Thanksgiving is the perfect time to slow down, reflect, and share gratitude with the people you love, and this Thankful Trees Thanksgiving Craft is a wonderful way for kids to do just that! With simple supplies like cardstock, scissors, and glue, kids can make a colorful fall tree covered in leaves that show everything they’re thankful for.

Every year around Thanksgiving, we love finding little ways to make gratitude part of our traditions. It’s a way of reminding us how the year has been so good to us, even in the littlest of ways! This Thankful Trees Thanksgiving Craft quickly became one of our favorites. When we made ours, everyone took turns adding their leaves and sharing something they were grateful for! Some of the answers were sweet (“my grandma’s hugs”), and some were funny (“pizza night!”), but each one of them made us smile.

What I love most about this craft is that it’s not just about creating something cute. It’s about sparking conversation and reflection. Seeing our Thankful Tree hanging on the wall all week reminded us of the things that truly matter. It’s a keepsake we’ll definitely make again year after year! But more than that, this craft is great for classrooms, family gatherings, or cozy afternoons at home. It encourages creativity and teaches kids the importance of gratitude and mindfulness during the holiday season.

 Supplies Needed

• PDF Tree Template
• Cardstock (Autumn colors)
• Scissors
• Glue
• Black Marker

How to Make

1. Save and print the template onto heavy cardstock.

2. Cut the template out and trace the tree onto brown cardstock.

3. Invite your children to trace the leaves onto cardstock. This helps them learn fine motor skills!

4. Cut the leaves out.

5. Glue the tree onto cardstock.

6. Glue the leaves onto the branches of the tree.

7. Ask your children what they are thankful for. Write what they are thankful for on the leaves. If your child can write, allow them to do this step.

8. Your thankful tree is finished. Frame it and display it as a Thanksgiving decoration. Invite your children to discuss with family members what they are thankful for and why.

Helpful Tips

If you’re working with younger kids, pre-cut the tree and leaf shapes so they can focus on decorating and writing (or having you do the writing for them for the smallest). Older kids can do everything themselves—and might even want to add glitter, stickers, or drawings to make their tree extra special!

Why Kids Love This Craft

• They get to color, trace, and cut, making it hands-on and fun!
• Each leaf becomes a personal way to share what they love most.
• The finished product looks beautiful when displayed at home or in class.
• It’s creative and meaningful at the same time!
• It helps them feel proud and thankful when they see their ideas on display!

More Thanksgiving Crafts

Thanksgiving season is in! What a way to get started than to spark your creativity! Check out the below ideas for more crafts:

• Turkey Juice Box Craft for Thanksgiving
• Turkey Pinecone Craft 
• Turkey Clothespin Craft
• Fun Thanksgiving Crafts to Do with Your Kids