Turkey Paper Bag Craft: A Fun and Simple Thanksgiving Activity

a paper bag decorated to look like a turkey

One of my favorite things about Thanksgiving is how it invites creativity. Yes, there’s the food and the family time, but I also love pulling out crafts that give kids a chance to make something with their own hands. The Turkey Paper Bag Craft is one of those activities that’s just the right mix of simple and fun. By the end, kids have not just a craft to display, but a puppet they can actually play with — which usually means lots of silly turkey voices around the room.

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a paper bag decorated to look like a turkey turkey paper bag craft

All you really need is a plain paper bag, some construction paper, scissors, glue, and a marker. With a few cut-out pieces — feathers, wings, a beak, maybe even a little hat — that ordinary bag turns into a colorful turkey ready for Thanksgiving. If you’re like me, you’ll appreciate that the supplies are inexpensive and easy to find. Most of the time, you already have everything in a classroom or at home.

How To Make This Turkey Paper Bag Craft

colored construction paper cut out to look like parts of a turkey

The process is straightforward but still gives kids plenty of room for creativity. Start by cutting and tracing the templates onto construction paper in the right colors — brown for the body, red or orange for the beak and wattle, bright shades for the feathers. Once everything is cut, children can start assembling, one piece at a time. I’ve seen kids carefully outline the feathers with markers, draw patterns across the wings, or give their turkey extra-large eyes just for fun. That’s the best part — every turkey comes out a little different.

a brown paper bag with a construction paper hat on top

When the bag is finished, the turkey suddenly becomes more than just a craft. It’s a puppet. Kids slip their hands inside, flap the wings, and make the turkeys “talk.” If you’re working with a classroom full of children, this turns into a spontaneous puppet show almost every time. At home, it’s the kind of project that entertains kids while dinner is being prepped — and it’s surprisingly fun for adults to get in on too.

Benefits Of This Turkey Paper Bag Craft

What makes this craft special is how many skills it sneaks in without kids even realizing it. Cutting and gluing build fine motor strength. Following each step helps with sequencing. Outlining details with a marker encourages artistic expression. For little ones, it’s a chance to practice colors and shapes. For older kids, it can tie into writing or storytelling — they can create a whole adventure for their turkey puppet once it’s finished.

Pair It With A Read Aloud

If you’re looking to connect the craft to literacy, pairing it with a read-aloud makes it even more engaging. Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano is a classroom favorite, with a turkey who tries to disguise himself to avoid being dinner. A Plump and Perky Turkey by Teresa Bateman is another playful option, full of humor and creativity. For something more informational, National Geographic Kids: Thanksgiving by Molly Aloian introduces children to the history and traditions of the holiday. After reading, making the turkey puppet feels like an extension of the story.

How To Use This Turkey Craft

In a classroom, this craft works beautifully as part of a Thanksgiving art center. Teachers can prep the templates ahead of time and let students cut, glue, and decorate their own turkeys. The finished puppets look adorable on a bulletin board or lined up on a shelf, but they’re even better when kids use them for pretend play. At home, this project is a nice way to keep kids busy while adults finish up cooking. The puppets can even be part of the dinner entertainment — imagine a chorus of turkey voices gobbling thanks around the table.

Another thing I love is how affordable and low-stress this project is. Paper bags usually come in big packs, and construction paper lasts through multiple crafts. With just scissors, glue, and a little imagination, you have a holiday activity that kids will remember. Unlike more complicated crafts, this one doesn’t require any specialty supplies or hours of prep. That means you can enjoy the process along with the kids, instead of worrying about the setup.

A Meaningful Thanksgiving Craft

The Turkey Paper Bag Craft isn’t just about making something cute for Thanksgiving. It’s about giving children a chance to create, to laugh, and to share what they’ve made. When kids hold up their finished turkeys, they’re proud of their work — and that pride is what makes the activity special. It becomes part of the holiday memory-making, right alongside the food and family traditions.

Whether you’re a teacher wanting an easy classroom project or a parent looking for something to keep little hands busy, this craft fits perfectly. It’s simple, fun, and just festive enough to capture the spirit of Thanksgiving without being overwhelming. And honestly, once you hear a room full of kids making their paper bag turkeys gobble in silly voices, you’ll be glad you added this to your holiday plans.

Grab The FREE Template Below

Turkey Template

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