Paper Turkey Craft

Are you looking for a simple, meaningful Thanksgiving activity for kids? This Paper Turkey Craft is made entirely from colorful 1-inch paper strips! It’s easy to prepare, fun to assemble, and a thoughtful way for kids to share what they’re thankful for.

Looking for more thankful turkey crafts? You may also enjoy our Popsicle Stick Turkey Craft.

Simple Paper Turkey Craft

When my kids were in preschool, we spent many afternoons at the kitchen table surrounded by paper scraps, glue, and giggles. Projects like this one were always my favorite because they sparked conversation and reflection. Now that my kids are older, I look back on those moments fondly. This paper turkey brings that same spirit of gratitude and creativity to classrooms and homes today.

Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Turkey Craft

This easy Thanksgiving craft combines art, writing, and reflection—all in one project.

• Fine motor practice – Cutting, gluing, and arranging paper strips help strengthen small hand muscles.
• Encourages gratitude – Kids reflect on what they’re thankful for as they create their turkeys.
• Simple prep – Uses basic materials that teachers and parents likely already have on hand.
• Great for groups – Easy to manage in classrooms, after-school programs, or family gatherings.
• Festive décor – Makes a colorful addition to November bulletin boards or Thanksgiving tables.

Craft Supplies Needed for Easy Turkey Craft

To make this turkey craft for kids, you’ll need:

• Colored cardstock or construction paper
• Paper slicer
• Tacky craft glue
• Wiggly eyes – 15 mm
• Black permanent marker

How to Make a Paper Turkey Craft

This craft comes together quickly and is easy for kids of all ages. Follow the directions below to make your own.

STEP 1: Prep the paper strips. Prep the paper pieces by cutting the following strips:

• 8 brown strips measuring 6 inches × 1 inch
• 4 brown strips measuring 2½ inches × 1 inch
• 3 orange squares measuring 1 inch × 1 inch
• 1 red strip measuring 2 inches × 1 inch
• 6 colorful strips (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple) measuring 8½ inches × 1 inch

STEP 2: Build the turkey’s body. Arrange the 8 brown strips measuring 6 inches × 1 inch into a circle shape to form the turkey’s body. Overlap the ends slightly and secure with glue.

STEP 3: Make the turkey’s head. Use the 4 brown strips measuring 2½ inches × 1 inch to form the turkey’s head. Arrange them into a smaller circle shape and glue the ends together.

STEP 4: Add the feathers. Take the 6 colorful strips measuring 8½ inches × 1 inch and arrange them behind the turkey’s body to form the feathers. Secure each strip with glue. Glue the turkey body and feathers to a sheet of light blue or white paper.

STEP 5: Add the face and feet. Glue on the little googly eyes, the red gobbler, the orange beak, and the orange feet to complete the turkey’s happy face and body.

STEP 6: Add messages of gratitude. Have kids write one thing they are thankful for on each of the turkey’s colorful feathers. Once all the messages are added, the craft is complete and ready to display as a cheerful Thanksgiving decoration.

Helping Kids Choose What They’re Thankful For

Sometimes kids need a little guidance to think about what to write on their turkey feathers. Encourage them by giving simple prompts or ideas, such as family members, friends, pets, favorite activities, special places, or fun experiences from the past year.

You can also turn it into a conversation: ask them to share a few things they enjoyed recently or moments that made them happy. This not only makes the craft more meaningful but also helps kids reflect on gratitude in a natural, thoughtful way!

Helpful Tips for Parents and Teachers

Prepping the paper ahead of time makes this activity much easier, especially for groups or younger kids. Cut all the strips and squares before the craft session so kids can focus on assembling and decorating their turkeys. You can also sort the paper by color to make it easier for them to grab what they need.

Take It Further

Want to take it further? Here are some extension ideas for art, reading, and creative fun:

• Add texture and sparkle – Decorate the feathers with glitter, pom-poms, stickers, or patterned paper for extra flair.
• Make a story – Have kids write a short story or sentence about their turkey and compile them into a Thanksgiving classroom book.
• Classroom display – Arrange all the turkeys on a bulletin board with a “Thankful Turkeys” theme for a colorful seasonal display.
• Book pairings – Read Thanksgiving-themed books like Turkey Trouble or Bear Says Thanks and let kids create turkeys inspired by the story.
• Creative arrangement – Use the turkeys as place cards for a Thanksgiving meal, or string them together to make a festive banner.
• Group project – Let students work in pairs or small groups to design a large collaborative turkey with oversized feathers.

More Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids

Looking for more ways to keep little ones busy and creative this Thanksgiving? Try these fun craft ideas:

• Thanksgiving Suncatchers – Brighten windows with colorful tissue paper and contact paper for festive decorations.
• Gratitude Tree Craft – Build a small tree and add leaves where kids can write things they’re thankful for.
• Gratitude Stones – Paint small stones with hearts that represent gratitude and thankfulness.
• Turkey Disguise Project – Turn a paper turkey into a funny or imaginative character using markers, paper, and other craft supplies (free printable).
• Santa Turkey Disguise – Combine holiday cheer with Thanksgiving by dressing a turkey like Santa Claus in this fun coloring project.
• Design Your Own Turkey Craft – Let kids use popsicle sticks, paper, paint, leaves, and any supplies they like to create their own unique turkey.
• Cupcake Turkey Disguise – No one will ever guess that the delicious chocolate cupcake is a turkey!

Save This Craft

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