Paper Bag Turkey Craft for Kids: Step-by-Step Thanksgiving Activity

Looking for a playful centerpiece for the kids’ table this Thanksgiving? Try this easy paper bag turkey craft. It’s quick to assemble, budget-friendly, and perfect for keeping little hands entertained. Fill it with popcorn to double as a kid-friendly snack or with confetti for a festive surprise.

With just paper lunch bags or a grocery bag and a few basic supplies, you can create a charming turkey that will delight your youngest guests. Below is a clear, step-by-step guide to making the paper bag turkey centerpiece.

Supplies Needed for a Paper Bag Turkey

You only need a few simple items:

• 1 grocery bag plus 2 paper lunch bags, or 1 paper lunch bag plus 2 smaller treat bags (choose sizes based on how big you want the turkey)
• “Stuffing” such as confetti or popcorn
• Tissue paper
• Scissors
• Hot glue or glue dots

How To Make the Paper Bag Turkey Craft

Follow these straightforward steps to assemble your turkey centerpiece:

1. Open a lunch bag (or a grocery bag for a larger turkey). Flatten and squash each bottom corner by placing one hand inside the bag and pressing the other hand on the outside to create crisp angled sides.

2. Fill the bag with your chosen “stuffing” — confetti for a colorful effect or popcorn if you want it to double as a snack. Be generous when filling the bag so it looks full and rounded.

3. Roll the top opening of the stuffed bag under, then fold the bottom sides inward to form angled edges along the rolled seam. This shapes the turkey body and creates a place to attach the legs.

4. Make the legs by flattening the corners of the smaller treat bags the same way. Fill these with confetti or popcorn if you like, then twist the bottom closed to secure the contents.

5. Cut a 2–3″ strip of tissue paper and fringe one edge to add detail around the turkey leg.

6. Secure one end of the fringed tissue to the twisted top of each leg with hot glue or a glue dot. Wrap the strip around the twist to create the drumstick look, then fasten the end.

7. Attach each leg to the angled edges of the stuffed lunch bag with hot glue or glue dots. Position the legs so they sit evenly along the folded angles for a balanced appearance.

BAM — your turkey is done and ready to star at the kids’ table. Place it on a platter and enjoy the delighted reactions from the little ones.

Displaying Your Paper Bag Turkey at the Kids Table

Set the paper bag turkey on a platter in the center of the kids’ table, just like a real roast turkey. It makes a playful focal point and can double as a snack station if filled with popcorn.

Confetti Popper Turkey Legs

For extra fun, create additional turkey legs as individual confetti poppers to place at each child’s setting. They make playful party favors and add lively energy when popped at dessert time.

More Thanksgiving Crafts

If you enjoy this project, try more simple Thanksgiving crafts to decorate your table and entertain kids throughout the holiday.

• Leftover pie labels for Thanksgiving (free printable)
• DIY Thanksgiving balloons

Step-by-step photos by Studio DIY. Additional photos courtesy of Mary Costa Photography.

This paper bag turkey craft is an easy, affordable way to make your Thanksgiving memorable for kids. It’s versatile, quick to assemble, and a delightful addition to any holiday table.

For more Thanksgiving DIY ideas, explore other simple projects and decorations to enhance your celebration.