Handprint Turkey Painting: A Cute Thanksgiving Keepsake!

Handprint crafts are always a hit in our house, and this handprint turkey painting was a favorite! My kids love when I paint their hands, and they always giggle as the brush tickles their fingers. It’s such a simple way to get them excited about Thanksgiving, and the process makes it feel even more memorable.

This craft is perfect for making keepsakes or cards to send to family and friends for Thanksgiving. There’s something so sweet about capturing their little handprints, knowing that each one is unique to this moment in time. Plus, the colors make the finished product feel festive and fun, perfect for the holiday.

We had a lot of fun picking out colors for the feathers, and each child’s turkey turned out a little different. This activity not only lets kids explore colors and textures but also gives us a chance to talk about Thanksgiving and things we’re thankful for. If you’re looking for a simple but meaningful holiday craft, this handprint turkey is a great option.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Materials

• FREE Happy Thanksgiving template (scroll down to get it for free!) or any paper you have on hand
• Paint (we used brown, red, orange, yellow, and green)
• Paint brushes
• Orange and red markers
• Googly eyes
• Glue

You can use our free template, which already has a “Happy Thanksgiving” message, or grab any paper you have available. We love using these colors for a classic Thanksgiving look, but feel free to let your child pick their own colors!

Looking for more Thanksgiving themed activities? Try our Thankful Turkey!

Tips for Painting Toddlers’ Hands

Painting a toddler’s hand can be a bit tricky, but with a few simple tips, it can be a fun and smooth experience:

• Use a Brush: A small paintbrush works best to paint your toddler’s hand, giving you more control over where the paint goes and allowing you to apply colors evenly. This also helps to avoid any big messes! My son thought the paintbrush was tickly and thought it was hilarious that we were purposely painting his hand and not the paper.
• Choose Washable Paint: Be sure to use washable, non-toxic paint. We always use this paint for our crafts and it washes off hands really easily! This makes it easier to clean up and keeps it safe for your little one. We always have wipes or a wet washcloth handy for quick clean-ups.
• Encourage Them to Stay Still: Ask your child to spread their fingers slightly and keep their hand open while you paint it. To keep them from getting wiggly, you can sing a short song or count to 10 while you paint! You can even do the “this little piggy went to the market” song while you paint each finger.
• Use a Towel or Wet Wipe: Place a towel or paper towel under their hand to catch any drips while painting or after they press their hand onto the paper. This helps contain any accidental spills.
• Press Gently: Once the hand is painted, gently help your child press their hand onto the paper. Make sure they hold still long enough for the paint to transfer properly, but don’t worry about being perfect—it’s all part of the fun! My son wanted to move his hand around on the paper so we had to do a quick hand stamp so the paint wouldn’t smudge.

How to make the Handprint Turkey

1. Print out the free Happy Thanksgiving template (scroll down to get it for free!) or use any paper you have on hand.
2. Pick out paint colors with your child for the turkey feathers.
3. Paint your child’s hand: Cover their entire palm and thumb with brown paint for the turkey’s body, and paint each of the other four fingers a different color to make colorful feathers.
4. Press their hand on the paper: Help them gently press their hand down on the paper. They can either keep their fingers close together or spread them out—both styles make a fun turkey shape!
5. Add details once the paint dries: Glue on a googly eye, and use markers to draw the turkey’s feet, comb, and wattle.

This simple step-by-step process lets your child enjoy a bit of messy fun while creating a sweet Thanksgiving keepsake!

Variations to the Handprint Turkey Project

• Use Different Colors: Instead of traditional fall colors, let your child choose any colors they love for the turkey’s feathers! This can create a fun, whimsical turkey that’s unique to them.
• Add Glitter or Sequins: After the paint dries, add some sparkle by gluing on glitter or sequins to the feathers. This adds an extra layer of fun and a bit of shine.
• Create a Family Turkey Display: Have each family member make their own handprint turkey on the same paper to create a group of turkeys. It makes a wonderful keepsake of everyone’s hand sizes from that year!
• Use It as a Card or Gift: Fold the paper in half to create a Thanksgiving card, or use a small canvas so it can be displayed year after year.
• Personalize with a Message: Add a “Happy Thanksgiving” or “I’m Thankful For…” message on the paper. It’s a great way for kids to share what they’re thankful for alongside their handprint art.

How to Get the Free Happy Thanksgiving Template

To make this handprint turkey craft even easier, grab the free “Happy Thanksgiving” template! Just enter your email in the form below, and you’ll receive instant access to the template along with other seasonal crafts and printables. This template is perfect for adding a festive touch to your child’s artwork, whether you’re using it for a keepsake, card, or decoration. Happy crafting!