Cozy November Crafts for Kids: Fun Fall Projects to Keep Little Hands Busy
Crafting Memories in the Cozy Season
The pumpkins are packed away, the costumes are folded, and suddenly the house feels just a little too quiet after Halloween’s excitement. November rolls in softly — all cinnamon-scented air, cozy blankets, and the promise of gratitude and togetherness. It’s the perfect in-between month — where fall’s glow meets winter’s sparkle.
If your family is anything like mine, this is the time when we gather around the kitchen table, hot cocoa in hand, and dive into fun, easy crafts that spark creativity and connection. These are the cozy, memory-making moments that keep little hands busy and hearts full.
Whether you’re looking for Thanksgiving week activities, a boredom-busting weekend project, or just a way to slow down and savor the season, here are 10 cozy November crafts for kids that blend learning, laughter, and a little magic. ✨
1. Leaf Lanterns
Why You’ll Love It: These glowing jars capture the beauty of fall leaves and turn them into soft, twinkling light that feels like a warm hug on a chilly night.
What You’ll Need:
A clean glass jar
Pressed autumn leaves (dry and flat)
Mod Podge or white school glue
Foam brush
Flameless tea light
How to Make It:
Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge onto the outside of your jar.
Gently press your leaves onto the glass, smoothing them out as you go.
Once dry, add another layer of Mod Podge over the top to seal.
Place a flameless candle inside and watch it glow!
Mom Hack: Use this as a calm-down craft before bedtime. Turn down the lights and let the kids admire their glowing lanterns while you sip cocoa together.
🕯️ Perfect for cozy movie nights or your Thanksgiving centerpiece.
2. Thankful Tree
Why You’ll Love It: The Thankful Tree is more than a craft — it’s a family tradition in the making. Each leaf becomes a tiny note of gratitude, helping kids focus on the good in everyday moments.
What You’ll Need:
A small branch or stick
Mason jar or vase
Colored paper
Scissors and hole punch
String or twine
Markers or crayons
How to Make It:
Cut your paper into leaf shapes.
Have each family member write (or draw) something they’re thankful for.
Punch a small hole at the top and tie with twine.
Hang the leaves from the branches.
Pro Tip: Keep extra blank leaves in a basket nearby so your family can add new ones throughout the month. By Thanksgiving, you’ll have a tree full of blessings. 🍁
3. Turkey Finger Puppets
Why You’ll Love It: Cute, colorful, and full of personality — these little gobblers keep kids entertained for hours. Perfect for pretend play or a Thanksgiving-day puppet show!
What You’ll Need:
Felt or sturdy construction paper
Googly eyes
Glue stick
Scissors
Small felt rectangle (for the puppet base)
How to Make It:
Cut out a turkey body and colorful feathers.
Glue on the eyes and beak.
Attach the feathers behind the body.
Wrap the base around your finger and glue the edges.
Mom Hack: Store these in a little bowl on your Thanksgiving table — they’ll keep little ones busy while dinner finishes cooking.
🦃 A fun pre-dinner activity while the turkey’s in the oven.
4. Pumpkin Pie Play Dough
Why You’ll Love It: This is part craft, part sensory experience, and 100% cozy fun. It smells heavenly, feels soft, and encourages kids to explore creativity through touch.
What You’ll Need:
1 cup flour
½ cup salt
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 cup water
Orange food coloring
Pumpkin pie spice
How to Make It:
Mix dry ingredients in a pot.
Stir in water, oil, and food coloring.
Cook on low, stirring until it forms a dough.
Add pumpkin pie spice and knead until smooth.
Pro Tip: Store in an airtight container for up to a week. Add cookie cutters or small pie tins for pretend “baking”!
🥧 It’s the perfect mix of creativity and cozy scent therapy.
5. Gratitude Garland
Why You’ll Love It: A colorful reminder that gratitude grows when we share it. Plus, it doubles as festive decor for your home or dining area!
What You’ll Need:
Colored paper strips (orange, yellow, cream)
Markers
Glue stick or stapler
How to Make It:
Write something you’re thankful for on each strip.
Loop the first strip into a circle and glue or staple.
Link the next strip through the first, and continue until you have a garland.
Mom Hack: Have everyone write one new link each day through Thanksgiving week — by the holiday, you’ll have a chain full of love and gratitude.
🎀 Hang it across your mantle or doorway for instant cheer.
6. Nature Collage Boards
Why You’ll Love It: Combines outdoor adventure with creativity! It’s a fun way to help kids notice small details in nature — shapes, colors, and textures.
What You’ll Need:
A piece of cardboard or canvas board
Glue
Leaves, twigs, pinecones, moss, and acorns
Paint or markers (optional)
How to Make It:
Take a “nature walk” and collect small treasures.
Arrange them on the board before gluing.
Add names, labels, or designs around each piece.
Pro Tip: Turn this into a themed collection — “Signs of Fall,” “Textures of the Woods,” or “Things That Make Me Thankful.”
🌲 Encourages creativity and appreciation for nature.
7. Paper Plate Scarecrows
Why You’ll Love It: This craft is adorable, simple, and perfect for little ones. It’s full of color and personality — and kids love designing their own silly scarecrow faces!
What You’ll Need:
Paper plates
Construction paper (brown, yellow, orange)
Glue and scissors
Markers or crayons
How to Make It:
Cut out hat, hair, and facial features from paper.
Glue them to the paper plate.
Add a big stitched smile and any accessories you like!
Mom Hack: Add magnets or string to turn these into refrigerator art or hanging wall decor.
🎨 Perfect for preschoolers and early learners.
8. Hot Cocoa Mug Painting
Why You’ll Love It: Creative, relaxing, and totally giftable! Kids can decorate mugs for family, teachers, or grandparents — perfect for cozy cocoa nights.
What You’ll Need:
Plain ceramic mugs
Ceramic paint or paint markers
Brushes
Paper towels and warm water for cleanup
How to Make It:
Paint your mug with fall leaves, hearts, or cozy quotes.
Let it dry, then bake according to paint instructions.
Once cooled, it’s ready for sipping!
Pro Tip: Wrap your finished mug with a hot cocoa packet and a candy cane for the ultimate cozy-gift moment.
☕ Add marshmallows for extra magic!
9. Family Handprint Wreath
Why You’ll Love It: A beautiful keepsake that celebrates family and togetherness. Each handprint represents someone special, making it a timeless piece to display every fall.
What You’ll Need:
Construction paper in fall colors
Scissors and glue
Ribbon or bow
How to Make It:
Trace and cut out each family member’s hand.
Arrange in a circle to form a wreath.
Glue in place and add a bow at the bottom.
Mom Hack: Make one every year — it’s so sweet to see how little hands grow over time.
💛 A heartfelt family tradition in the making.
10. Glittery Paper Snowflakes
Why You’ll Love It: Simple, sparkly, and perfect for that “almost-winter” feeling. Kids adore sprinkling glitter, and you’ll love the frosty, festive results.
What You’ll Need:
White or light blue paper
Scissors
Glue
Glitter
How to Make It:
Fold paper and cut snowflake shapes.
Unfold carefully and brush on a thin layer of glue.
Sprinkle glitter generously and let dry.
Pro Tip: Hang them in your windows or string them as garlands for that first hint of holiday sparkle.
❄️ The perfect transition craft from fall to winter magic.
Bonus Cozy Inspiration: Make November Magical for You, Too
While the kids are busy crafting, don’t forget to fill your own cup this season.
If you’re craving a little mom-time, cozy rituals, or ways to stay inspired through the chilly days, check out The Ultimate November Bucket List for Adults — it’s full of self-care ideas, seasonal fun, and mindful moments that keep the autumn magic alive all month long.
Because when you take time to slow down and enjoy the season, your whole family feels that cozy energy too. 🧡
Crafting Gratitude and Togetherness
These crafts are more than just projects — they’re memory makers. Each jar, garland, and paper creation holds a moment of laughter, creativity, or connection.
Maybe your child proudly tapes their scarecrow to the fridge. Maybe your thankful tree becomes a nightly ritual before dinner. Maybe that handprint wreath gets tucked away to bring out again next fall — a reminder of just how fast the little years fly by.
As you gather supplies and settle into these cozy projects, remember: it’s not about perfection. It’s about slowing down, savoring the moment, and creating something together. These are the simple joys — the kind that make November feel like home.
🍂 So light the candles, pour the cocoa, and craft your way through this cozy, grateful season.
