
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to express creativity through crafts and decorations for everyone. For adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs), engaging in arts and crafts activities can also encourage social interaction, enhance fine motor skills, offer sensory enjoyment, and provide a sense of accomplishment. Here are some fun and accessible Thanksgiving craft ideas specifically designed for adults with IDDs.
Decorative Thanksgiving Centerpieces
Creating festive centerpieces can brighten up any Thanksgiving table.

Materials needed: Pinecones, paint, glue, glitter, and small artificial flowers.
Instructions:
Collect pinecones from outside or purchase them.
Paint the pinecones in fall colors (red, orange, yellow) and let them dry.
Once dry, glue on small artificial flowers or sprinkle glitter for a sparkling effect.
This craft for adults with disabilities not only beautifies the dining space, but also provides a sensory experience through paint and textures.
Thanksgiving Gratitude Jars

Creating gratitude jars can help foster reflection and positivity.
Materials needed: Mason jars, colored paper, markers, and decorative ribbons.
Instructions:
Decorate the outside of the jar with ribbons and markers.
Cut colored paper into small strips.
Encourage participants to write down things they are grateful for on the strips and place them inside the jar.
This activity promotes self-expression and helps crafters reflect on positive elements in their lives.
Handprint Turkeys

Handprint turkeys are a classic and fun craft.
Materials needed: Construction paper, scissors, glue, and markers.
Instructions:
Trace the participant's hand on a piece of construction paper.
Cut out the handprint and use it as the turkey’s feathers.
Use another piece of paper to create the turkey's body and glue the handprint onto it.
Decorate with markers for the turkey’s face and features.
This craft is not only enjoyable, but also helps improve fine motor skills.
Thanksgiving Wreaths

Making festive wreaths is a great way to decorate for the season.
Materials needed: A foam wreath base, artificial leaves, and glue.
Instructions:
Glue artificial leaves around the foam wreath base until it is fully covered.
Add additional decorations like mini pumpkins or ribbons to enhance the design.
Participants can display their wreaths on doors or walls, adding a personal touch to the holiday decor.
Thanksgiving-Themed Treats

Crafting treats can combine cooking skills with creativity.
Materials needed: Graham crackers, frosting, candy corn, and chocolate chips.
Instructions:
Use graham crackers as the base.
Spread frosting on top and decorate with candy corn to create a turkey face or fall-themed designs.
This delicious craft allows participants to engage with their senses and enjoy a tasty treat at the end. Happy Thanksgiving feasting!
Get Creative This Thanksgiving With Progressive Lifestyles

Progressive Lifestyles Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation based in Waterford, Michigan, and we have been in operation since 1983. Our mission is to provide supportive and caring residential opportunities for individuals with IDDs throughout Oakland County.
We support small, licensed adult foster care homes and private residences with community living supports, home help services, and private-duty nurses.
A primary focus of our organization is to interact with the individuals we support through the Culture of Gentleness model. We seek to create a positive environment to help them feel safe and valued by maximizing praise, limiting demands, maintaining consistent structure, and reducing stress during transitions. Contact us to learn more and consider donating today!