Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, reflection, and, of course, fun family activities. What better way to combine all three than with a delightful thankful turkey craft?
This easy-to-make paper turkey, created from a free template, allows children to express their thankfulness in a creative and engaging way.
Each feather on the turkey provides a space for kids to write down what they are grateful for, making this craft not only a fun art project but also a meaningful exercise in gratitude.
Perfect for kids of all ages, this thankful turkey craft is an ideal activity for the Thanksgiving season, helping children to reflect on the many blessings in their lives while enjoying some holiday crafting fun.
Turkey Thankful Craft
Materials
- Thankful turkey printable (available for download below)
- Colored paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Pen
Instructions
First, download and print out the free thankful turkey printable template, which you can find at the bottom of this page.
Next, cut out all the pieces of the template.
Trace the turkey template onto brown paper and cut it out.
Trace the beak and feet onto yellow or orange paper and cut them out. Trace the snood (the part that hangs off the beak) onto red paper and cut it out.
Now glue the eyes, beak, snood, and feet onto the body of the turkey.
Trace feathers onto different colors of paper and cut them out. We made orange, yellow, and red feathers, but you can really use any colors you like.
Now comes the fun part! On each feather, have your child write down one thing they’re thankful for and glue the feathers onto the back of the turkey. You can do this all at once or spread it out over a few days leading up to Thanksgiving.
Once the feathers are all glued on, your turkey craft is complete!
As you gather around the table this Thanksgiving, this thankful turkey craft can serve as a heartwarming reminder of all the things we cherish.
Displaying these turkeys with their thoughtful feathers can spark wonderful conversations and create lasting memories.
This simple yet meaningful project is a great way for children to engage with the holiday’s spirit of gratitude.
We hope you and your family enjoy making and sharing your Thankful Turkeys, turning this craft into a cherished Thanksgiving tradition.
Kids Books About Gratitude and Turkeys
Here are some fun books to read while you make your craft!
I Am Thankful: A Thanksgiving Book for Kids by Sheri Wall– This heartwarming story follows a group of children as they share the many things they are grateful for, from family and friends to simple everyday joys. Through beautiful illustrations and rhyming text, it encourages young readers to reflect on their own blessings and cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Perfect for Thanksgiving and throughout the year, this book is a wonderful way to teach kids about the importance of being thankful.
Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano– In this delightful tale, a clever turkey is determined to avoid becoming the main course at Thanksgiving dinner. Using a series of hilarious disguises, the turkey attempts to blend in with various farm animals, each time encountering new challenges. The story’s humor and charming illustrations make it a fun and engaging read for kids, teaching them about creativity and problem-solving along the way.
How to Catch a Turkey by Adam Wallace– In this entertaining story, a runaway turkey causes chaos at a school right before the Thanksgiving play. Students and teachers scramble to catch the elusive bird, leading to a series of comical mishaps and clever tricks. The book’s lively rhymes and vibrant illustrations make it an exciting and amusing adventure for kids, emphasizing teamwork and ingenuity.
Thankful Turkey Craft
Foster gratitude this Thanksgiving with this easy thankful turkey craft!
Materials
- Thankful turkey printable
- Colored paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Pen
Instructions
- Download and print out the free thankful turkey printable template.
- Cut out the pieces of the template.
- Trace the turkey template onto brown paper, trace the feet and beak onto orange or yellow paper, and trace the snood onto red paper. Cut all the pieces out.
- Glue the eyes, beak, snood, and feet onto the body of the turkey.
- Trace and cut out leaves in different colors.
- On each leaf, write something you are grateful for. Glue the leaves onto the back of the turkey.