Easy Turkey Bookmark Craft for Kids (Free Printable)
Updated November 8, 2026
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
Looking for a fun Thanksgiving craft that also encourages reading? This adorable turkey bookmark craft is easy to make with our free printable template!
Kids can color their turkeys, cut them out, and turn them into cute bookmarks that hold their place in their favorite books.
What makes this turkey bookmark extra fun is its little wing! Instead of folding or gluing anything together, the wing clips over the book page while the turkey’s body stays behind it.
It’s a simple, budget-friendly activity that combines creativity, fine motor practice, and reading. Perfect for a Thanksgiving homeschool activity, classroom craft, or a fun afternoon at home!
Best of all, you’ll only need a few basic supplies to get started.
Why Make a Turkey Bookmark Craft?
I love crafts that kids can actually use after they’re finished creating them!
These little turkey bookmarks are more than just a cute Thanksgiving project. They give kids an opportunity to practice important skills while making something useful.
Here’s what kids can learn from this activity:
- Fine motor skills: Coloring and cutting help develop hand control and coordination.
- Scissor skills: Cutting around the feathers and wing provides practice following curved lines.
- Creativity: Kids can choose their favorite colors and decorate their turkeys however they like.
- Following directions: Making the bookmark encourages kids to work through simple steps.
- Reading motivation: Having a special bookmark they made themselves can make reading time more exciting.
These bookmarks are also a fun way to add a little creativity to your Thanksgiving homeschool lessons.
For another Thanksgiving activity that combines crafting with imaginative play, try our Turkey Paper Bag Puppet Craft with Free Printable.
How to Make a Turkey Bookmark
This easy Thanksgiving craft requires just a few supplies and our free printable turkey bookmark template.
Supplies You’ll Need
Tip: I recommend using cardstock rather than regular printer paper. It makes the bookmark sturdier and helps the wing hold its shape when clipped onto a book page.
Step 1: Print the Turkey Bookmark Template
Start by downloading the free printable turkey bookmark template.
Print it on white cardstock using your home printer.
The printable includes two turkey bookmarks on one sheet, so you can make more than one at a time!
Step 2: Color Your Turkey
Now for the fun part!
Let your child color the turkey however they like. They can use traditional Thanksgiving colors such as brown, orange, red, and yellow or create a colorful rainbow turkey.
Encourage your kids to experiment with different feather colors and patterns.
There’s no right or wrong way to decorate their turkeys!
Step 3: Cut Out the Turkey
Once your child has finished coloring, carefully cut around the outside of the turkey, including its tail feathers.
Take your time cutting around the curves.
Younger kids may need a little help with this part, especially around the smaller feathers.
Step 4: Cut Along the Turkey’s Wing
This is the step that turns your turkey into a bookmark!
Carefully cut along the curved outline of the turkey’s wing, as shown in the photo.
Important: Don’t cut the wing completely off! It needs to remain attached to the turkey’s body so it can act as a clip.
Younger children will probably need an adult’s help with this step.
Step 5: Use Your Turkey Bookmark
Your adorable turkey bookmark is ready!
To use it, slide the bookmark onto a book page with the turkey’s body behind the page and its wing resting in front.
The wing helps hold the bookmark in place while the colorful tail feathers peek out from the top or side of the book.
Now your kids have a cute Thanksgiving bookmark to use whenever they read!
Fun Ways to Use Your Turkey Bookmarks
These little turkeys are great for more than just marking pages!
Here are a few ways to turn this simple Thanksgiving craft into an even bigger activity.
Encourage Independent Reading
Have your child choose a book they’ve been wanting to read and use their new turkey bookmark to hold their place.
It’s a simple way to make reading time feel a little more special.
Make Bookmarks for Friends and Family
Since the printable includes two bookmarks per page, kids can make extras to give away.
They make sweet little Thanksgiving gifts for grandparents, friends, teachers, or anyone who loves reading.
Pair the Craft With a Thanksgiving Book
Read a turkey-themed picture book together after finishing your bookmarks.
Some fun choices include 10 Fat Turkeys and How to Catch a Turkey.
Younger children can enjoy a Thanksgiving read-aloud, while older kids can use their new bookmarks during independent reading.
Turn It Into a Homeschool Activity
Combine the craft with reading, writing, or a short science lesson.
Have your kids research a few facts about wild turkeys or write a short story about their turkey bookmark character.
You could even challenge them to create a name and personality for their turkey!
Fun Turkey Facts for Kids
Want to add a little learning to your craft time? Share these fun facts about turkeys!
1. Turkeys can change color!
The skin on a turkey’s head and neck can change between red, white, and blue depending on its physical and emotional state.
2. Wild turkeys can fly!
Even though they spend a lot of time walking on the ground, wild turkeys can fly short distances, often to escape danger or reach their roosting spots in trees.
3. Turkeys have excellent eyesight.
Wild turkeys have a wide field of vision that helps them notice movement and watch for predators.
4. A group of turkeys is called a flock.
Wild turkeys often travel and forage together, especially during certain times of the year.
Ask your kids which turkey fact surprised them the most!
Tips for Making Your Turkey Bookmark
Here are a few helpful tips to make this craft even easier:
- Use cardstock: Thicker paper makes a sturdier bookmark that holds up better with regular use.
- Color before cutting: It’s easier for kids to color when the turkey is still attached to the full sheet of paper.
- Be careful around the wing: Make sure the wing stays attached to the body so the bookmark works properly.
- Let kids be creative: Rainbow feathers, patterns, and unusual colors are all welcome!
- Avoid bending the wing too much: Gently slide it onto the page to help prevent tearing.
Download the Free Turkey Bookmark Printable
Ready to make your own turkey bookmarks?
Our free turkey bookmark printable features two adorable turkeys that kids can color, cut out, and use to hold their place in a book.
Simply download the template, print it on cardstock, and get creative!
Printing tip: Print on standard 8.5 × 11-inch white cardstock at actual size or 100% scale.
More Thanksgiving Crafts and Activities for Kids
Looking for more easy Thanksgiving crafts? Here are some fun activities to try!
- Turkey Paper Bag Puppet Craft with Free Printable – Make a colorful turkey puppet that kids can play with afterward.
- Easy Fall Leaves Turkey Craft – Turn colorful autumn leaves into an adorable Thanksgiving turkey.
- Tree of Thanks Activity with Free Printable – Encourage kids to practice gratitude with a hands-on Thanksgiving activity.
- Thanksgiving Coloring Placemats – Download four cute designs that kids can color for the Thanksgiving table.
- Turkey Toilet Paper Roll Craft – Transform an empty cardboard tube into a festive Thanksgiving turkey.
A Simple Thanksgiving Craft That Encourages Reading
This easy turkey bookmark craft is a fun way to combine creativity with reading during the Thanksgiving season.
With just a free printable and a few basic supplies, kids can make adorable bookmarks they’ll enjoy using long after the crafting is finished.
Whether you’re homeschooling, planning a classroom activity, or simply looking for something creative to do together, I hope your kids have fun making their own turkey bookmarks!
Don’t forget to download your free printable and save this craft on Pinterest for later!
