7 Cozy Fall Crafts for Kids – Easy and Fun Ideas for Thanksgiving Too!
Looking for the best fall crafts for kids that are fun, easy, and full of autumn charm? Whether you’re a parent trying to fill a cozy afternoon or a teacher planning a classroom project, this list is packed with kid-approved ideas. From colorful yarn pumpkins to sweet handprint turkeys, these crafts are perfect for celebrating fall and Thanksgiving — without the mess or stress. Ready to dive in? Let’s explore 7 simple DIY autumn crafts your little ones will love.
1. A Little Hand to Help the Harvest – Scarecrow Handprint Craft
There’s something magical about watching little hands leave their mark — literally! This adorable scarecrow craft is more than just a fun fall activity — it’s a symbol of helping hands, harvest season, and warm autumn memories.
Kids will love stamping their hand in brown paint and turning it into part of the artwork. Whether you hang it on the wall or gift it to someone special, this simple project is packed with heart. Perfect for preschoolers, homeschool days, or a cozy classroom bulletin board.
Tip: Add a name or year next to the handprint to make it a keepsake!
Download this scarecrow handprint craft – a sweet fall project for little hands to celebrate the harvest season!
2. Yarn-Laced Fall Leaves – Fine Motor Autumn Craft
This cozy leaf craft is perfect for little hands learning to lace and thread! Start by tracing a simple leaf shape onto cardboard, punch small holes along the veins, and then let kids lace them up with colorful yarn. It’s a relaxing activity that strengthens fine motor skills while celebrating the beauty of fall.
You can hang the finished leaves in windows, string them as garlands, or even use them as gift tags for a rustic Thanksgiving touch. It’s simple, mess-free, and absolutely adorable.
💡 Tip: Try different yarn textures or use variegated colors for extra autumn charm!
🎥 Watch how to make this lacing leaf craft step by step on our Mr. Mintz YouTube channel – perfect for visual learners and crafty little hands!
3. Handprint Turkey Poem – A Thanksgiving Keepsake with Love
This isn’t just a turkey, as you can see — it’s a little handprint filled with love. This meaningful craft pairs your child’s painted hand with a heartfelt Thanksgiving poem that parents and grandparents will treasure for years to come.
It’s a perfect classroom activity, easy enough for preschoolers, yet sentimental enough to become a forever memory. Just print the template, stamp the hand, and add your child’s name to complete a sweet Thanksgiving gift.
💡 Tip: Use fall-colored paints (brown, orange, red) and let the kids decorate the turkey’s face and feathers!
4. Wrapped Yarn Pumpkin – A Bright & Easy Fall Craft
Looking for a mess-free pumpkin craft that even toddlers can do? This wrapped yarn pumpkin is just the thing! Simply print the pumpkin outline, cut it out, and let your kids wrap it in bright orange yarn. It’s a great way to strengthen fine motor skills while creating a festive fall decoration.
This project introduces textures, focus, and creativity — all while staying screen-free. Hang the finished pumpkins in windows or use them as Thanksgiving table accents
💡 Tip: For extra support, help your child make small notches at the top and bottom of the cut-out to hold the yarn in place.
👉 Download this yarn-wrapped pumpkin craft template – includes a printable pumpkin outline to wrap with yarn at home or in the classroom!
5. Yarn-Wrapped Hedgehog with Real Leaves – A Nature-Inspired Craft
This adorable hedgehog is a fall favorite! Start by printing the hedgehog template and cutting it out. Then, let kids wrap colorful yarn across the body to create the hedgehog’s cozy “quills.” The best part? You can tuck in real fall leaves under the yarn to make it look like your hedgehog has been playing in a pile of autumn leaves!
This hands-on craft is perfect for a nature walk follow-up, encouraging creativity and fine motor skills while connecting kids to the season.
💡 Tip: Collect small leaves on a walk and press them for a day or two so they slide easily under the yarn.
🎥 Watch the full tutorial for this hedgehog leaf craft on the Mr. Mintz YouTube channel – see how kids can create their own woodland friend in minutes!
6. DIY Balloon Pumpkins – Handmade Fall Garland Craft
This isn’t your average fall garland — these adorable mini pumpkins are handmade from orange balloons, soft stuffing, yarn, and decorative tape! Kids and grown-ups alike will love turning simple materials into cozy little pumpkins that can be strung together into the cutest fall garland.
Each pumpkin is crafted by filling a balloon with soft fiberfill, tying the top, and wrapping it with yarn to create natural-looking segments. Add a green twist tie or tape for the stem — and voilà! Perfect for decorating mantles, windows, or classrooms.
💡 Tip: Use yarn in a contrasting color or sprinkle glitter on the tape to give your pumpkins a magical harvest glow.
7. Thankful for YOU – A Handprint Gift from the Heart
Sometimes the simplest crafts say the most. This handprint art is all about gratitude — kids stamp their little hand right between the letters “Y” and “U” to complete the word “YOU.” It’s a beautiful way to say “I’m thankful for you” to a parent, grandparent, teacher, or friend.
This project is perfect for Thanksgiving week, but honestly, it’s timeless. It works great as a homemade card, classroom bulletin piece, or keepsake gift. Plus, it encourages kids to reflect on kindness and appreciation.
💡 Tip: Let kids write who they’re thankful for on the back — or add a short message underneath the handprint!
👉 Download this Thankful for YOU handprint craft template – a sweet and simple way for kids to express gratitude with their own handprint.
🍁 Looking for more seasonal fun and easy fall activities for kids?
Explore our full collection of printable fall crafts for kids – handprint templates, yarn projects, and Thanksgiving art ideas that are perfect for home or classroom.
