With the holidays quickly approaching, it’s time to start thinking of fun and creative activities for kids that won’t keep them glued to a screen! And what better way to spread gratitude this season than by making a special Thanksgiving tree craft with your kiddos?
Not only is a thankful tree an easy activity kids can do at home, but it also creates memorable moments that will teach them the importance of thankfulness. Not to mention, it’s also great for the whole family to make!
By taking simple supplies from around your house – like paper plates and cardstock paper – you can create something truly unique with some help from your children.
Let’s take a look at how to make this beloved craft idea together!
This simple yet meaningful Thanksgiving craft activity is sure to put some much needed positivity back into your child’s day. So grab our free printable, let your kids express their creativity through art and create something beautiful out of giving thanks!
Craft Supplies:
- Large Paper Plate
- Paint Crayons
- Black Marker
- White Cardstock Paper
- Brown Cardstock Paper
- Tree Printable – on our landing page
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Stapler
- School Glue
Directions:
- First things first – print out our “leaves template” on a single sheet of white cardstock paper. Your child will only need one print per tree craft.
- Now have children color in each leaf in their printout. Think fall colors {red, yellow and orange} for this step.
- After the leaves are colored in, use the black marker to either have them {or yourself} write six things of gratitude inside the leaf designs.
- When ready, trim out each piece on the printable. Set aside the paper leaves for now and discard excess paper.
- Now grab your large paper plate and a brown paint crayon.
- Color/paint the paper plate entirely brown. Set aside.
- To make the trunk of the tree, grab your remaining brown cardstock paper, the pencil and scissors.
- Pick a hand – any hand will do! Have your child lay one hand in the center of the paper.
- Using the pencil, trace around your child’s hand and part of their arm as well.
- Trim out that traced design and discard excess paper.
- Now we are heading towards the last few steps! Grab all your paper pieces and the painted paper plate.
- Glue the paper thankful leaves ALL over the paper plate. Anywhere you or your child want! There are no real rules to this step.
- To finish off the Paper Plate Gratitude Tree craft – simply staple the handprint cutout to the decorated paper plate and add on the “I’m thankful for” wording wherever you like on the base of the tree.
- And that’s it! Now display it proudly for ALL to see!
Book Pairings:
Here are some recommended books that beautifully complement our craft idea. You can conveniently purchase them through our affiliate links on Amazon.
- The 12 Days of Thanksgiving by Jenna Lettice
- A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving by Charles M. Schulz
- Dr. Seuss’s Thankful Things by Dr. Seuss
- The Night Before Thanksgiving by Natasha Wing
- I Am Thankful: A Thanksgiving Book for Kids by Sheri Wall
- Spookley the Square Pumpkin, a Family to Be Thankful For by Joe Troiano
- Pookie’s Thanksgiving by Sandra Boynton
- Thanksgiving in the Woods by Phyllis Alsdurf
RELATED —> Paper Plate Pumpkin Wreath
If you LOVE this thankful tree craft idea, you may also enjoy our Pinecone Owls, Paper Plate Acorn & Fork Painted Squirrel Tail craft posts as well! All of which are perfect to recreate right before Thanksgiving dinner!
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Thankful Tree Craft Idea For Kids
PRINT THIS TUTORIALIt's time to get creative with the kids! Let them show their gratitude with a thankful tree craft that's both fun and meaningful.
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