Best Thanksgiving Handprint Crafts for Toddlers & Kids

Your kids have settled into their school routines. You’ve survived fall break, Halloween festivities, and now you have the end of the year holiday rush to look forward to. Whether your Christmas decorations are up or not (no judgement from me, they’d be up year-round at my house if that was appropriate) families across the nation are getting ready for the warmth and togetherness of Thanksgiving. It's a time for reflection, gratitude, and, of course, fun! Thanksgiving can easily be a “boring” holiday for your toddlers and kids. So what better way to celebrate this festive season than by engaging your little ones in the joy of crafting? Handprint crafts are not only a great way to capture the essence of your child's growth but also a fantastic opportunity to create lasting memories. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore a variety of Thanksgiving handprint crafts suitable for toddlers and kids of all ages.

 **Handprint Turkey Craft: A Classic Thanksgiving Delight**

The handprint turkey craft is a time-honored tradition in many households, and for good reason. This easy and delightful project is not only a great way to capture your child's handprints but also an opportunity for them to explore different textures and colors. We’ve been making this one each year since my youngest was 2! It’s so much fun to look back and compare their handprints each year. My kids love doing it and look forward to this handprint craft each year!

Gather the following supplies:

-Brown construction paper

-Brown, Blue, red, orange, yellow and green paint 

-Foam paint brush

-Googly eye

-Crayons

-Baby wipes

After years of handprint crafts in classrooms, I have mastered the best way to do it. So follow this guide closely and you’ll have little to no mess ;). Have both the brown construction paper and a couple baby wipes out and within arm’s reach. Then, instruct your child to hold their hand with their fingers spread apart. Hold their hand firmly and paint the thumb and the palm brown. Without letting go, paint each remaining finger a different color. Gently guide their hand to the paper and press firmly on the back of the hand and each finger. Guide their hand straight up and off the paper and put those baby wipes to use!

Allow the turkey to dry completely. Then go back with your child and add a eyes, a beak to transform the handprint into an adorable turkey. This craft not only enhances fine motor skills but also provides a fun way for kids to express their creativity.

**Turkey Handprint Card: Personalized Keepsakes for Loved Ones**

Take your child's handprint turkey to the next level by turning it into a personalized Thanksgiving card for family members. Cut out the handprint turkey and affix it to a folded piece of construction paper. Encourage your child to add a thoughtful message inside, creating a unique and heartwarming keepsake. This could also be a good time to talk about being grateful. Help your child include things they are grateful for about for whomever they are making the card. This not only adds a personal touch to your Thanksgiving greetings but also serves as a wonderful way to involve your child in the spirit of giving. The process of creating these cards can become a cherished tradition in itself, as family members eagerly await the arrival of these handmade tokens of love each year.

**Turkey Craft with Empty Toilet Paper Rolls: A 3D Twist**

For those looking to add a three-dimensional flair to their handprint turkey craft, consider using empty toilet paper rolls.

Gather the following supplies:

-Empty toilet paper roll

-Brown, red, yellow, and green construction paper

-Googly eyes

-Glue

Start by tracing your child’s handprint on red, yellow, and green construction paper. Then have them cut those handprints out. Cover your empty toilet paper roll with brown construction paper (you could also paint it if you’re feeling like a fun mom). Then, have your child glue their handprints to the back of the toilet paper roll to make feathers. Finally, add the eyes and either draw or use construction paper to add a beak and wattle to your turkey.

Handprint Turkey Puppet

Does using a toilet paper roll gross you out? This is a very similar craft just swap the toilet paper roll for a brown paper bag.

Gather the following supplies:

-Brown paper bag

-Brown, red, yellow, and green construction paper

-Googly eyes

-Glue

Start by tracing your child’s handprint on red, yellow, and green construction paper. Then have them cut those handprints out. Cover the bottom flap of your brown paper bag with brown construction paper. I know this seems counterintuitive (why am I using a brown paper bag if I have to cover it?!) But this just makes the turkey’s face more uniform and makes it easier to decorate. Next, have your child glue their handprints to the back of the paper bag to make feathers. Finally, add the eyes and either draw or use construction paper to add a beak and wattle to your turkey.

 Free Turkey Template!

Looking for a fun but super quick handprint craft. Look no further. Download this free turkey template. Let your child color it in and then add cut out handprints to the back of it. Use whatever color construction paper you please to make the handprint feathers!

**Quality Time and Great Memories: The True Essence of Thanksgiving Crafting**

Beyond the artistic creations, the essence of Thanksgiving crafting lies in the quality time spent with your little ones. As you gather around the crafting table, you're not just creating cute decorations for Thanksgiving dinner; you're building great memories that will be cherished for years to come. The holiday season is all about spending time with loved ones, and these handprint crafts offer a fun and creative way to do just that. Engaging in these activities provides an opportunity to share stories, laughter, and joy while creating tangible representations of your child's growth and creativity. It's a chance to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and connect on a deeper level, reinforcing the bonds that make Thanksgiving a truly special time of the year.

This Thanksgiving, make the holiday season even more special by incorporating these handprint crafts into your family traditions. Whether you opt for the classic handprint turkey or get creative with three-dimensional projects, these crafts are a great way to celebrate with your young kids, helping them develop fine motor skills while creating lasting memories. So, gather your craft supplies, let your little ones' imaginations soar, and have much fun crafting these adorable Thanksgiving handprint creations. As you embark on these creative endeavors, remember that the true beauty lies not just in the finished product but in the laughter, joy, and quality time shared with your precious ones. Happy crafting and Happy Thanksgiving!