35 thanksgiving ideas

Thanksgiving isn’t just about football and preparing your game plan for Black Friday, it’s about taking time to look at what really matters in our life and giving thanks for our blessings. The photo below was the “Thankful Tree” that my sister and her boys created a few years back. It’s always fun to see what kids are thankful for. Some things are funny, others are simple, and some things just make you sit back and say “wow, I can’t believe you thought of that!”

Thankful Tree
So, before you start getting dinner ready, picking sides for the big game and going through ads for Friday, sneak in a little craft time and use the links below as your inspiration!

Food and Recipes

Turkey in a Jar

Turkey Pieces Cookie in a Jar by Munchkin Munchies [Pictured]
This is a great idea for kids – they get to put together a turkey before they can eat the pieces!

Thanksgiving Turkey Treats—Oreo Pops by The Idea Room
Amy loves Oreo pops. This time she mixes is up and uses Oreo Cakesters for her turkeys.

Pumpkin Pie MilkShake with Pie Crust Straws by Tidy Mom
A creative way to get in your yearly quota of pumpkin pie.

Two-Bite Turkey Brownies by The Seven Year Cottage
I could probably eat a whole gaggle of these….

Bugle Cornucopias and a Thanksgiving Printable by Cookies & Cups
These “deconstructed” cornucopia snack bags are a great favor for the kids that will be visiting this year.

Pumpkin Twinkies with Cream Cheese Marshmallow Filling by Confessions of a Cookbook Queen
I don’t know about you, but that sounds downright tasty.

Thanksgiving Plate Cakelettes by fêtette
An entire Thanksgiving plate in cupcake form. Awesome.

Thanksgiving Fruit Gobbler by Family Fun
A creative way to get your kids to eat their fruit this Thanksgiving.


Decor and Centerpieces

Thankful Tablecloth

A Thankful Tablecloth by Blue Cricket Design [Pictured]
Who knew a dropcloth from a hardware store could look so good?!

Grateful Pocket Banner by Yesterday on Tuesday
This is a cute way to use pockets from old jeans. Not only can you spell out GRATEFUL, but you can put little notes in the pockets too!

Make a Thankful Jar Centerpiece {Thanksgiving Jars}!! by Tatertots & Jello
These jars can be a centerpiece, or would look great in a windowsill. Plus, you can fill them with just about anything!

Thanksgiving Banner Tutorial by Sweet Bee Buzzings
This banner combines my love of banners with my love of softies!


Crafts and Activities

turkey softie

Handprint Turkey Softie and Tutorial by Bella Dia
This is a more permanent way to make a hand-print turkey.

Felt Thanksgiving Fortune Cookies DIY by Punk Projects
These fortune cookies are great to tuck in things you’re thankful for and have others read them after dinner.

Pilgrim and Indian Initial Tees by Random Thoughts of a Supermom
These shirts are a cute way for your kids to get in the holiday spirit without making them wear matching outfits for dinner!

Chicken’s Day Off Turkey Craft by Little Blues Room
This was made in a classroom – although the kids might not get it, the parent sure will!

Corn Candle Holder by Crissy’s Crafts
Simple and classy. A great addition to any centerpiece.

 

Reader Submissions

Extremely Large Knitted Acorn

ELKA (Extremely Large Knit Acorn) by Tried and True/Gerbera Designs [Pictured]
I had to laugh when I read the title and saw the picture. Awesome. Submitted by Vanessa B.

Easy Glue Batik Tutorial by Cynchronicity
Even the kids could get in on this batik tablecloth! Submitted by Cyn G.

Pinecone Candleholders Anyone?! by My Crafts and Me!
Super cute and super easy! Submitted by Glendina W.

Thanksgiving Book by Rachael VanOrder
This is a great way to save what your kids are thankful for each year so they can look back at it when they grow up! Submitted by Rachael.

Thankful Turkeys by Lizard and Ladybug
Cute way to recycle McDonald’s milk jugs into turkeys. Submitted by Staci G.

Doily Place Card Holders by Upscale Downhome
Great use for antique doilies you may have lying around. Submitted by Sarah.

Three Easy Turkey Crafts by Being Brooke
These crafts are great for everyone sitting at the kids’ table this year! Submitted by Brooke.


Other Roundups

Thankful Printable

Great Ideas — 20 Last-Minute Thanksgiving Ideas!! by Tatertots & Jello [Pictured]
Need even more inspiration? Jen has put together a list of 20 more great ideas to get your juices flowing!

Thanksgiving Treat Roundup by Dollhouse Bake Shoppe
We couldn’t include every single idea Lindsay Ann sent us, so it’s a good thing she has a roundup! Also check out Thanksgiving Pinterst Board for more of her great ideas!

Thanksgiving Countdown Bunting Tutorial {and 28 grateful activities} by Tatertots & Jello
Here are even more grateful activities from Jen!

 

Previous DSC Posts

Free Printable: No Tweeting While You’re Eating

Make Chocolate Covered Pilgrim Hat Treats

Make Corn Husk Thanksgiving Favors

Make an Embroidery Hoop Turkey

Five Leafy Projects for Fall

Printable Thanksgiving Picture Frame + 3 Uses

Make a Fall Pinecone Chandelier

Make a Thanksgiving Tree Memo Board

11 Great Dollar Store Crafting Ideas

Reader Roundup: Last of the Fall and Thanksgiving Ideas

 

Be sure to keep checking Melinda’s Thanksgiving Pinterst Board for more great ideas and FREE printables!