How to Make an Adorable Thanksgiving Turkey Piñata

Want to add some extra fun and excitement to your Thanksgiving or fall celebrations? Look no further than a delightful homemade turkey piñata! These papier mâché birds are easy to craft and make for a memorable party activity that guests of all ages will enjoy.

In this simple DIY tutorial, I’ll walk you through each step of creating your own colorful turkey piñata filled with goodies. Trust me, this unique Thanksgiving decoration will be the highlight of your holiday!

Gather Your Turkey Piñata Supplies

You likely have most of the supplies on hand already. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Paper mâché paste (flour + water)
• Newspaper, torn into strips
• Cardboard & construction paper
• Toilet paper tube
• Tissue paper
• String
• Scissors and tape
• Acrylic paint
• Candy/toys to fill piñata

Optional extras:

• Feathers
• Googly eyes
• Pom poms
• Glitter

Construct the Piñata Body

The body is made using a toilet paper tube frame covered in paper mâché.

1. Cut a circle out of cardboard that’s slightly larger than your tube. Tape into a ring.
2. Slide the ring over one end of the tube so it sticks out like a brim.
3. Tape the ring in place. This is the bottom of your turkey’s body.
4. Paper mâché 3-5 layers of strips over the tube, covering completely.
5. Allow to dry fully before continuing.

Create the Head

You’ll attach a smaller toilet paper tube to the body for the turkey’s head and neck.

1. Cut a toilet paper tube to about half its length.
2. Paper mâché closed one end of the tube. Let dry.
3. Insert the open end of the head tube into the body tube.
4. Paper mâché in place and let dry before decorating.

Add Feet and Tail

Give your turkey some stability with cardboard feet and a paper tail.

1. Cut feather shapes out of cardboard.
2. Paper mâché feathers around the bottom edge of the body, flat side down. Let dry.
3. Cut a tail shape out of construction paper.
4. Paper mâché the tail to the back of the body. Allow to dry fully.

Decorate Your Turkey

Now comes the fun part – decorating! Raid your craft supplies for these finishing touches:

• Paint the feet and tail
• Add colored tissue paper wattles around neck
• Glue on googly eyes
• Top head with red craft foam comb and snood
• Use pom poms for a fun feathered look
• Glitter, feathers, sequins – go wild!

Add the Piñata Loop

You need a way to hang up your turkey for bashing time.

1. Cut a piece of string about 3 feet long.
2. Securely tape ends to back of body, leaving loop at top for hanging.
3. Reinforce loop with extra tape so it can handle weight.

Fill With Treats

Now comes the best part – filling it up! Fun options:

• Individually wrapped candy
• Mini toys/trinkets
• Stickers, temporary tattoos
• Craft supplies, party favors
• Use your imagination!

Fill up your turkey through the open head, then seal with tape or paper.

Hang It Up & Let The Fun Begin

Choose a spot to display your turkey and hang it up by the loop. Provide guests with a soft bat or stick. Take turns being blindfolded and trying to break open the piñata to release the prizes inside.

Some tips:

• Spin the piñata to disorient player
• Have someone pull string to move target
• Keep young kids at a safe distance

Then let the candy scramble commence! Make sure to grab lots of cute photos and videos of your turkey piñata game in action.

Turkey Piñata Inspiration

A basic brown craft turkey is plenty fun, but don’t be afraid to get creative!

• Go for a colorful, patterned look with paints or tissue paper
• Add ribbon, ruffles, flowers for a girl turkey
• Top with a fun themed hat – pilgrim, cowboy, pirate
• Multi-colored feathers and wings
• Turkey dressed as a pumpkin for Thanksgiving

Let guests help decorate the piñata before playing for extra excitement. See who can make the silliest or most beautiful turkey!

However you design your Thanksgiving turkey piñata, this hands-on project is sure to delight. Just be prepared for guests asking where on earth you bought such an amazing turkey decoration. You’ll get to proudly say you crafted it all yourself!