Free Printable Thanksgiving Turkey for Coloring
Crafting a Festive Thanksgiving Turkey: Free Printable Template
Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude, family gatherings, and of course, festive decorations! One of the most enjoyable ways to prepare for the holiday is by engaging in fun, creative activities with family and friends. Whether you’re looking for thanksgiving crafts to keep the younger kids entertained or a charming centerpiece for your holiday table, a printable Thanksgiving turkey craft is the perfect solution. And this holiday is the perfect time for crafting with free thanksgiving printables!
In this post, I’ll guide you through creating a delightful Thanksgiving turkey using our free printable template. This craft is easy, requires minimal materials, and is a fantastic way to get everyone into the holiday spirit. Plus, it’s a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones, sharing laughter and creativity as you work together to create something special. This easy craft is great for all family members!
Why Choose a Printable Craft?
Printable crafts are incredibly convenient and versatile. With just a few clicks, you can download, print, and start creating.
Our Thanksgiving turkey template is designed with all ages in mind. It’s simple enough for children to enjoy while offering enough room for adults to add their personal touch. Yes, even older kids will enjoy this one – you can create cute turkeys in a fun way with preschoolers (think googly eyes!), or make it the perfect activity for the kids with higher skill levels to make festive and beautiful name place cards for the turkey dinner on Thanksgiving Day!
Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
- Printable Turkey Template: You can download our free template here.
- Cardstock or Thick Paper: For a sturdy turkey, print the template on cardstock or a thick paper of your choice. Regular paper doesn’t hold up as well.
- Construction Paper: You may want to glue your turkey pieces onto construction paper to make this easy activity be frame-able.
- Paper Plate (optional): You may like to glue your turkey feathers and turkey body onto a paper plate!
- Scissors: Ensure you have a pair of sharp scissors for cutting out the template pieces. (These alligator scissors are WAY too cute!)
- Glue or Tape: Use glue sticks or double-sided tape to assemble your turkey. (These are the cheapest glue sticks I’ve ever seen! >>> Amazon’s glue sticks)
- Markers, Crayons, or Colored Pencils: Add color and personality to your turkey with these. (These colored pencils offer all the shades you’ll need.)
- Optional: Googly Eyes, Feathers, Glitter: For extra fun, you can embellish your turkey with these additional materials.
Please do not upload or duplicate this free digital file — you are free to use this for personal use, school use, etc., and to share the blog post link, but do not sell the file. Thank you!
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Step-by-Step Instructions
- Download and Print the Template: Start by downloading the printable turkey template (link is the big rectangle below). Make sure your printer is set to the correct size (A4 or letter size) and print on cardstock for durability. If you’re crafting with younger children, consider printing a few extra copies in case of mistakes.
- Color Your Turkey: Before cutting out the pieces, color your turkey! Encourage creativity by letting kids choose their favorite colors. Traditional Thanksgiving colors like red, orange, yellow, and brown work well, but feel free to experiment with different hues to make your turkey unique.
- Cut Out the Template Pieces: Carefully cut out each piece of the turkey template. Depending on the age of the crafters, you may want to assist with this step. For younger children, consider pre-cutting the pieces or using safety scissors.
- Assemble the Turkey: Once all the pieces are cut out, it’s time to assemble your turkey. Start by placing all the cutout pieces onto your paper. Next, attach each piece with glue. You can arrange the feathers in a fan shape for a classic look or layer them for a more dynamic effect.
- Add Final Touches: Now that your turkey is assembled, it’s time to add any final touches. Attach googly eyes for a fun and silly look, or use markers to draw on facial features. If you’re feeling adventurous, add glitter or feathers of different colors to make your turkey truly stand out.
- Display Your Turkey: Once completed, find a special place to display your turkey. It can be a charming centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table, a fun decoration for the kids’ room, or even a festive addition to your front door. If you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, consider making a few extra turkeys to use as place card holders—simply write each guest’s name on the turkey’s body.
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Variations and Ideas
One of the great things about this printable turkey craft is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to take your creation to the next level:
- Thankful Turkey Craft: Turn your craft into a Thanksgiving tradition by creating a “Thankful Turkey.” Each family member can write something they’re grateful for on one of the tail feathers. This not only adds a personal touch to your decoration but also encourages reflection on the true meaning of Thanksgiving.
- Turkey Puppets: Attach a stick to the back of your turkey to create a puppet. These can be used for a fun Thanksgiving play or as a cute way for kids to present what they’re thankful for.
- 3D Turkeys: For a more advanced project, try making a 3D turkey. You can do this by printing the template multiple times and layering the pieces to create depth. Add real feathers or use foam paper for a more tactile experience.
- Turkey Garland: Print and assemble several turkeys to create a festive garland. String them together and hang them across a fireplace, doorway, or wall to add a touch of Thanksgiving cheer to your home. (Add dry fall leaves between each turkey cutout for a longer garland.)
Educational Benefits of Crafting
Crafting isn’t just about creating something beautiful—it’s also an excellent way to develop various skills, especially for children. Here’s what your little ones can gain from this activity:
- Fine Motor Skills: Cutting, coloring, and gluing help improve hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
- Creativity: Crafting encourages imagination and allows children to express themselves artistically. Fall colors are some of the best, don’t you agree?
- Following Instructions: Completing the turkey craft requires following steps, which helps develop sequencing and problem-solving skills.
- Patience and Focus: Crafting teaches children to take their time and focus on the task at hand, which can be particularly beneficial in today’s fast-paced, digital world.
- Family Bonding: Working together on a craft project is a great way to strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories. Add some pumpkin pie, and you’re all set! 😆
Crafting Thanksgiving turkeys with our printable turkey templates can be a fun tradition! Whether you’re making this turkey as a decoration for your Thanksgiving meal or as a gift for grandma, the process is sure to bring joy and a sense of accomplishment.
So, gather your materials, download our template, and get ready for a fun activity that will be a hit at your holiday gathering. Happy crafting, and Happy Thanksgiving!
Here are some other free printables:
Thanksgiving coloring pages: https://coolmompicks.com/blog/2018/11/13/free-thanksgiving-coloring-pages-for-children-gratitude/
Printable Thanksgiving Placemats: https://www.skiptomylou.org/thanksgiving-placemats/
Cute Turkey Coloring Pages: https://printcolorfun.com/wp-content/uploads/print-this.php?printable=Cute-turkey-Thanksgiving-coloring-page.jpg
