Easy Handprint Turkey Craft for Preschoolers + Free Printable Keepsake

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of year to slow down, reflect on what we’re thankful for, and make sweet keepsakes with the kids. If you’re looking for an easy, meaningful craft for your classroom or at home, this Easy Handprint Turkey Craft for Preschoolers is the perfect project!

This adorable Thanksgiving craft comes with a free printable poem that makes it extra special. It’s simple enough for little hands, colorful, and creates a keepsake parents will treasure for years to come.

Free Handprint Turkey Poem Printable

Your printable says:

“This isn't just a turkey, as anyone can see.
I made it with my hand which is a part of me.
It comes with lots of love, especially to say,
I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving Day!”

At the bottom, there’s a space for your child to fill in “I am thankful for _________.”

This little touch encourages even preschoolers to practice gratitude while making something they’re proud of.

👉 [Download Your Free Handprint Turkey Poem Printable Here!]

Supplies You’ll Need

Free printable handprint turkey poem template

Washable paint (brown, red, yellow, orange, green, purple, etc.)

Paintbrushes or sponges

Paper plate or paint tray

Baby wipes or paper towels for easy cleanup

Optional: googly eyes, markers, or glitter for decorating

How to Make the Easy Handprint Turkey Craft

1. Print the template. Download and print the free handprint turkey poem printable on white cardstock or thick paper so it can hold paint well.

2. Paint your child’s hand.
Paint the palm and thumb brown for the turkey’s body and head.

Then paint each finger a different color to make the turkey’s feathers. You can use a mix of red, orange, yellow, green, and purple, or whatever colors your child loves!

3. Make the handprint.
Carefully press your child’s painted hand onto the paper where indicated, pressing gently to make sure all the colors transfer. Lift straight up and let it dry completely.

4. Add details.
Once dry, your child can use a marker or googly eye for the turkey’s eye and draw a beak or wattle if you’d like to add more personality!

5. Fill in the thankful line.
When the paint is dry, help your child write (or dictate) something they are thankful for on the line:
“I am thankful for __________.”

6. Display or gift it!
These make wonderful Thanksgiving gifts for parents or grandparents, handprint books, or a festive classroom display. You can even laminate them to keep as a yearly memory!

Why We Love This Thanksgiving Craft

❤️ Easy for preschoolers: Simple steps and minimal supplies make it perfect for young kids.

🦃 Meaningful keepsake: Captures their tiny handprint and gratitude in one adorable craft.

🎨 Fun and colorful: Kids love choosing their own feather colors and seeing their turkey come to life.

🍁 Perfect for teachers: Great for classroom bulletin boards or Thanksgiving take-home projects.

Tips for Success

- Have a wet wipe station ready, trust me, it saves time!

- Use a paintbrush instead of dipping hands directly into paint for cleaner prints.

- If you’re doing this in a classroom, label each child’s paper before painting to avoid mix-ups.

- Laminate finished crafts to preserve them as Thanksgiving keepsakes.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Handprint Turkey Craft for Preschoolers is a Thanksgiving favorite in our home (and in my classroom). It’s simple, heartwarming, and captures a moment in time you’ll never want to forget. Every year, I love looking back at the tiny handprints and seeing how much the kids have grown and reading the new things they’re thankful for.

Don’t forget to download your free printable handprint turkey poem template and make this sweet craft with your little turkeys today!

Pin it for later!

Written by Diana Chastain from Nanny to Mommy

Nanny to Mommy