Make Your Kids’ Table Creative and Engaging This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and delicious food, but let’s be honest—keeping kids entertained at the dinner table can be a challenge. This year, why not make your kids’ table extra special with Thanksgiving-themed place setting favors? These creative and interactive favors are not only fun but also help keep kids engaged while the adults enjoy their pumpkin pie. From decorate-your-own placemats to turkey-themed crafts, these ideas are perfect for adding a touch of holiday cheer to your Thanksgiving dinner.
1. Decorate-Your-Own Placemats
Decorate-your-own placemats are a fantastic way to keep little hands busy while everyone is preparing or enjoying the meal. These placemats come with fun Thanksgiving designs, like turkeys, pumpkins, or cornucopias, that kids can color in. They’re a hit for kids of all ages and give them a sense of ownership over their spot at the table.
What You’ll Need: Pre-printed Thanksgiving-themed placemats, crayons, markers, or colored pencils.
How to Use Them: Place one placemat at each child’s seat, along with a small bundle of coloring supplies. Encourage the kids to color and decorate their mats while waiting for the meal.
Extra Touch: Add a small set of Thanksgiving-themed stickers for kids to use as they decorate
Pro Tip: Laminated placemats can double as keepsakes or reusable mats for future meals!
2. Turkey-Themed Finger Puppets
For a craft that’s both entertaining and adorable, turkey-themed finger puppets are a must-have. Kids will love creating their own festive turkey puppets and using them for little Thanksgiving skits at the table.
What You’ll Need: Felt sheets, googly eyes, glue, scissors, and markers. Alternatively, purchase pre-made turkey puppet kits for convenience.
How to Use Them: Provide each child with the materials to assemble their turkey puppet. Offer step-by-step instructions or let them get creative with their designs.
Extra Touch: Include a small stage area (a shoebox works great!) for kids to put on a puppet show after they’re done crafting.
Pro Tip: Write each child’s name on their puppet so it doubles as a personalized place card.
3. Build-Your-Own Turkey Kits
Kids love hands-on activities, and a build-your-own turkey kit is the perfect craft for Thanksgiving. These kits let kids create their own paper or foam turkeys, which can later be used as decorations or keepsakes.
What You’ll Need: Pre-cut foam or paper turkey pieces, glue sticks, and markers.
How to Use Them: Set up each place setting with a turkey kit and let the kids assemble their turkeys before or after the meal.
Extra Touch: Include a small card with instructions and fun turkey facts to make it educational.
Pro Tip: Use the finished turkeys as centerpieces for the kids’ table or let the kids take them home as a keepsake.
4. Thanksgiving-Themed Activity Books
Activity books filled with Thanksgiving-themed puzzles, mazes, and word searches are a fantastic way to keep kids entertained throughout dinner. These books are not only fun but also educational, making them a win-win for parents.
What You’ll Need: Thanksgiving-themed activity books, crayons, and small erasers.
How to Use Them: Place an activity book at each seat, along with a small pack of crayons or pencils. Kids can work on puzzles or color in pages while waiting for their food.
Extra Touch: Include a small prize, like a turkey sticker or mini toy, for kids who finish their book.
Pro Tip: Choose activity books with a mix of coloring pages and puzzles to keep a variety of ages engaged.
5. Pumpkin-Themed Treat Bags
Sometimes, a little snack can go a long way in keeping kids happy at the table. Pumpkin-themed treat bags filled with goodies like popcorn, trail mix, or small candies are a great addition to your kids’ table.
What You’ll Need: Small pumpkin-themed bags or boxes, snacks, and a few small toys or stickers.
How to Use Them: Fill each bag with a mix of snacks and small Thanksgiving-themed items. Place one bag at each seat.
Extra Touch: Tie the bags with ribbon and attach a name tag for a personalized touch.
Pro Tip: Include allergy-friendly snacks so all kids can enjoy them.
Wrapping Up Your Thanksgiving Kids’ Table
Adding special place setting favors to your kids’ table makes Thanksgiving extra fun and memorable for the little ones. These thoughtful ideas keep kids entertained while also encouraging creativity and family connection. Whether it’s coloring their own placemats or crafting turkey finger puppets, these activities will make your Thanksgiving dinner one to remember.
This year, let your kids’ table shine with festive and fun place setting favors—and watch the kids enjoy a Thanksgiving filled with creativity and gratitude!
