Little hands grow fast. This sweet handprint pumpkin pie craft captures that tiny hand in a fun, festive way. It also makes a heartwarming gift for grandparents, a cozy Thanksgiving table decoration, or a treasure for your holiday memory box.
The best part is that it takes about 20 minutes, uses simple supplies, and gives kids plenty of hands-on fun with cotton balls, glitter glue, and stickers. Let’s get crafting!
Craft Supplies:
- Orange construction paper
- Light brown construction paper
- 2-3 white cotton balls
- Glitter glue/loose craft glitter
- Light blue construction paper
- Autumn stickers
- Scissors
- Glue (a glue stick plus white school glue works best)
- A pencil and a black marker for tracing and writing
Directions:
Step 1: Trace Your Child’s Handprint
Have your child place one hand flat on the orange paper with fingers spread slightly apart. Trace around the hand with a pencil. Expect a few wiggles. Those little imperfections add to the charm!
Step 2: Cut Out the Handprint
Carefully cut along the traced line. Older kids can help with this step, but younger ones may need you to handle the scissors. Smooth out any jagged edges as you go.
Step 3: Add the Pie Crust
Cut a rectangular strip from the light brown construction paper. Make it about as wide as the palm. Flip the handprint so the fingers point down, then glue the brown strip across the top of the palm. This becomes the golden crust of your pie slice.
Step 4: Decorate With Glitter Glue
Now for the sparkle! Let your child squeeze wavy lines of glitter glue down each finger. This gives the “filling” a fun, shimmery texture. Don’t worry about neatness. Every swirl is part of their story.
Step 5: Top It With Whipped Cream
Glue two or three cotton balls together in the center of the handprint to create a fluffy dollop of whipped cream. White school glue holds cotton balls better than a glue stick. Press gently and hold for a few seconds.
Step 6: Mount the Pie Slice
Once the glitter glue has dried a bit, glue the handprint pie onto the center of the blue cardstock. Leave space above and below for your saying.
Step 7: Write Your Saying
Use a black marker to write your chosen message at the top and bottom of the card. Add your child’s name and the year so you’ll always remember when this little hand was this small.
Helpful tip: Let the glitter glue dry completely, ideally overnight, before displaying or gifting your keepsake. This keeps it from smudging or sticking to anything.
10 Sayings to Write on Your Keepsake Card:
Pick a saying that fits your family’s style, whether that’s sentimental, sweet, or a little silly.
- “You’re the whipped cream on my pumpkin pie!”
- “Happy Thanksgiving from your little cutie pie.”
- “My hands are small, but I’m thankful for you all.”
- “I love you more than pumpkin pie… and that’s a LOT!”
- “Easy as pie: I’m so thankful for you!”
- “This little hand will grow, but my love for you will always be as sweet as pie.”
- “Handmade with love and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice.”
- “Save me a slice! Happy Thanksgiving, love [Child’s Name].”
- “Grateful for every sweet slice of time with you.”
- “Gobble up all this love! Happy Thanksgiving 2026.”
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Consider making this craft every Thanksgiving. Lining up each year’s handprint pie shows just how much your little one has grown, and it turns a simple afternoon project into a treasured family tradition. Happy crafting, and happy Thanksgiving!
