The Thanksgiving holiday is just around the corner, and it’s usually a busy time for families. One of my favorite ways to entertain and engage toddlers is with activity bags, so, of course, this calls for a few Thanksgiving-themed bags to break out when you need get that turkey in the oven or sit down with your child for quality play time.

Activity bags are simple. They are large Ziploc bags filled with fun and engaging activities for your little one to explore. Each of my activity bag ideas listed below include a sensory component, book, coloring sheet, and a couple of crafts. Have fun, and Happy Holidays!

Pumpkin Bag

Pumpkins are a big part of the holiday season, so a pumpkin-themed activity bag is the perfect way to occupy your toddler. Here are a few ideas to fill your pumpkin bag!

1. Fill a smaller Ziploc bags with pumpkin guts for a messy but fun sensory experience. Too messy? Fill it with seeds and include a spoon and small cup for scooping and pouring!
2. Print this pumpkin coloring sheet and toss in a few crayons.
3. Include a board book such as Where is Baby’s Pumpkin by Little Simon. It’s a lift-the-flap book perfect for toddlers!
4. Cut out a foam sheet (like the ones you get from the Dollar Tree) into a pumpkin shape and glue a magnet to the back. Include a sticker sheet or glue and gems. Your toddler can decorate the pumpkin and stick it on the fridge!
5. Try this mess-free pumpkin painting from Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds. It even has a free printable, and I love that there’s no clean-up required!

Turkey Bag

Let your little one explore a turkey-themed bag while you prep and bake your Thanksgiving turkey!

1. Print this turkey coloring sheet and include a few crayons in the bag.
2. The sensory component for this bag is this super cute turkey squishy bag I found over at Life Over C’s. If you can’t find the turkey she used, I think a laminated and cut up turkey picture will work just fine.
3. Add the Little Turkey: Finger Puppet Book by Chronicle books to your activity bag. This sweet story offers a special Thanksgiving message, and the puppet is just adorable! Of course, any turkey-themed book works just fine.
4. Throw in the materials for this turkey paper bag craft from The Best Ideas for Kids with a stick of glue. Your toddler can assemble the turkey and use it as a paper bag puppet.
5. Paper plate turkeys are another simple craft that your toddler can put together with little to no help. You’ll just need a paper plate, pre-cut feathers, eyes, a beak, and some glue. Toss it all into your turkey activity bag and watch them go!