Bible-based Craft Ideas for Thanksgiving

As we look back over our adult lives, we often find countless reasons to be thankful. There’s a deep sense of awe in recognizing how faithfully God has provided for us. Even difficult times and painful experiences can, with reflection, reveal unexpected blessings and growth. 

However, the concept of thankfulness isn’t always easy for children to understand. Yet, the Bible encourages us repeatedly to be thankful, making it an essential value to share with children. “… always giving thanks to God, the Father, for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20 

Staying thankful and positive takes effort and determination—especially in today’s world—but it’s a practice that can transform hearts and minds. 

Begin by talking with the students in your children’s ministry group about what it means to be thankful. Share a few examples from your own life, especially a time when something difficult turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Help them understand that gratitude isn’t just about things we can touch or see—it can also be about feelings, experiences, or people who make a difference in our lives. 

Let them know that being thankful can include things like feeling safe, having fun with friends, or learning something new. Then, invite each child to share one thing they’re thankful for. You might ask, “Can you think of a time when something made you feel really happy or loved?” or “Is there someone in your life who helps you feel special?” 

10 Fun Thanksgiving Crafts and Activities to Teach Thankfulness 

Here are some creative Thanksgiving craft ideas and activities we’ve found to help children understand and embrace biblical thankfulness, especially during this season of Thanksgiving. 

1) Gratitude Hands: Trace each child’s double hands-on paper or cardstock. Inside the handprint, have them write something they’re thankful for. Let them decorate with stickers, glitter, colored pencils, or markers. String them together and hang to make a “banner of thanks” or place them on a wall to make a “wall of thanks.” Make a heading for the banner using Hebrews 12:28: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” Maybe this can be hung in the church foyer for all to enjoy! Tip: Make some extra ones so parents or other members can add their thankful thoughts too! 

2) Thankful Verse Search Activity: Prepare three or four thankful-themed Bible verses and print them on paper or cardstock. Cut each verse into three or four sections and hide the pieces around the room. Divide the children into small groups to search for the pieces and reassemble them when found. Suggested verses: Psalm 107:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Colossians 3:15. 

3) Skits From Scripture: Break children into small groups and assign each a Bible passage about thankfulness. They can create short skits to act out the message. Video the skits and share them with the group—or even present them at a youth event or church gathering. Some suggested Bible sections to cover: Philippians 4:6, Colossians 4:2. 

4) Thankful Care Packages: Organize a donation drive in the weeks before Thanksgiving, asking for small hygiene items and nonperishable snacks. As a service project, children can fill bags with these items and include Bible verses and encouraging notes for those in need. The kids could pre-make and decorate the insert notes on 3×5 cards in the weeks before, using verses or encouraging thoughts. Encourage a time of prayer before the visit! 

5) Thanksgiving Cards Activity for Seniors: Using the free encouragement card template, have children decorate and write short notes. These cards can be delivered to a care home in your area. Many elderly people can be very lonely during the holidays, and the visit and cards could bring great joy! Children’s Worship Bulletins has free encouragement cards for members to download, or you can download a set at this blog post that also features more ideas on how you can use them. 

6) Gratitude Journals: Provide small, paper notebooks for the kids to decorate and personalize. Encourage them to write one thing they’re thankful for each day leading up to Thanksgiving—and even beyond. 

7) Thanksgiving Place Cards: Using folded 3×5 cards or colored cardstock, let children make up place cards using any craft or art supplies, including glitter, markers, stickers, or feathers. Leave space for names on the front and optional notes inside. These can be used for a church meal or taken home for a family Thanksgiving dinner. 

8) Thanksgiving Storytime: Read a Bible story during Sunday school class that highlights thankfulness, such as “The healing of the ten lepers” (Luke 17:11–19). Discuss why only one returned to say thank you and what that teaches us. 

9) Music: Review songs that the children know that focus on praise and thanksgiving. Practice for a short performance during a special Thanksgiving program or church service. 

10) Balloon Toss: Need a fun break during a busy session? Try a balloon toss! Each time a child hits the balloon, they shout out one word they are thankful for! It can be an active activity, silly, and full of fun! 

Our entire team is deeply thankful for you and your unwavering dedication to our children and youth in Children’s Ministry. Your love, care, and commitment make a lasting impact, and we are truly blessed to have you. 

Wishing you a joyful and blessed Thanksgiving! 

Some extra Bible verses in case you need them!    

Colossians 2:7 - Rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.  

Colossians 3:15 - Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.  

Colossians 4:2 - Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.  

Hebrews 12:28 - Let us be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.

Philippians 4:6 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.