The easiest turkey disguise idea is a job costume made from paper and fabric scraps. Below are 75 original ideas with materials, time and difficulty, and a matching template for each.
New to the project? Start with the parent guide, or make a template first.
A tall white paper hat, an apron from a scrap of fabric and a craft-stick spoon make the turkey the head cook, far too busy to be dinner.
You need: white paper, scissors, glue, fabric scrap, craft stick.
Open a matching template for Chef TurkeyFoil wraps the body, a clear plastic lid becomes the helmet and button controls go on the chest. Nobody looks for a turkey in orbit.
You need: aluminium foil, clear plastic lid, buttons, glue, marker.
Open a matching template for Astronaut TurkeyA red felt coat with yellow stripes and a small helmet cut from a paper plate. Add a length of string for the hose.
You need: red felt, yellow felt, paper plate, string, glue.
Open a matching template for Firefighter TurkeyA white paper coat, a pipe-cleaner stethoscope and a head mirror made from a bottle cap. The turkey is on call all day.
You need: white paper, pipe cleaner, bottle cap, marker, glue.
Open a matching template for Doctor TurkeyOveralls from a scrap of old denim, a yellow paper hat and a pitchfork of craft sticks. Hiding among farmers should work.
You need: denim scrap, yellow paper, craft sticks, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Farmer TurkeyA black paper hat with a drawn skull, an eye patch on a loop of string and a striped shirt of crayon lines.
You need: black paper, white crayon, string, scissors, tape.
Open a matching template for Pirate TurkeyA crown cut from a cereal box and a gown of layered tissue paper, tied with a ribbon sash.
You need: cereal box cardboard, tissue paper, ribbon, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Princess TurkeyFoil armour plates, a cardboard shield with a crayoned crest and a small paper-tube sword.
You need: aluminium foil, cardboard, crayons, paper tube, glue.
Open a matching template for Knight TurkeyA fabric-scrap cape and a black paper mask. Let the child invent the hero name and write it on the back.
You need: fabric scrap, black paper, glue, marker, scissors.
Open a matching template for Superhero TurkeyA helmet from a brown paper bag with strips of white paper for the face guard, plus a number on the jersey.
You need: brown paper bag, white paper, marker, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Football Player TurkeyCoffee filters stacked in layers make a ruffled tutu. Finish with a ribbon bow at the waist.
You need: coffee filters, ribbon, glue, marker, scissors.
Open a matching template for Ballerina TurkeyRaffia or dry grass sticks out at the cuffs, a patch of fabric sits on the chest and a floppy hat keeps the sun off.
You need: raffia or dry grass, brown paper, fabric patches, glue, twine.
Open a matching template for Scarecrow TurkeyCotton balls glued all over, a carrot-orange paper nose, button eyes and a strip of fabric scarf.
You need: cotton balls, orange paper, buttons, fabric strip, glue.
Open a matching template for Snowman TurkeySquares of orange tissue paper cover the body, and a real twig makes the stem. A pumpkin patch is a good place to hide.
You need: orange tissue paper, twig, green paper, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Pumpkin TurkeyScales cut from blue and green paper overlap down the body, and glitter glue on the tail gives it a shimmer.
You need: blue and green paper, glitter glue, ribbon, scissors, glue.
Open a matching template for Mermaid TurkeyA small cardboard box covered in foil, bottle-cap dials and a pipe-cleaner antenna. Beep boop, not gobble.
You need: small cardboard box, aluminium foil, bottle caps, pipe cleaner, tape.
Open a matching template for Robot TurkeyA felt vest with snipped fringe, a foil sheriff star and a brown paper hat with a curled brim.
You need: brown felt, foil, brown paper, scissors, glue.
Open a matching template for Cowboy TurkeyA crisscross paper cone for the body and pom-poms for the scoops, with a red pom-pom cherry on top.
You need: brown paper, pom-poms, marker, glue.
Open a matching template for Ice-Cream Cone TurkeyA rolled-paper horn and a rainbow yarn mane. The tail fan becomes a sparkly rainbow of colored paper.
You need: yarn, white paper, markers, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Unicorn TurkeyGreen paper triangles run along the back and a paper-plate frill sits around the head. Roar quietly.
You need: green paper, paper plate, crayons, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Dinosaur TurkeyA blue paper cap, a foil badge and a black felt belt. Everything about this turkey says it is on patrol.
You need: blue paper, foil, black felt strip, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Police Officer TurkeyGoggles from egg-carton cups, a paper lab coat and a test tube made from a rolled-up piece of clear plastic.
You need: egg carton cups, pipe cleaner, white paper, clear plastic, tape.
Open a matching template for Scientist TurkeyA felt beret, a cardboard palette with dots of paint and a paintbrush made from a craft stick and a scrap of foam.
You need: felt, cardboard, washable paint, craft stick, glue.
Open a matching template for Artist TurkeyGlue real fallen leaves all over the turkey, layer upon layer, until only the beak is showing.
You need: fallen leaves, glue, paper turkey, scissors.
Open a matching template for Leaf Pile TurkeyA pine cone is the body, with a felt head, a paper tail and two twig legs. A tiny 3D turkey that stands up by itself.
You need: pine cone, felt, paper, twigs, glue.
Open a matching template for Pine Cone TurkeyA brown paper trunk, branches of rolled paper and a crown of leaves. The turkey is standing perfectly still.
You need: brown paper, real or paper leaves, glue, scissors, crayons.
Open a matching template for Autumn Tree TurkeyA chef hat, an apron dusted in flour (white chalk) and felt pepperoni, mushrooms and cheese to hold.
You need: white paper, red felt, chalk, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Pizza Maker TurkeyFold yellow paper into a taco shell, then fill it with crumpled green, red and white paper. The turkey peeks out of the top.
You need: yellow paper, green, red and white paper, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Taco TurkeyGreen felt covers the body, with white thread stitches for spikes and a small pink felt flower on top.
You need: green felt, white thread, pink felt, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Cactus TurkeyWhite paper with black spots, two ears and a pink paper nose. Moo is not much of a disguise, but it is worth a try.
You need: white paper, black paper, pink paper, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Cow TurkeyPointy paper ears, drawn whiskers and a long tail made from a pipe cleaner. It has even learned to purr.
You need: paper, black marker, pipe cleaner, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Cat TurkeyLayers of felt feathers, big round eyes made from paper circles and a tiny beak. Owls are never on the menu.
You need: brown felt, white paper, orange paper, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Owl TurkeyLong paper ears, a cotton-ball tail and carrot-orange paper in one hand. A bunny is just a turkey with better ears.
You need: paper, cotton ball, orange paper, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Bunny TurkeyA pink paper snout made from a bottle cap, curly pipe-cleaner tail and floppy paper ears.
You need: pink paper, bottle cap, pipe cleaner, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Pig TurkeyOrange scales cut from tissue paper, a flowing fin and big bubbles drawn all around. The turkey is swimming away.
You need: orange tissue paper, white paper, blue marker, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Goldfish TurkeyOld book pages cut into strips and glued over the turkey, with round paper glasses and a tiny bookmark tail.
You need: old book pages, glue, paper glasses, scissors.
Open a matching template for Bookworm TurkeyA yellow paper sleeve, a pink eraser hat and a sharpened grey tip. A very sharp disguise.
You need: yellow paper, pink paper, grey paper, tape, scissors.
Open a matching template for Pencil TurkeyAn orange paper cone with white stripes covers the whole turkey, leaving just the eyes to peek out.
You need: orange paper, white paper, tape, scissors.
Open a matching template for Traffic Cone TurkeyGreen felt body, big bulging eyes from egg-carton cups and a long red felt tongue.
You need: green felt, egg carton cups, red felt, glue, marker.
Open a matching template for Frog TurkeyBrown fabric scraps for fur, round ears and a ribbon bow at the neck. It looks cuddly, not delicious.
You need: brown fabric scraps, ribbon, buttons, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Teddy Bear TurkeyYellow and black stripes, paper wings and two pipe-cleaner antennae. Buzz around the room as you present it.
You need: yellow paper, black paper, pipe cleaners, tissue paper, glue.
Open a matching template for Bumblebee TurkeyA red paper shell covered in black spots, with the head tucked below and two small antennae.
You need: red paper, black paper, pipe cleaner, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Ladybug TurkeyEight paper-strip arms curled around a pencil, with suction-cup dots drawn along each one.
You need: paper strips, pencil, markers, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Octopus TurkeyA little paper mailbag, a cap and a stack of tiny envelopes. Delivering a letter that says "Please do not eat me".
You need: grey paper, envelopes, string, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Mail Carrier TurkeyA yellow paper hard hat, a safety vest of orange felt and a toy hammer made from a craft stick.
You need: yellow paper, orange felt, craft stick, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Construction Worker TurkeyRound goggles, a leather-brown paper cap with flaps and a white fabric scarf. Cleared for take-off.
You need: brown paper, white fabric, egg carton cups, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Pilot TurkeyRound paper glasses, a tiny pointer made from a craft stick and a blackboard from a scrap of black card.
You need: paper, black card, craft stick, chalk, glue.
Open a matching template for Teacher TurkeyA tall chef hat, an apron and a tray of small paper cookies. The turkey is baking, not roasting.
You need: white paper, brown paper, fabric scrap, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Baker TurkeyA striped paper jersey, shin pads and a small ball from a scrunched-up ball of foil.
You need: colored paper, foil, marker, tape, scissors.
Open a matching template for Soccer Player TurkeyA swim cap from a paper bowl, goggles from egg-carton cups and a blue crayon wave of water.
You need: paper bowl, egg carton cups, blue crayon, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Swimmer TurkeyThe turkey sits in a paper tent with a small campfire of orange felt flames and a pine cone.
You need: brown paper, orange felt, pine cone, twigs, glue.
Open a matching template for Camper TurkeyA tall pointed hat of dark blue paper, covered in stars, and a twig for a wand.
You need: dark blue paper, star stickers, twig, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Wizard TurkeyTissue paper wings, a flower crown of felt petals and a wand with a star on the end.
You need: tissue paper, felt, craft stick, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Fairy TurkeyGreen paper-plate scales, red tissue paper flames and a tail that wraps around a cardboard tube.
You need: green paper plates, red tissue paper, cardboard tube, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Dragon TurkeyA white cloth or tissue-paper sheet draped over the turkey, with two black felt eyes.
You need: white cloth or tissue paper, black felt, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Ghost TurkeyGreen paper skin, three wobbly pipe-cleaner antennae and a foil flying saucer to sit it on.
You need: green paper, pipe cleaners, foil, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Alien TurkeyStrips of toilet paper wrapped around and around the turkey, with two googly eyes peeking out.
You need: toilet paper, googly eyes, glue, paper turkey.
Open a matching template for Mummy TurkeyA brown crust of crinkled paper, orange filling and a dollop of cotton-ball whipped cream. Hidden among the desserts.
You need: brown paper, orange paper, cotton balls, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Pumpkin Pie TurkeyYellow yarn kernels glued in neat rows and green paper husks folded down the sides.
You need: yellow yarn, green paper, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Corn on the Cob TurkeyStrips of tissue paper in every color glued in curved bands across the tail feathers and body.
You need: tissue paper, glue, paper turkey, scissors.
Open a matching template for Rainbow TurkeyCotton balls cover the body and a paper raindrop hangs from each feather. Look up, not down.
You need: cotton balls, blue paper, string, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Cloud TurkeyStripes of colored paper make the layers, with paper candle flames on top. Add sprinkles drawn with markers.
You need: colored paper, yellow paper, markers, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Birthday Cake TurkeySmall squares of foil glued all over the body, so it throws light around the room like a mirror ball.
You need: aluminium foil, glue, scissors, paper turkey, string.
Open a matching template for Disco Ball TurkeyA cardboard guitar, sunglasses cut from black paper and a tall spiky hairstyle of paper strips.
You need: cardboard, black paper, paper strips, string, glue.
Open a matching template for Rock Star TurkeyA red pom-pom nose, a ruffled paper collar and a stripy hat. Add glitter glue if you like it flashy.
You need: red pom-pom, colored paper, glitter glue, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Clown TurkeyA top hat made from a black paper cylinder, a cape of dark fabric and a wand. Pull a paper rabbit out of the hat.
You need: black paper, dark fabric, craft stick, white paper, glue.
Open a matching template for Magician TurkeyA checked paper cap, a magnifying glass from a paper plate ring and a clue trail of small footprints.
You need: paper, paper plate, marker, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Detective TurkeyFolded and cut paper snowflakes cover every feather, with a coat of white paint over the body.
You need: white paper, scissors, white washable paint, glue.
Open a matching template for Snowflake TurkeyA sweet disguise: mini marshmallows and gumdrops stuck on with icing make the turkey look like a candy garden.
You need: mini marshmallows, gumdrops, icing, paper plate.
Open a matching template for Gumdrop Garden TurkeyRings of colored breakfast cereal are glued in patterns to make the feathers into a mosaic. Cereal is a food, so it is not candy-free.
You need: colored cereal rings, glue, paper turkey, cardboard.
Open a matching template for Cereal Mosaic TurkeyA crown cut from foam and covered in glitter glue, plus a feather boa of tissue paper.
You need: foam sheet, glitter glue, tissue paper, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Sparkle Queen TurkeyAcorn caps become a row of tiny helmets along the tail, and a big one sits on the head. A whole squad of woodland soldiers.
You need: acorn caps, brown paper, glue, twigs.
Open a matching template for Acorn Cap TurkeyDried beans, lentils and seeds glued in colored patches turn every feather into a tiny mosaic tile.
You need: dried beans and seeds, glue, cardboard turkey, tweezers.
Open a matching template for Seed Mosaic TurkeyBuild a small shelter from twigs and leaves, set the turkey inside and call it a bird-watching hide.
You need: twigs, leaves, glue, cardboard base.
Open a matching template for Twig Hut TurkeyA paper nightcap, striped pyjama top from crayon stripes and a pillow. Not a turkey in sight, just someone asleep.
You need: paper, crayons, cotton wool, glue, scissors.
Open a matching template for Sleepy Turkey in PyjamasNo idea matches all of those filters. Clear one and try again.
Start from something the child already loves. A turkey that is a ballerina, a dinosaur or a pizza maker gets finished because the child cares how it looks. Then match the idea to the time you have: easy ideas take under half an hour, medium ones about 30 to 45 minutes, and hard ones are best split over two evenings.
Look in the recycling bin and craft drawer before you buy anything. Cereal boxes, foil, egg cartons, fabric scraps and fallen leaves make better costumes than most kits, and every material here is something ordinary.
Every costume on its own coloring page, cut-and-paste pieces sheets for each costume and three writing prompt sheets, as one PDF.
Enter your email and the PDF downloads straight away in your browser. Letter or A4.
It is a classic Thanksgiving school activity. The turkey wants to avoid being eaten, so the child decorates a paper turkey to look like something else, such as a chef, an astronaut or a pile of leaves. Many classes add a short piece of writing about the disguise.
Ask questions, hold the scissors steady and handle hot glue. Let the child choose the disguise and do most of the making. Teachers can usually tell, and a wobbly turkey the child made feels better than a perfect one an adult made.
Pick an idea marked easy: paper hats, cotton-ball clouds, tissue-paper rainbows and crayon costumes. They need only simple cutting and gluing, and a child can finish one in 15 to 25 minutes.
Yes. Use the “Candy-free” and “Glitter-free” filters. Most ideas are already both, which keeps classroom projects safe for allergies and easy to clean.
No. All costumes are everyday jobs, animals, foods and fantasy characters we made up, so they work in any classroom. If your class wants a different idea, the blank turkey is there for anything you can imagine.