Introduction
Greetings, readers! Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and festive fun. And if you’re looking for ways to engage your toddlers in the spirit of the season, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of Thanksgiving crafts and activities that are perfect for toddlers, fostering their creativity and excitement.
Creative Crafts
Paper Plate Turkey
Materials:
- Paper plate
- Colored paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers
Instructions:
- Turn the paper plate upside down and draw a turkey’s head and neck on the bottom edge.
- Cut out feathers from colored paper and glue them to the back of the plate.
- Draw eyes, a beak, and a gobbler on the head.
Handprint Cornucopia
Materials:
- Construction paper
- Paint (brown, orange, yellow)
- Scissors
- Glue
Instructions:
- Paint a toddler’s hand with brown paint and press it onto the paper to create a cornucopia shape.
- Let the paint dry.
- Cut out corn and pumpkin shapes from orange and yellow paper and glue them inside the cornucopia.
Sensory Activities
Turkey Feather Sensory Bin
Materials:
- Clear plastic bin
- Brown feathers
- Dried beans or rice
- Small turkey figurines
Instructions:
- Fill the bin with dried beans or rice.
- Add brown feathers and small turkey figurines.
- Let your toddler explore the bin, touching and feeling the different textures.
Thanksgiving Pumpkin Playdough
Materials:
- Pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter
- Orange playdough
- Cloves
Instructions:
- Cut out pumpkin shapes from the orange playdough.
- Press cloves into the pumpkins to create a festive aroma.
- Let your toddler play with the playdough, squishing, shaping, and exploring.
Table Activities
Paper Bag Pilgrim Hat
Materials:
- Paper bags (brown)
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers
Instructions:
- Cut the bottom off a paper bag.
- Fold down the top edge of the bag about 2 inches.
- Use markers to draw a pilgrim’s hatband and buckle.
- Let your toddler wear the pilgrim hat and have fun pretending.
Turkey Puppet
Materials:
- Brown and orange felt
- Scissors
- Glue
- Googly eyes
- Markers
Instructions:
- Cut out two turkey shapes from brown felt and one orange shape for the gobbler.
- Glue the orange gobbler onto one of the turkey shapes.
- Glue the other turkey shape on top to create a puppet.
- Add googly eyes and draw a beak and feathers with markers.
Table of Thanksgiving Crafts and Activities
| Craft/Activity | Materials | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Paper Plate Turkey | Paper plate, colored paper, scissors, glue, markers | Draw turkey head, glue on feathers, draw eyes, beak, and gobbler |
| Handprint Cornucopia | Construction paper, paint, scissors, glue | Paint hand brown, press onto paper, cut out corn and pumpkins, glue |
| Turkey Feather Sensory Bin | Clear plastic bin, brown feathers, dried beans/rice, turkey figurines | Fill bin with beans, add feathers and turkeys |
| Thanksgiving Pumpkin Playdough | Pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter, orange playdough, cloves | Cut out pumpkins, press in cloves for aroma |
| Paper Bag Pilgrim Hat | Paper bags (brown), scissors, glue, markers | Cut off bottom, fold down top, draw pilgrim’s hatband and buckle |
| Turkey Puppet | Brown and orange felt, scissors, glue, googly eyes, markers | Cut out turkey shapes, glue on gobbler, add googly eyes and draw details |
Conclusion
We hope this article has provided you with plenty of ideas for Thanksgiving crafts and activities that will keep your toddlers engaged and entertained. These activities not only foster their creativity and imagination but also help them connect with the spirit of the holiday.
For more Thanksgiving-themed fun, be sure to check out our other articles on:
- [Thanksgiving Traditions for Kids](link to article)
- [Easy Thanksgiving Recipes for Little Chefs](link to article)
- [Thanksgiving Books for Toddlers](link to article)
Happy Thanksgiving to all our readers!
FAQ about Thanksgiving Crafts and Activities for Toddlers
1. What are some easy crafts for toddlers on Thanksgiving?
Answer: Try handprint or footprint turkeys, leaf rubbings, paper bag puppets, or pumpkin painting.
2. Can toddlers make their own Thanksgiving decorations?
Answer: Yes, they can help make paper plate turkeys, construction paper pumpkins, or corn husk dolls.
3. What sensory activities can I do with my toddler for Thanksgiving?
Answer: Explore textures with pumpkin playdough, create a “thankful bin” with items to touch and smell, or play with corn kernels in a sensory bin.
4. How can I teach my toddler about Thanksgiving?
Answer: Read Thanksgiving-themed books, talk about the holiday’s history and traditions, or use puppets to act out the story of the first Thanksgiving.
5. What Thanksgiving-themed crafts are safe for toddlers?
Answer: Stick to materials that are non-toxic and easy to handle, such as construction paper, crayons, scissors with rounded tips, and playdough.
6. Can toddlers help with Thanksgiving dinner?
Answer: Yes, they can help with simple tasks like setting the table, stirring ingredients, or decorating the dessert.
7. What Thanksgiving activities can I do outside with my toddler?
Answer: Take a nature walk to collect leaves for crafts, play “Turkey Toss” with beanbags, or have a Thanksgiving-themed scavenger hunt.
8. How can I keep my toddler entertained during Thanksgiving travel?
Answer: Pack small crafts, like coloring books, stickers, or playdough, or bring along Thanksgiving-themed books or movies.
9. What are some Thanksgiving-themed songs I can sing with my toddler?
Answer: Try “Over the River and Through the Woods,” “Five Little Turkeys,” or “I’m a Little Pilgrim.”
10. How can I make Thanksgiving a memorable experience for my toddler?
Answer: Focus on family time, involve your toddler in the festivities, and create special traditions that you can enjoy together year after year.