symbols like turkeys, pies, or leaves. Kids can use them to tell stories, and the stones double as décor in bowls or trays.

17. Edible Turkey Treat Crafts

Let kids create turkeys from cookies, candy corn, and chocolate. These treats work as decorations on the dessert table until they’re eaten.

18. Gratitude Banner

Provide fabric or paper triangles where kids write thankful messages. String them together to create a banner that spreads positivity around the room.

19. Scarecrow Puppets

Using paper bags, markers, and yarn, children can design scarecrow puppets. These can decorate the kids’ table or be used in playful skits after dinner.

20. Cupcake Liner Turkeys

Flatten cupcake liners, add paper beaks and eyes, and glue them onto paper. Kids can stick these turkeys on walls, fridges, or cards for festive flair.

21. Autumn Leaf Suncatchers

With contact paper and colorful tissue pieces, children can design leaf shapes that catch sunlight beautifully when placed on windows.

22. Thanksgiving Puzzle Placemats

Print out Thanksgiving-themed puzzles and let kids color and solve them. Laminated versions double as reusable placemats for meals.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving becomes even more special when kids feel included in the celebration. These 22 Thanksgiving decoration ideas for kids are creative, affordable, and bring families closer together through fun activities. Whether it’s turkey balloons, gratitude banners, or handprint crafts, each decoration adds warmth and joy to the holiday atmosphere. This year, let children take part in creating décor that reflects both gratitude and creativity.