This handprint turkey craft turns a simple paper cutout into a Christmas-ready turkey wrapped in glowing lights, all in about 30 minutes.
If you’re stuck in the gap between Thanksgiving and Christmas and want a craft that celebrates both, this is the one. No special tools needed. Just paper, paint, and a handful of Q-tips.
GRAB THE BOOK TURKEY VERSUS SANTA VIA OUR AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK
In Turkey vs. Santa by Todd Tarpley, a turkey and Santa face off as the holidays bump into each other. Kids love the silly showdown, and it sparks a fun question: what if the turkey joined the Christmas party instead of fighting it?
That’s exactly what this craft does. Your little one’s handprint becomes a turkey who has fully embraced the season. He gets a Santa hat, a string of twinkly lights, and a few festive friends around him.
Read the book first, then ask your kids, “How could we help Turkey get into the Christmas spirit?” Their answer becomes the craft.
Craft Supplies:
- Brown construction paper
- Dark gray cardstock paper
- Pencil
- Kid-safe scissors
- Glue stick
- Black fine-tip marker
- Washable paint in red, yellow, and green
- Q-tips (one per paint color)
- Small paper plate or palette for paint
- Markers for the beak and legs
- Holiday stickers/Santa hat embellishments
Directions:
1. Trace & Cut out the Handprint
Have your child spread their fingers wide on the brown construction paper. Trace around the hand with a pencil. Cut along the traced line to make your turkey’s body.
2. Glue the Handprint onto the Cardstock
Turn the handprint sideways so the thumb points left or right and the fingers point up. Glue it to the center of the gray cardstock.
3. Draw the Christmas Light Strings
Use the black marker to draw loopy, squiggly lines across the turkey’s feathers and body. Let a few strands spill off the turkey onto the gray background.
4. Dab On the Light Bulbs with Q-tips
This is the star of the show. Dip a Q-tip into red paint and dab dots along the black lines. Switch to a fresh Q-tip for yellow, then green.
5. Let the Paint Dry
Set the craft aside for 10 to 15 minutes. This is a great time to reread a favorite page from Turkey vs. Santa.
6. Add the Santa Hat & Details
Glue the hat onto the thumb. Add a small black dot near the top of the thumb for the eye. Then draw two short lines below the palm for legs using a gold or brown marker.
7. Decorate with Holiday Stickers
Let your child scatter stickers around the turkey, as well as helping them write their name and age on the back.
RELATED —> Q-Tip Painted Christmas Lights Picture Frame Ornament
GRAB THE BOOK TURKEY VERSUS SANTA VIA OUR AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK
If you’re looking for the perfect way to bridge the gap between Thanksgiving and Christmas, this craft does it beautifully. It celebrates both seasons in one fun, creative project that kids of all ages can enjoy. And when you pair it with Turkey vs. Santa by Todd Tarpley, you get a full activity — a story, a laugh, and a keepsake all rolled into one cozy craft session.
Whether you’re doing this at home on a quiet afternoon, setting it up as a classroom activity, or adding it to your holiday party lineup, we hope it brings a little extra magic to your season. Happy crafting, my friends!
