If you’re looking for a sweet twist on the Disguise a Turkey project, try this Gumball Machine Turkey Disguise. It’s colorful, creative, and easy for kids to make at home or in the classroom. With just a few supplies, your turkey will be hidden inside a candy-filled gumball machine that’s sure to make everyone smile.
Looking for more ideas? You may enjoy making our Santa or Cupcake turkey disguises!
Disguise a Turkey Gumball Machine
This easy, low-prep project works well in classrooms, small groups, or for a simple family craft night. If you’re new to the Disguise a Turkey project, it’s a popular Thanksgiving activity where kids help a paper turkey stay safe from Thanksgiving dinner by giving it a clever disguise. Using paper and craft supplies, kids can turn their turkey into anything they can imagine!
In this version, little ones will turn their bird into a bright and colorful gumball machine. Every turkey looks a little different, which makes the finished projects extra fun to display. Teachers also love this idea because it’s tidy, creative, and engaging for a wide range of ages!
Why You’ll Love This Craft
This project is simple, fun, and full of creative possibilities—here’s why you and your kids will love it:
- Simple materials – You probably already have most supplies at home or in your classroom.
- Encourages creativity – Kids can design their own “gumballs” with markers, stickers, pom poms, or buttons.
- Perfect for school projects – A fun, original idea teachers and classmates will love.
- Free printable available – Our turkey template makes this project quick and easy to start.
Craft Supplies Needed for Gumball Machine Turkey
Before you get started, make sure you have everything you need:
- Gumball Machine Turkey Disguise Template
- White cardstock
- Colored pencils or crayons
- Scissors
- Mini Glue Dots or glue
- Dot stickers, dot markers, pom poms, or buttons
How to Make a Gumball Machine Turkey
Quick to set up and super fun, this craft only needs a free printable template and a handful of supplies for kids to make a turkey disguise they’ll love.
STEP 1: Print the template. Click the link in the materials list to access the printable template. Print the template on white paper or cardstock for best results.
STEP 2: Color your turkey. Use crayons, markers, or colored pencils to bring your turkey template to life. Try bright colors like red, yellow, purple, green, pink, and brown to make your turkey extra festive! Next, stick colorful dot stickers onto the turkey’s belly to create gumballs. Mix and match colors to make it bright and fun!
STEP 3: Cut out the pieces. Use scissors to carefully cut along the lines of your turkey template and any other shapes you’ll need for the gumball machine.
STEP 4: Finish your turkey. Now it’s time to bring all the pieces together! Use glue or glue dots to build the turkey and complete your colorful gumball machine creation.
Take It Further
Once your gumball machine turkeys are finished, there are lots of fun ways to extend the activity and get even more creative:
- Story time twist – Have kids write a short story about their turkey, including how it became a gumball machine and what adventures it might have.
- Math fun – Count and sort the gumballs by color, or practice simple addition and subtraction using the stickers.
- Get crafty – Use pom poms, buttons, or real gumballs instead of dot stickers!
- Classroom display – Arrange all the turkeys together on a bulletin board for a bright, festive Thanksgiving scene.
- Creative challenge – Encourage kids to design another disguise for their turkey, using different themes or materials.
- Gift idea – These colorful turkeys make fun homemade cards or decorations for friends and family.
More Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids
Want to keep kids busy, creative, and festive this Thanksgiving? Try these fun projects:
- Thanksgiving Suncatchers – Make colorful window decorations with tissue paper and contact paper. Includes a turkey suncatcher!
- Gratitude Tree Craft – Create a mini tree and add leaves where kids can write what they’re thankful for.
- Gratitude Stones – Paint small stones with hearts or symbols of thankfulness for a simple, meaningful craft.
- Design Your Own Turkey Craft – Mix popsicle sticks, paper, paint, and leaves to make a totally unique turkey.
- Pine Cone Turkey – Turn pine cones into 3D turkeys using ribbon and small craft supplies.
- Paper Turkey Craft – Build a turkey with paper strips for a quick and fun project for all ages.
- Popsicle Stick Turkey Craft – Build a gratitude turkey from popsicle sticks!
Save This Craft
Save this craft on Pinterest using the image below!
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