Mayflower Ship Snack Cups – A Fun Thanksgiving Craft for Kids

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to combine giving, creativity, and family fun — especially when it comes to the kids’ table! If you’re looking for an adorable and simple project that will keep little hands busy while adding charm to your November table setting, this Mayflower Ship Snack Cup craft is just what you need.

Inspired by the voyage of the Mayflower, this craft is both meaningful and fun. These cute paper cup ships make fantastic place settings for Thanksgiving dinner, or they can double as snack holders filled with treats like popcorn, pretzels, or candy corn. Best of all, kids can easily personalize their own Mayflower ships, making it an activity filled with creativity, learning, and giving.

A Craft That Teaches and Delights

We love when crafts tie in with history — and the Mayflower story is such a wonderful reminder of courage, gratitude, and togetherness. This project lets kids imagine what it might have been like to sail across the ocean long ago, while still creating something fun and festive for the holiday.

This easy kids’ craft is perfect for classrooms, family gatherings, or Sunday school groups. It’s quick to prep, doesn’t require fancy materials, and looks so cute displayed on the kids’ table at your Thanksgiving feast.

Here’s What You’ll Need

To make your own Mayflower Ship Snack Cups, gather a few simple supplies — most of which you probably already have in your craft stash!

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Supplies:

Orange Polka dot paper cups
Bright foam sheets for the sails
Paper straws (these make the perfect masts!)
Scissors
Basic Foam Alphabet Sticker Pack
Craft knife to make slits in the sails
Optional: markers, stickers, or washi tape for personalized designs

Instructions:

STEP 1

With scissors, cut a trapezoid shape from a foam sheet. The trapezoid shape should be about 4 in. x 4 in.

STEP 2

Add white foam letters to the front of the trapezoid to spell out a child’s name.

STEP 3

Cut small slits at the top and bottom of the foam sail. Slip an orange and white striped straw through the back.

STEP 4

Add the Mayflower straw sail to an orange polka dot cup.

STEP 5

Place the Mayflower cups at your Kids’ Thanksgiving Table place settings.

Creative Ideas and Variations

There are so many ways to customize this adorable kids’ craft. Try using different colored paper cups or patterned paper straws for variety. You can even add tiny flags or stickers for a festive touch.

Want to make the project even more meaningful? Encourage each child to write one thing they’re thankful for on their sail. It’s a sweet reminder of the spirit of giving and gratitude that defines Thanksgiving.

If you’re planning a classroom activity, set up a simple craft station with pre-cut trapezoids, paper cups, glue, and markers. Kids will love creating their own fleet of Mayflower ships to take home or display in the classroom.

A Perfect Craft for Thanksgiving Gatherings

This Mayflower craft isn’t just fun — it’s functional, too! Use them as snack holders, place settings, or even small treat cups for guests to take home. The best part? They come together quickly, making them a quick holiday craft for momsand teachers who need a fast, mess-free project.

You can even make a few extra to use as decorations on your dessert table or buffet. Add a cute name tag to turn them into personalized treat cups for your Thanksgiving guests.

And if you’re shopping for supplies, now’s a great time to check out paper cups and paper straws on sale at your local craft store or online. Stock up for this fun November project and a few other holiday crafts while you’re at it!

A Perfect Craft for Thanksgiving Gatherings

You can even make a few extra to use as decorations on your dessert table or buffet. Add a cute name tag to turn them into personalized treat cups for your Thanksgiving guests.