Thanksgiving Crafts Using Paper Plates for Kids

Paper plates are the unsung hero of Thanksgiving kids' crafts — cheap, already the right shape, and easy to cut, paint, and glue. These Thanksgiving crafts using paper plates are low-mess, use supplies you already have, and keep preschoolers and older kids busy while the meal comes together.

Handprint Turkey Plate

Trace each child's hand on brown construction paper and cut it out — the thumb is the head, the fingers the feathers. Glue it to a paper plate, then let kids glue on paper 'feathers' in autumn colors (orange, red, yellow, brown). Add a paper-beak and a googly eye. It's the classic Thanksgiving crafts for preschoolers project for a reason: it's quick, personal, and makes a keepsake.

Pilgrim Hat & Corn Husk Plates

Cut the center out of a black paper plate to make a pilgrim hat brim, then tape on a black paper crown with a yellow buckle. For a corn husk, paint the plate yellow and glue on crumpled tissue-paper 'kernels' in rows, then twist green paper 'husks' around the edge. Both use the plate as a base and turn into decorations you can hang.

Gratitude Wreath Plate

Cut the center out of a paper plate to make a ring. Have kids write or draw one thing they're thankful for on paper leaves, then glue the leaves around the ring. It doubles as a Thanksgiving gratitude activity and a centerpiece — set it on the table with a candle in the middle. Older kids can write full sentences; preschoolers can draw.

Tips for a Calm Craft Table

Cover the table with a disposable cloth, pre-cut anything tricky for the youngest kids, and set out wet wipes. Keep the supplies in muffin tins so colors and pieces stay sorted. These Thanksgiving activities for kids work best when they can start and stop freely — set it out and let them drift over while you cook.