Recycled Tin Can Turkey Craft for Kids

If you’re looking for a fun and creative way to celebrate Thanksgiving with your kids, this tin can turkey craft is the perfect project! With a simple recycled can, paint, craft sticks and a few craft supplies, your little ones can create their very own turkey craft.

It’s a great way to teach kids about reusing materials while making a festive piece to display on your holiday table or mantle. Plus, it’s easy enough for younger kids but still fun for older ones to enjoy, too!

Notice: This post contains affiliate links. To learn more, read our Disclaimer Here.

Supplies You’ll Need for Your Tin Can Turkey Craft

You only need a handful of supplies to make this colorful gratitude turkey craft.

Empty tin can (label removed)
Paintbrush
Craft sticks
Acrylic paint in fall colors (red, orange, brown, yellow)
Yellow & Red construction paper
Googly eyes
Glue (hot glue or tacky glue)
Tissue paper (any color)
Marker

How to Make a Turkey from a Tin Can

1. Prepare and Paint Your Turkey

Remove the label from a clean, empty tin can. Wash thoroughly and let it dry completely. Once the tin can is dry, grab some brown paint and paint it brown. Then set aside to dry.

2. Create the feathers:

Paint several craft sticks in fall colors like red, orange, and yellow. Let them dry.

3. Make the face of the turkey:

Cut a small triangle from yellow construction paper for the beak and a wiggly shape from red construction paper for the wattle.

4. Assemble the turkey:

Glue the googly eyes, beak, and wattle onto the front of the tin can to make the turkey’s face.

5. Fill the can:

Crumple tissue paper and place it inside the can. This will help hold the gratitude craft sticks upright.

7. Add gratitude feathers:

Have kids write one thing they’re thankful for on each painted craft stick using a marker. Stick them into the can so they stand up like tail feathers.

Daily gratitude tradition: Each day leading up to Thanksgiving, add a new “gratitude feather” to the turkey until it’s full.

Final Thoughts:

This gratitude turkey craft is a fun way to get kids excited for Thanksgiving while also giving new life to something you already have at home. It’s festive, simple, and makes the perfect DIY decoration for your holiday table or classroom.

If your kids loved this activity, be sure to check out more of our Thanksgiving crafts—they’ll keep little hands busy and creativity flowing all season long!

More Fall Crafts to Try:

If you enjoyed this craft, save it for later and follow us on Pinterest for more fun ideas.

Recycled Tin Can Turkey Craft for Kids

Supplies You’ll Need for Your Tin Can Turkey Craft