Veterans Day is a wonderful opportunity to teach children about honoring the brave men and women who have served in the military. A great way to engage them in the spirit of the holiday is through creative, hands-on crafts. These fun and meaningful projects can also help kids express gratitude for veterans’ sacrifices while learning a bit of history. Below are 10 Veterans Day crafts that are perfect for kids of all ages.
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1. Patriotic Pinwheels
Pinwheels are simple yet festive, and they’re a great way for kids to create something that waves in the wind, symbolizing freedom. You’ll need red, white, and blue paper, wooden dowels or straws, scissors, and thumbtacks. Cut out squares from the paper, fold them into pinwheel shapes, and attach them to the dowel with a thumbtack. Kids can decorate them with stars and stripes.
Tip: Add a small label on the dowel with a “Thank you for your service” message.
2. Handprint American Flag
This craft is easy, personal, and perfect for little hands! Have kids dip their hands in blue paint and stamp it in the corner of a white sheet of paper. Once dry, they can paint red stripes across the remaining space to resemble the American flag. You can add extra glitter or star stickers to make it sparkle!
Display Idea: Frame these adorable handprint flags or send them to local veterans as a token of appreciation.
3. Patriotic Windsock
To create a Veterans Day windsock, grab an empty toilet paper roll, red and blue paint, and ribbon in patriotic colors. Paint the roll in stars and stripes, then glue or tape ribbon to one end so that it flows when hung up. These windsocks look great hanging in windows or outside, fluttering in the wind to show support for veterans.
4. Thank You Cards for Veterans
Kids can make heartfelt cards for veterans using construction paper, markers, stickers, and other decorative supplies. Encourage them to write a simple message like “Thank you for your service” or “We honor your bravery.” These cards can be delivered to local veterans’ organizations, hospitals, or community centers.
Creative Touch: Have kids trace their hand on the front of the card and decorate it with patriotic designs.
5. Poppy Flower Craft
The poppy is a symbol of remembrance for veterans. Kids can make their own paper poppy flowers using red and black construction paper, scissors, glue, and green pipe cleaners for the stems. Fold and cut the red paper into petal shapes, then glue them together around the pipe cleaner. Add a black center for the final touch.
Educational Moment: While making these, you can explain to kids why the poppy flower is significant to Veterans Day, linking it to WWI remembrance traditions.
6. Patriotic Star Wreath
Create a wreath that’s perfect for displaying on the front door! Cut out stars from red, white, and blue construction paper or cardstock, and glue them onto a circular base made from cardboard or a paper plate. Decorate with ribbons or small flags for extra flair. Kids can personalize the wreath with names of veterans they know or messages of thanks.
7. Military Branch Hats
This craft lets kids create their own versions of the hats worn by different military branches. Using construction paper, markers, and stickers, kids can design hats to represent the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. Add a chin strap made from yarn and let them proudly wear their creations during Veterans Day parades or events.
Bonus Activity: Discuss the various roles and branches of the military while kids make their hats.
8. American Flag Suncatchers
For a fun and colorful craft, create American flag suncatchers. Cut a flag shape from wax paper, and let kids layer red, white, and blue tissue paper squares on it with glue. Once it dries, hang the suncatchers in a sunny window to display their patriotic colors.
Extra Step: Add glitter or foil stars to make it shine when the sun hits!
9. Veteran Appreciation Rocks
Kindness rocks are a popular activity, and for Veterans Day, kids can paint rocks with patriotic designs like flags, stars, or simple “thank you” messages. After the rocks are painted and dried, they can be placed around parks, schools, or community spaces for veterans to find as a surprise gesture of appreciation.
Materials: Smooth rocks, paint, paintbrushes, and a clear sealant to make them weatherproof.
10. Paper Plate Medals
Kids can design their own medals to honor veterans using paper plates, paint, and ribbon. Paint the plate in gold, silver, or bronze, and add a star in the center. Punch two holes at the top and tie a ribbon through so the medals can be worn. These handmade “medals of honor” can be given to veterans as a thoughtful gift or used in school ceremonies.
Variation: Let kids write a personal message on the back of the medal to make it even more special.
Conclusion
Veterans Day crafts are not only a way to have fun, but they’re also a meaningful way for kids to learn about and honor the service of veterans. These hands-on projects are perfect for classrooms, community groups, or family time at home. Let the kids’ creativity flow while they show their gratitude to those who have served!
Feel free to pair each craft with a short story or lesson about Veterans Day to help children understand the importance of the holiday and the impact of military service on our freedom.