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5 creative DIY Thanksgiving decorations so simple even kids can make them

Julie Scagell
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Thanksgiving is almost here and that means decorating your home for the holiday. It’s the perfect opportunity to get the kids involved in the process by making some DIY Thanksgiving decorations together. Even if you aren’t especially crafty, there are so many fun and easy DIY projects you and your kids will enjoy. Plus, they’ll add some personality and character to your walls, windows, and counters. We gathered five DIY Thanksgiving projects that you can take on with kids of all ages. All you need is some preparation, the proper tools, and a little patience, and you’ll be on your way to creating a masterpiece.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Tube turkeys

This is a quick and easy decoration you can make with your kids using a toilet paper roll or paper towel tube and some construction paper. Use these colorful decorations as place cards on the dinner table or place them around the room on the mantel, side tables, and shelves. Here’s what you’ll need.

  • Cardboard tube from a toilet paper or paper roll
  • Construction paper or scrap paper
  • Googly eyes
  • Glue
  • Scissors
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Take the cardboard tube and cut it to a length of about two-and-a-half to three inches. Next, cut out feathers from your favorite colorful or patterned construction paper and glue them to the back of the tube. To make the face, simply glue a red beak onto it along with the googly eyes. And voila! You have a fun and easy decoration that’s sure to get the kids excited for the holiday.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Painted rocks

We love painting rocks because it gets the kids outside to find them (and we suggest that’s where they paint them, too). It’s also an easy, inexpensive craft that doesn’t require a lot of materials to create a fun holiday message. Here’s what you’ll need.

  • Small rocks that you can easily paint letters on
  • Paint
  • Paintbrushes

String together multiple small rocks to spell out a message like “Give Thanks” or “Thanksgiving.” Otherwise, choose several paint colors to make something a little more exciting, or opt for cream paint with black accents to make a more classic design that will better accompany a more sophisticated gathering. Once you’re done painting the rocks, let them dry for at least a couple of hours; then they’re ready to adorn your home.

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Owl/turkey handprints

Every parent loves measuring their kid’s growth, and having their handprints from an early age is priceless. For this one, you’ll need:

  • Construction paper
  • Googly eyes
  • Feathers
  • Glue
  • Scissors

Trace your child’s hand on a piece of construction paper and cut it out. Turn the handprint with the fingers facing down. Next, let your child draw a face on the owl/turkey in the center of the palm and glue the eyes onto it as well. Finally, take colorful feathers and glue them to the thumb and pinky and you have your very own festive bird.

Pipe cleaner corn

For a colorful and fun project, we love this pipe cleaner Thanksgiving corn that looks lovely in cornucopias or on each plate for Thanksgiving dinner. With a few simple materials and a little patience, you will be well on your way. You’ll need:

  • Four 12-inch pipe cleaners
  • Plastic pony beads

If necessary, cut the pipe cleaners to ensure they’re all equal lengths. Then, line them up together and twist them in the middle. Next, space them out so they form the shape of a star. Start adding beads in any pattern you like (or no pattern at all). Leave about an inch at the top of each spoke. Finally, grab the exposed tips, tie them together, and twist the exposed pipe cleaner into the top of the corn. It’s that simple!

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Pinecone turkey

We love using what nature has to offer for decorations, especially for Thanksgiving. Plus, this project gets everyone in a grateful mood as they take the time to write down everything they’re thankful for this year. You’ll need:

  • Pinecones
  • Googly eyes
  • Construction paper
  • Glue
  • Scissors
  • Marker

Find several large pinecones — the bigger, the better. Glue the eyes and a small beak to the front of the pinecone. Just like with the tube turkeys, cut out feathers from your construction paper and encourage the kids and other guests to write what they’re thankful for on each feather. Next, glue the feathers to the back of the pinecone to share everyone’s happy thoughts.

These projects are easy, inexpensive ways to keep your kids engaged and busy while you’re preparing for the craziness of the holiday season. With a handful of materials and a whole lot of imagination, you can adorn your home with decor that showcases the creativity of the whole family!

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Julie Scagell
Julie Scagell
Former Digital Trends Contributor
I am a freelance writer based in Minneapolis, MN. My passions include my dogs, talking about my dogs, and taking pictures of…
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