Are you so over making the same old paper plate turkeys every Thanksgiving? 🍂 It can be tough finding something fun and creative to do with your friends that doesn’t feel like a little kid’s art project.
I used to wonder, “Where are all the cool Thanksgiving crafts for older kids?” It felt like everything was either too simple or just not something I’d actually want to keep.
Well, get ready to start a new tradition! I’ve gathered my top five favorite Thanksgiving craft ideas that are perfect for tweens. They’re stylish, fun to make with your besties, and perfect for showing off your creative side. Let’s get crafting! ✨
🛒 My Must-Have Tween Craft Supplies
Embroidery Floss Friendship Bracelet Kit
Polymer Clay Starter Set
Metallic Paint Pens
Wooden Beads and Letter Beads
Blank Kraft Paper Journals
✨ Click each item to explore affordable options for your Thanksgiving setup!
My Top 3 Favorite Crafts
Here are my personal picks from the list if you’re not sure where to start!
- Easiest to Make: “Thankful for My Crew” Beaded Keychains. This one is super quick, fun, and totally customizable.
- Most Unique Idea: DIY Polymer Clay Leaf Charms. It feels so grown-up to work with clay, and the results are amazing.
- Biggest ‘Wow’ Factor: Metallic Gratitude Feather Garland. This project looks so chic and is something you’ll actually want to hang in your room.
1. Autumn Ombre Friendship Bracelets 🦃
I absolutely adore this craft because it’s a classic for a reason! It’s the perfect, chill activity to do with your friends while listening to your favorite playlist. Choosing fall colors like gold, burgundy, and rust makes them feel so cozy and festive for the season.
Craft Snapshot: Difficulty: Easy | Active Time: 30-45 mins per bracelet | Mess Level: Very Low | Learning Focus: Pattern following, fine motor skills, color theory.
🎯 Best For: A relaxing group activity while chatting or watching movies.
Image-1: A close-up shot of several tween hands wearing trendy, fall-colored ombre friendship bracelets.
2. DIY Polymer Clay Leaf Charms 🦃
If you’re ready to try something a little more “next-level,” this is the craft for you! Working with polymer clay feels so professional, and you can create beautiful, delicate leaf charms. My friends and I love making matching sets to use as keychains or backpack charms.
Craft Snapshot: Difficulty: Medium | Active Time: 60 mins (plus baking time) | Mess Level: Low-Medium | Learning Focus: Sculpting, attention to detail, following multi-step instructions (baking).
🎯 Best For: Creating personalized gifts like keychains or “best friend” necklace charms.
Image-2: A stylish flat-lay of finished polymer clay leaf charms in various autumn colors, some attached to keychain rings and backpack zippers.
3. Metallic Gratitude Feather Garland 🦃
This is more than just a craft—it’s super stylish room decor! I love this project because it combines feeling grateful with a cool, modern look. Each friend can write what they’re thankful for on a feather using metallic pens, and you string them all together to create something beautiful.
Craft Snapshot: Difficulty: Easy | Active Time: 45 mins | Mess Level: Low | Learning Focus: Gratitude, handwriting/calligraphy, simple design.
🎯 Best For: A collaborative project that results in a beautiful, shareable decoration.
Image-3: A chic photo of the finished metallic feather garland draped across a tween’s bedroom wall or fireplace mantel.
4. Washi Tape & Doodle Gratitude Journals 🦃
Sometimes the best crafts are about the experience, and this one is all about quiet creativity. Everyone gets a blank journal to decorate with washi tape, stickers, and doodles. It’s so nice to create a personalized, private space where you can write down your thoughts long after Thanksgiving is over.
Craft Snapshot: Difficulty: Easy | Active Time: 30-60 mins | Mess Level: Very Low | Learning Focus: Self-expression, creative design, reflective writing.
🎯 Best For: A quiet, creative activity that encourages personal reflection.
Image-4: An overhead shot of two tweens sitting together, decorating blank journals with washi tape, stickers, and pens.
5. “Thankful for My Crew” Beaded Keychains 🦃
This is my go-to craft when I want something fast, fun, and totally meaningful. Using letter beads, you and your friends can spell out nicknames, inside jokes, or your friend group’s name. They make the sweetest little gifts to trade and remind each other how much you care.
Craft Snapshot: Difficulty: Easy | Active Time: 20-30 mins | Mess Level: Very Low | Learning Focus: Spelling, pattern creation, fine motor skills.
🎯 Best For: A quick and fun party favor or a craft for a group with short attention spans.
Image-5: A vibrant photo showing a pile of finished beaded keychains with fun words like “BFF,” “CREW,” and friend’s initials.
💬 Quick Question!
Of the crafts we’ve covered so far, which one are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments below!
🍂 Wrapping Up Our Creative Celebration
See? Thanksgiving crafts aren’t just for little kids! Getting creative is one of the best ways to connect with your friends, show your gratitude, and make amazing memories this holiday season. Plus, you end up with some seriously cool stuff to show for it. I hope these ideas inspire you and your crew to get together and make something wonderful.
Which one of these crafts would your friend group love the most? Let me know in the comments
