Sometimes it can take creativity to find a way the whole family can give thanks together. But by combining a few ingredients, hands-on fun, and sensory play, each family member can express themselves in their own unique way.
We hope that your whole family will enjoy one or all of these fun sensory activities together:
- Two-ingredient pumpkin spice dough figures for the Thanksgiving table
- Handprint gratitude tree
- Scented cornstarch dough gratitude ornament tree
And these activities are for the entire family–not just for the kids!
1. Two-Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Dough Figures
Breathe in the scent of pumpkin spice as you make this dough and play together. Each person can create objects for things they’re thankful for. Then display your art on the Thanksgiving dinner table.
This activity can be relaxing and enjoyable as you play together as a family.
What you’ll need:
- 1 15 oz. can pumpkin puree
- 2+ cups of Cornstarch
- Spices for smell (optional: cinnamon, pumpkin spice, nutmeg, cloves, allspice)
Directions:
- In a large mixer, blend pumpkin puree, cornstarch, and preferred spice (optional).
- Add additional cornstarch as needed until the dough is nice and firm.
- Add a small amount of water if the dough is too dry.
- Sit around the table together each making an object that represents something you’re thankful for.
- Then play in the remaining dough together!
- Allow the objects to fully dry before the big day.
- Display your artwork on the Thanksgiving table and allow each person to describe their creation.
2. Handprint Gratitude Tree
Sometimes it can be difficult to think of something for which we are thankful on the spot. Once this project is complete and hung in a prominent place, any family member can add at any time whether that be by writing, drawing, or coloring.
You can keep this sensory activity on the wall for weeks, months, or all yearlong.
What you’ll need:
- A sheet of posterboard
- Washable acrylic paints
- Markers, colored pencils, or crayons
Directions
- Start by drawing then painting the tree trunk and branches up the piece of posterboard.
- Have all family members take turns making different hand prints on the tree branches.
- Then draw and play together in the remaining paint on another sheet of posterboard or large paper.
- Allow the posterboard to dry overnight.
- Hang your tree on a wall in the kitchen or family room or on the fridge.
- As someone thinks of something for which they are thankful, they can write a word or two on a leaf with markers or crayons.
- For family members unable to write, they can draw or color on a leaf or in the white space of the posterboard.
3. Scented Cornstarch Dough Gratitude Ornaments
Over the years, we’ve found that cornstarch dough ornaments don’t dry out and break like salt dough and are easier to decorate.
You can hang these ornaments on tree branches in a jar or on a small Christmas tree.
What you’ll need:
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup baking soda
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 cup water
- A holiday essential oil scent (optional: cinnamon, peppermint, orange, etc.)
- A toothpick, skewer, or plastic stick to write in the dough
- Cookie cutters
- Rolling pin
- Washable acrylic paints (optional)
- A table top tree (a small Christmas tree or tree branches in a jar)
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a pot over medium heat
- Stir constantly until the mixture begins to bubble (about 4-5 minutes). It will quickly turn into a dough resembling mashed potatoes.
- Remove from heat, place dough on counter on a dusting of cornstarch, and allow to cool.
- Knead the dough until it is smooth and pliable. If the dough is too sticky, add a little bit more cornstarch and knead.
- Use a rolling pin to roll dough out to ¼“ thick.
- Make handprints, cookie cutter shapes, or round ornaments.
- Using the utensil, each person can write 1 to 2 words or draw on their ornament to describe what they are thankful for
- Place the ornaments on a cookie sheet and allow them to dry at room temperature overnight. Flip over to dry on the other side a second night.
- Paint the ornaments if desired
- Then hang on your family gratitude tree!
What’s one of your family’s favorite Fall or Thanksgiving sensory activities?
Please share with us in the comments section.
Blessings,
Todd and Kristin
Family Sensory Activities to Help Express Gratitude Share on X
Discover why expressing gratitude is especially important for disability families.
Todd Evans, MA, PhD & Kristin Faith Evans, MA, MS, LMSW
Todd and Kristin are celebrating twenty-one years of marriage and have two children with rare genetic disorders and complex needs. They’re passionate about empowering other parents of children with disabilities. They both earned their Masters in Christian Education at Wheaton College, co-receiving the Lois LeBar Award. They’ve served together in fulltime ministry in church, wilderness, adventure challenge, and retreat settings. Kristin is an award-winning author and a Licensed Masters Social Worker experienced in Christian, couples, child & family, and crisis counseling. They enjoy traveling and the outdoors together.
Disability Parenting