DIY Thanksgiving Paper Plate Turkey Craft for Toddlers

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By In The Playroom

Thanksgiving is such a heartwarming time of year, isn’t it? Families gathered around the table, delicious food filling the air, and lots of laughter to go around. But if you’re like us, you also know that keeping little ones entertained while you prep for the big day can be a bit of a challenge. That’s where fun, simple crafts come in handy! 

This paper plate turkey craft is an easy activity that’s perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and can even be enjoyed by older kids. It’s a wonderful way to embrace the spirit of the season and create adorable Thanksgiving decorations your kids will be proud to show off.

Paper plate turkey toddler craft for thanksgiving

This craft isn’t just about creating something adorable – it’s also a great opportunity for kids to practice important skills. From cutting shapes to painting with cotton balls, this activity encourages fine motor skill development and hand-eye coordination. Plus, it introduces kids to the idea of combining different materials to create a finished piece, sparking their creativity and problem-solving abilities.

One of the best things about this turkey craft is how it brings the family together. While your younger kids are happily painting their turkeys, older siblings can help with the cutting and assembling. You can even turn this into a group activity by having everyone make their own turkey to contribute to the Thanksgiving table – a fun activity that’s perfect for the holiday spirit.

Materials You’ll Need for This Cute Turkey Craft

Before we get started, here’s everything you’ll need to make your own paper plate turkey:

  • Construction paper in red, orange, yellow, and brown
  • Paint (red, orange, and yellow)
  • Googly eyes
  • Glue
  • Cotton balls
  • Paper plate

No fancy supplies required here – you might already have most of these in your craft stash. Plus, this craft uses everyday items in creative ways, making it a great time for kids of all ages without any extra cost.

How to Make Your Paper Plate Turkey – A Fun and Easy Thanksgiving Craft

Let’s get straight into creating this simple craft! It’s such a fun fall activity that even the youngest crafters will have a blast. Follow along with the step by step instructions below to make your own cute little turkeys with the kids. 

Paper Plate Turkey Toddler Thanksgiving Craft
Yield: 1

Paper Plate Turkey Toddler Thanksgiving Craft

Transform a simple paper plate into a colorful Thanksgiving turkey with cotton ball painting and googly eyes! Perfect for little hands, this fun and easy craft doubles as a festive decoration for your Thanksgiving table.

Materials

  • Construction paper in red, orange, yellow, and brown
  • Paint (red, orange, and yellow)
  • Googly eyes
  • Glue
  • Cotton balls
  • Paper plate

Instructions

  1. Start by cutting a paper plate in half.
  2. Using a cotton ball, dab it into red, orange, or yellow paint and start stamping the colors all over the plate. This part is so much fun for little hands and helps develop their fine motor skills. Repeat with each color to make vibrant turkey feathers. Let it dry completely.
  3. Grab some brown construction paper and cut out a turkey head shape. This is where younger kids might need a little help, but older kids can practice their scissor skills.
  4. Cut a small triangle from orange construction paper to make a beak and attach it to the face.
  5. Don’t forget to add a little piece of red paper for the wattle!
  6. Glue on googly eyes for that silly turkey expression.
  7. Assemble Your Turkey - Attach the turkey’s head to the center of the painted paper plate using glue.
  8. For a cute finishing touch, glue a cotton ball at the tip of the turkey’s head – it gives your humble turkey a fluffy twist!

Did you make this project?

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This craft checks all the boxes when it comes to Thanksgiving activities. It’s low-cost, super easy, and can involve kids of all ages. Younger kids will love the sensory fun of stamping with paint and cotton balls, while older kids can take pride in assembling their own cute turkey crafts. 

It’s also a fun way to bond as a family and sneak in a little creativity before Thanksgiving dinner. Plus, these paper plate turkeys can double as Thanksgiving table decorations or even place cards if you add a name to the turkey’s feathers!

Beyond the fun of creating, this craft also gives you a keepsake to treasure for years to come. Write your child’s name and the year on the back of the turkey as a sweet memory of this Thanksgiving. Looking back at these little crafts as they grow up is a special way to hold onto those precious moments.

Paper plate turkey toddler craft for thanksgiving

More Thanksgiving Crafts and Activities for Kids

Enjoyed this turkey activity and looking for more ways to keep the kiddos busy this turkey day? We’ve got you covered! From handprint turkey crafts to adorable cardboard turkey crafts, there’s something for everyone. These crafts are all designed to make the most of the spirit of the season, using different materials and techniques to keep little hands engaged.

Share the Thanksgiving Fun!

Did you and your kids have so much fun making this fun thanksgiving craft? We’d love to hear about it! Share this post with your friends and family, and spread the word about this easy and adorable Thanksgiving turkey craft. Happy crafting and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Paper plate turkey toddler craft for thanksgiving

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