25 Easy Paper Crafts for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is more than a holiday. It’s a time when families gather, share stories, and celebrate gratitude together. And what better way to make the season even more special than with easy paper crafts for Thanksgiving? Paper is simple, affordable, and versatile. It allows both kids and adults to get creative without the stress of complicated supplies.
The beauty of these crafts lies in their simplicity. A stack of colorful paper, a pair of scissors, and a little imagination can turn into heartwarming decorations. These handmade touches not only brighten your home but also spark conversations around the dinner table.
In this guide, I’ll share 25 paper craft ideas that are fun, beginner-friendly, and filled with seasonal charm. Whether you’re crafting with kids, decorating for a big feast, or simply wanting to slow down and enjoy a mindful project, these ideas will inspire you.
1. Paper Pumpkin Centerpieces
Paper pumpkins are timeless. They’re easy to make, yet they look elegant when placed on a table. Cut out pumpkin shapes from orange cardstock, fold them in half, and glue them together to create a 3D effect. Add a little green paper stem, and you’ve got a centerpiece that looks festive. I’ve used these for my dining table, and they instantly made the room feel warmer.
2. Thanksgiving Paper Garland
Nothing sets the mood like garlands. With a few strips of paper, you can cut out leaves, pumpkins, or turkeys. String them together with twine, and you’ve got a DIY decoration that stretches across your mantle or doorway. What I love most is that kids can join in by coloring each cut-out. It becomes a family activity instead of just a decoration.
3. Gratitude Paper Tree
This one is emotional and beautiful. Create a paper tree on your wall with brown construction paper for the trunk and branches. Then cut out leaves in autumn colors. Each family member writes what they’re thankful for on a leaf, and you stick it onto the tree. By Thanksgiving Day, you’ll have a tree full of gratitude. It’s both décor and a heartfelt tradition.
4. Paper Turkey Puppets
Kids love this. Cut out turkey shapes from cardstock, add feathers with colorful paper, and glue them onto popsicle sticks. These little puppets can be used for storytelling or even a fun skit after dinner. It keeps kids entertained while adults finish their conversations at the table.
5. DIY Paper Napkin Rings
Add personality to your table with custom napkin rings. Cut strips of paper, decorate them with leaf or turkey shapes, and wrap them around napkins. You can write guests’ names on them too, turning them into place cards. It’s a small touch that makes a big impression.
6. Accordion Fold Paper Turkeys
Accordion folding paper is oddly satisfying. For this craft, fold paper fans in autumn colors and attach them together in a semi-circle to make a turkey tail. Add a simple paper body, and you’ve got an adorable turkey for display. These look great on shelves or as part of a centerpiece.
7. Paper Leaf Lanterns
Want to add a cozy glow? Use glass jars and wrap them with paper leaves cut from colorful sheets. Tape them in place, drop in a battery tea light, and suddenly your room feels magical. I once made these for a dinner, and guests couldn’t believe they were crafted from paper.
8. Thanksgiving Paper Placemats
Placemats don’t need to be expensive. Create your own with large sheets of paper. Decorate them with drawn pumpkins, leaves, or even handwritten gratitude notes. Kids can personalize them with crayons, making mealtime even more meaningful.
9. Paper Cornucopia
The cornucopia, or “horn of plenty,” symbolizes harvest abundance. You can roll brown paper into a cone, then fill it with paper fruits and vegetables. It’s a symbolic decoration that doubles as a history lesson for kids.
10. Paper Leaf Wreath
A wreath doesn’t have to be made of real leaves. Cut out leaf shapes in red, orange, and yellow, then glue them onto a paper ring base. Hang it on your front door, and guests will instantly feel the Thanksgiving vibe.
11. Handprint Paper Turkeys
This classic never gets old. Trace your hand on paper, cut it out, and decorate it to look like a turkey. Each finger becomes a feather. It’s fun for kids, but even adults get nostalgic making one. I still have a few from my childhood tucked away in an old box.
12. Paper Pumpkin Garland
Cut out multiple small pumpkins and string them across twine. Unlike real pumpkins, these never rot and can be reused every year. They’re lightweight, so you can hang them almost anywhere.
13. Paper Pilgrim Hats
A Thanksgiving classic! Craft little paper pilgrim hats that can be worn by kids or used as table décor. Black construction paper works best, with a white buckle added in front. You can even turn them into treat holders by making the top hollow.
14. Folded Paper Acorns
Acorns symbolize fall. Fold brown and tan paper into small acorn shapes to scatter across your table. You can even attach them to gift tags or place settings.
15. Paper Bag Turkey Centerpiece
If you’ve got paper lunch bags, you’ve got the makings of a turkey. Stuff the bag with tissue paper, tie the top for the head, and add paper feathers in the back. It’s a budget-friendly decoration that looks surprisingly festive.
16. Paper Sunflowers
Sunflowers bring brightness to autumn. Cut petals from yellow paper, glue them around a brown circle, and attach a stem. Use them in vases, or lay them flat as part of a centerpiece. They instantly lift the mood of a room.
17. Origami Turkeys
Origami adds a touch of elegance. Folding turkeys out of paper may take patience, but the results are stunning. Place one on each plate for a stylish table setting.
18. Paper Table Confetti
Instead of buying confetti, make your own. Punch out tiny shapes of leaves, acorns, or pumpkins from paper scraps. Scatter them across your table for a playful touch.
19. Paper Pie Slice Boxes
Craft little paper pie slices that open like boxes. Fill them with candies or small treats, and hand them out as favors. They look like real slices of pumpkin pie and add a whimsical surprise to the evening.
20. Paper Leaf Mobiles
Create a mobile by hanging paper leaves from a stick or embroidery hoop. Place it near a window, and the leaves will sway gently like they’re falling. It’s soothing and makes a lovely seasonal decoration.
21. Paper Mayflower Ships
Teach a little history while decorating. Fold paper boats and add sails with toothpicks. These can float in a bowl of water or be used as centerpieces. It’s a creative way to connect with Thanksgiving traditions.
22. Paper Feather Headbands
Kids love dress-up. Cut colorful paper feathers and glue them onto strips of paper to make headbands. They’re simple, but they make children feel part of the celebration.
23. Paper Harvest Baskets
Fold brown cardstock into small baskets, then fill them with paper fruits or candy. These can serve as both decoration and party favors. Guests will love the effort put into something handmade.
24. Thanksgiving Paper Cards
Nothing beats a handmade card. Fold cardstock, decorate with turkeys, pumpkins, or leaves, and write heartfelt notes inside. Hand these to guests as keepsakes, or send them to loved ones who can’t join the meal.
25. Paper Quilts
End the season with something meaningful. Cut squares of paper in different autumn colors and patterns. Glue them onto a large sheet to resemble a quilt. This project represents unity and warmth—just like Thanksgiving itself.
Closing Thoughts
These 25 easy paper crafts for Thanksgiving bring warmth, fun, and creativity to the holiday. They remind us that joy doesn’t come from perfection but from the little things we make with our hands. Paper may be simple, but it transforms into something magical when used with care.
So, grab your scissors, gather your family, and let the crafting begin. These projects don’t just decorate your home—they create memories you’ll cherish for years to come.
