Give Thanks With These Printable Thankful Placemats

Thanksgiving weekend is quickly approaching, which means family, friends, delicious food and hopefully some relaxation too. One of the things I love doing when hosting Thanksgiving is preparing a few fun things for the kiddos to enjoy before the meal is ready. There’s almost always a craft of some sort, a fall-themed play dough station to enjoy, and something fun to do at the table just before dinner is served. This year’s no different: our table is going to be set with placemats that will allow our little guests to reflect on what they’re thankful for while getting creative!

Here’s what you’ll need to do the same at your Thanksgiving celebration:

• our printable ‘I’m thankful for…’ placemat (printed as is or enlarged on 11x17 paper — click to open as a PDF)
• thin, black markers
• crayons
• clear contact paper or laminating pouches (optional)

Set up could not be easier. Simply place the printable placemats around the table with mini jars of crayons and thin black markers accompanying them.

When it’s nearly time for turkey dinner, invite your little guests to find a spot and add their names and the year to the middle of their ‘I’m thankful for…’ placemats. Then, using words, drawings, or a combination of both, they can add something they’re thankful for to each of the leaves. You never know, your adult guests just may want to get in on the fun too!

By the time your guests are finished designing and colouring their beautiful placemats, dinner will most likely be ready — win! And while these can certainly be used as is for regular placemat purposes, they make great keepsakes too! Just sneak them off the table before gravy is dripped on them or quickly cover them with clear contact paper or a laminating pouch before dinner is served.

Happy Thanksgiving!