If you’ve ever had a kid in primary school during November, chances are you’ve been sent home with that assignment, the legendary Disguise a Turkey project. You know the one: your child’s teacher hands over a plain paper turkey and cheerfully says, “Have fun disguising him so he doesn’t get eaten for Thanksgiving!” Meanwhile, you’re thinking, Great. Another craft to squeeze in between homework, soccer, and trying to remember if we still have glue sticks in the junk drawer.

But here’s the truth: once you get past the initial Oh no, not another project, these disguise-a-turkey ideas are actually adorable, creative, and such a fun way to spend time with your kids. And whether your child is a budding artist or more of a “give me the stickers and let’s be done” kind of crafter, there’s a disguise idea here that will save your sanity and make their teacher smile.

So grab the markers, the glitter (if you’re brave), and maybe a hot glue gun if you’re feeling fancy, and let’s help that turkey avoid the Thanksgiving dinner table in style!

What Is a Disguise a Turkey Project?

If you’re new to this school tradition, the goal is simple: your kid helps a turkey go undercover so it won’t be recognized as… well, a turkey. The disguise can be silly, clever, cute, or completely unexpected. The only real rule? Have fun and be creative.

Kids usually bring home a printed turkey outline that they decorate however they want. Parents may or may not end up helping (depending on the enthusiasm level and also the glitter load). Teachers love it because it encourages creativity, storytelling, and imagination. Parents love it because, well, it’s at least easier than building a diorama.

Tips for a Stress-Free Turkey Disguise Project

Let’s be honest: some kids are all-in on crafts… while others would rather do literally anything else. Here are a few tips for making this as smooth as possible:

1. Let your child choose the theme.

They’re much more likely to stick with the project if it’s something they love, unicorns, superheroes, sports, animals, video games… you name it.

2. Use what you already have.

No need to buy fancy craft supplies. Construction paper, cotton balls, wrapping paper, stickers, fabric scraps, and even cereal can work beautifully.

3. Don’t overthink it.

This is a fun school project, not an art competition (even though some parents treat it like the Olympics of crafting). Simple is perfectly fine.

4. Take a photo before sending it in.

Kids love seeing their creations later… and it may just save you when next year’s project comes around again.

5. Add a short story if the teacher asks.

Many teachers like the kids to write about their turkey’s “new life”, why they chose the disguise and how it will help the turkey stay safe. Keep it fun and lighthearted!

Fun and Creative Disguise a Turkey Ideas

Here comes the good stuff, the actual disguises! These ideas are perfect for kids of all personalities and crafting abilities, from the “glue-and-go” crew to the mini Picassos.

Character-Themed Turkey Disguises

1. Superhero Turkey

Is your child obsessed with superheroes? Perfect. Add a cape, a mask, a logo on the chest, and boom, Super Turkey is here to save the day (and avoid the dinner plate).

Cape: construction paper or fabric scraps
Mask: paper, felt, or even a sticker
Logo: draw it or print from the computer
Optional: give the turkey little “muscles” for dramatic effect

This disguise is a classic and always gets a laugh from teachers.

2. Princess or Fairy Turkey

This one is for the sparkly, twirly, glitter-loving kids.

Dress: scrapbook paper, tissue paper, cupcake liners, or fabric
Crown: gold or silver glitter paper
Wings: cut from paper or use real craft wings
Add lots of gems and glitter!

Suddenly, that turkey looks ready for the ball instead of the baking pan.

Download this Fairy Turkey Disguise

3. Harry Potter Turkey

You’d be surprised how many turkeys end up in Hogwarts.

Cape and scarf in house colors
Wand made from a toothpick
Little round glasses
Draw the lightning bolt scar (optional!)

Your turkey is now under a magical protection spell.

4. Disney Character Turkey

Pick your child’s favorite!

Mickey or Minnie: big ears and polka dots
Buzz Lightyear: green, purple, and white armor
Elsa: sparkly dress and snowflakes

The options go on forever, and they’re all adorable.

5. Barbie Turkey

If your kid loves pink, fashion, and glitter, this is a winner.

Pink dress
Sunglasses
A handbag
Maybe even a little “Dreamhouse” background

This turkey is living her best life, far away from Thanksgiving dinner.

6. Ninja Turtle Turkey

A favorite with the action-loving kiddos.

Green body
Mask (blue, red, orange, or purple)
Shell made from a paper plate
Little wooden sticks for “nunchucks”

Suddenly your turkey is a stealthy master of disguise.

7. Mario or Luigi Turkey

Choose Mario, Luigi, or even Princess Peach.

Overalls made from paper
Hat with “M” or “L”
Mustache
Maybe add a little question block or mushroom

This disguise is nostalgic for parents and fun for kids.

8. Unicorn Turkey

Unicorns are still going strong, and they make the cutest turkey makeover.

Colorful mane using yarn, tissue paper, or ribbons
Golden horn
Pastel wings or sparkles

This one is always a crowd-pleaser.

Animal-Themed Turkey Disguises

9. Cow Turkey

This one is hilarious because… imagine a turkey clomping around pretending to be a cow.

Black and white spots
Small cow ears
Bell around the neck
Tail with yarn

Kids love how silly this one turns out.

10. Dog or Puppy Turkey

Perfect for pet-loving families.

Draw or glue floppy ears
Dog nose and tongue
Felt or paper collar
Spots or fur texture with cotton balls

11. Cat Turkey

All you need are whiskers, pointy ears, and maybe a mouse toy.

Add stripes or patches
Cute little paws
Tail made from yarn or pipe cleaners

This one always looks sweet and cuddly.

12. Peacock Turkey

Technically still a bird, but fancy enough that no one would notice.

Big colorful feathers
Glittery blue body
Crown-like headpiece

This one makes a beautiful finished project.

13. Bee Turkey

“Buzz, buzz… I’m totally not a turkey!”

Black and yellow stripes
Wings
Antennae
Add a little honey pot for fun

This is a simple but adorable disguise for younger kids.

14. Turtle Turkey

Slow and steady wins the race, and avoids Thanksgiving.

Green everything
Shell made from a paper bowl
Cute little turtle face drawn onto the beak area

This disguise is always charming.

Food-Themed Turkey Disguises

15. Ice Cream Cone Turkey

Yes, it sounds funny, but it looks adorable.

Cone shape body
Sprinkles
Big scoop on top (use paper or pom-poms)

Your turkey goes from Thanksgiving dinner to dessert… without being eaten.

16. Pizza Slice Turkey

This one is super popular with older kids.

Triangle pizza slice shape
Pepperoni circles
Cheese drawn with yellow marker

Teachers always find this one clever.

17. Cupcake Turkey

Sweet and cute, and easy for young kids.

Cupcake liner skirt
Frosting top made from cotton balls
Sprinkles (real or drawn)

18. Fruit or Veggie Turkey

Great for kids who love healthy foods, or for parents who want a quick disguise.

Ideas:

Pineapple
Strawberry
Carrot
Watermelon
Pumpkin

Bright, colorful, and super easy.

Funny Turkey Disguises

19. Grandma or Grandpa Turkey

Nothing hides a turkey better than some gray hair and a cardigan.

Cotton ball hair
Glasses
Shawl or little vest
Slippers

This one gets big laughs from teachers.

20. Tourist Turkey

Because nobody suspects a holiday traveler.

Sunglasses
Camera
Hawaiian shirt using patterned paper
Sandals

Your turkey is clearly on vacation.

21. Businessman or Businesswoman Turkey

“Sorry, can’t be dinner. I have a meeting.”

Suit
Tie
Briefcase
Glasses

Simple and hilarious.

22. Taco Turkey

Yes. A taco.

Taco shell shape
Lettuce, cheese, and tomato made from paper
Turkey tucked inside like a filling

Kids think it’s hilarious every single time.

23. Snowman Turkey

Perfect for winter-themed classrooms.

Cotton ball body
Scarf
Hat
Buttons

The turkey disappears under fluffy snow!

24. Alien Turkey

Out of this world!

Green or purple body
Three eyes
Antennae
Spaceship background

Great for sci-fi-loving kids.

Career-Inspired Turkey Disguises

25. Doctor or Nurse Turkey

This one is sweet and always well received.

Mask
Scrubs
Stethoscope drawn or made from pipe cleaners
Clipboard

Your turkey is clearly too busy saving lives to be eaten.

26. Firefighter Turkey

A hero disguise works every time.

Helmet
Uniform stripes
Little hose made from yarn

Wonderful for kids who adore emergency vehicles.

27. Astronaut Turkey

This turkey is heading to space, far from Thanksgiving dinner.

White suit
NASA patch
Helmet (cut from plastic or paper)
Stars background

Super cool for space enthusiasts.

28. Chef Turkey

Hide in plain sight!

Apron
Chef hat
Spatula or whisk in hand

This is a fun, easy disguise with supplies you already have.

29. Police Officer Turkey

Complete with badge, hat, and walkie-talkie.

Blue uniform
Paper badge
Sunglasses

Kids love how official this one looks.

Holiday-Themed Turkey Disguises

30. Santa Turkey

Adorable for December.

Red suit
Belt
Beard made from cotton balls
Present sack

This one is festive and fun.

Download this Santa Turkey Disguise

31. Elf Turkey

Pointy hat, green tunic, jingle bells, the full elf makeover.

Green and red outfit
Shoes with curled toes
Candy cane props

Perfect for kids who love Christmas.

32. Easter Bunny Turkey

Nobody eats the Easter Bunny, so this disguise is genius.

Long ears
Basket of eggs
Cotton-ball tail

It’s cute and instantly recognizable.

33. Leprechaun Turkey

A St. Patrick’s Day twist!

Green suit
Hat with buckle
Pot of gold

A fun disguise that’s easy to spot in the classroom.

Sport-Themed Turkey Disguises

34. Soccer Player Turkey

Simple and perfect for sporty kids.

Jersey
Shorts
Ball
Cleats drawn on the feet

You can even match it to your child’s team colors.

35. Basketball Turkey

Great for older kids.

Jersey with number
Basketball under the wing
Court background

The disguise is easy and looks great.

36. Cheerleader Turkey

Pom-poms instantly make any turkey festive.

Pleated skirt
Uniform top
Pom-poms made from tissue paper

A cute, active disguise.

37. Swimmer Turkey

This one’s unexpectedly adorable.

Goggles
Swim cap
Towel cape
Pool-water background

Definitely a unique twist.

Quick and Easy Last-Minute Turkey Disguises

Perfect for parents who suddenly discover the project is due tomorrow (we’ve ALL been there).

38. Crayon Turkey

Color it one solid color and add a crayon tip hat.

39. Cactus Turkey

Draw spikes and add a little pot at the bottom. Easy and funny.

40. Rainbow Turkey

Color each feather a different color, no crafting supplies needed.

41. Robot Turkey

Use foil, draw buttons, and add “robot eyes.” Couldn’t be easier.

42. Princess Turkey

A pretty dress and tiara and you are done!

Download this Princess Turkey Disguise

43. Flower Turkey

Lots of petals around the turkey’s body hide the feathers beautifully.

44. Pirate Turkey

Eye patch, hat, and a little treasure chest, super fast.

How to Make the Project Even More Fun

Turn it into a family crafting night.

Even the older kids get into it when they see glitter and snacks on the table.

Make up a silly backstory.

Kids LOVE this.

Add accessories.

Tiny hats, props, signs, stickers, they all bring the disguise to life.

Let your child present the turkey.

Have them explain why they chose the disguise. It boosts confidence and creativity.

The Disguise a Turkey project doesn’t need to be stressful or complicated. Whether your child wants a simple, quick idea or an over-the-top masterpiece, the best part is the creativity, laughter, and messy kitchen table memories you make along the way.

So pick a disguise, gather your supplies, and get ready to giggle. Your turkey is officially going undercover, and having the time of its life doing it!