Toilet Paper Roll Turkey Craft: A Fun & Easy Thanksgiving Activity for Kids

toilet paper roll decorated to look like a turkey with text that reads easy and fun thanksgiving turkey craft for kids

Colorful feathers, wobbly googly eyes, and a bit of imagination come together in this Toilet Paper Roll Turkey Craft. It’s a kid-friendly project that brings big holiday charm from the simplest supplies. An empty cardboard roll transforms into a cheerful Thanksgiving turkey with construction paper feathers, a bright beak, and a red wattle, making it a festive favorite for classrooms, kitchens, and holiday tables alike.

This fall craft for kids is more than just a way to pass the time. It’s also a keepsake-worthy activity that encourages creativity, fine motor skills, and plenty of giggles along the way. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, eco-friendly, and endlessly customizable. This means every turkey has its own personality.

Why Kids Love the Toilet Paper Roll Turkey Craft

The fun of this toilet paper roll craft comes from taking an ordinary object and reimagining it as something special. Kids love crafts that feel hands-on and creative, and this one checks all the boxes:

Easy setup, minimal mess – It only takes a toilet paper roll, some construction paper, googly eyes, and glue.
Big results – Kids get to make a 3D turkey that can stand on its own, sit on the mantel, or be used as a table decoration.
Customizable – Every turkey turns out different. Kids can mix and match feather colors, draw on silly faces, or even add hats and bow ties for extra personality.
Perfect for all ages – Little ones can get help with cutting, while older kids can take full creative control.

Supplies for This Budget-Friendly Craft

Before starting, gather up the materials. Most of these are probably already at home, which makes this Thanksgiving activity for kids a budget-friendly win.

supplies for the Turkey craft for kids including construction paper scissors google eyes glue and a toilet paper roll

1 empty toilet paper roll (or paper towel roll cut in half)
Googly eyes
Yellow construction paper (for the beak)
Red construction paper (for the wattle)
Construction paper in fall colors like red, orange, and yellow (for the feathers)
Scissors
Glue stick or school glue

Step-by-Step Instructions for a Turkey Craft for Kids

Ready to craft your Thanksgiving turkey? Follow these simple steps:

1. Prep the Turkey Body

Start with a clean, empty toilet paper roll. This will be the turkey’s body. If desired, it can be painted brown before starting. Or just leave it the natural cardboard color to keep this fall craft for kids simple.

2. Make the Face

a close up of the toilet paper roll with eyes and a beak glued on

Cut a small triangle from the yellow construction paper for the turkey’s beak.
Cut out a red teardrop shape for the wattle.
Glue the googly eyes near the top of the toilet paper roll.
Glue the beak and wattle underneath the eyes so the turkey has a friendly little face.

3. Create the Feathers

a close up of feathers cut from the construction paper

Using red, orange, and yellow construction paper, cut out feather shapes.
Keep them simple (long ovals with pointed ends) or add little cuts along the edges to make them look more feather-like.
Once there’s a nice bunch of feathers, glue them together in a fan shape and then glue them to the back of the toilet paper roll. This will give the turkey that classic tail-feather look.

4. Let it Dry and Display

a close up of the feathers glued on the toilet paper roll

Give the glue a few minutes to set, and the turkey is ready to strut its stuff. Place it on the mantel, use it as a table centerpiece, or line several up to create a whole turkey flock.

Creative Ways to Use this Toilet Paper Roll Turkey

One of the best things about this budget-friendly craft is that it’s fun to make and useful too. Here are some creative ideas for putting your new feathered friend to work:

Thanksgiving Place Holders – Write guests’ names on the turkeys and place them at each spot around the table.
Gratitude Turkeys – Have kids write one thing they’re thankful for on each feather before gluing them in place. This turns the craft into a sweet keepsake that reflects the spirit of the holiday.
Classroom Display – Teachers can create a whole turkey flock with their students’ crafts and make a festive Thanksgiving bulletin board.
Mantel or Centerpiece Decor – A few of these turkeys grouped together instantly add a cozy, kid-made touch to Thanksgiving decor.

Benefits of This Thanksgiving Craft

Aside from being adorable, the Toilet Paper Roll Turkey Craft is packed with benefits for kids:

Fine motor skills – Cutting, gluing, and assembling help kids practice hand-eye coordination.
Creativity – No two turkeys are ever the same, and kids get to express their own style.
Patience & focus – Waiting for glue to dry and carefully arranging feathers teaches attention to detail.
Budget-friendly craft – This project gives new life to a common household item instead of tossing it in the trash.

Plus, kids love being part of the holiday prep. While the adults are busy cooking, this Thanksgiving craft for kids lets them contribute their own handmade decor to the celebration.

Classic Thanksgiving Activity for Kids

The Toilet Paper Roll Turkey Craft is a classic Thanksgiving activity for kids that never goes out of style. It’s a budget-friendly craft that’s simple enough for little ones and versatile enough to adapt for older kids. Best of all, it creates a lasting memory and a keepsake you’ll want to save year after year.

So this Thanksgiving season, don’t toss those toilet paper rolls in the recycling bin. Turn them into something fun and full of personality. Your kids will be proud of their creations, and your Thanksgiving decor will be that much more special.

stacie

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