Spirited Essence Works

Thanksgiving is a season of gratitude, giving, and gathering together. And what better way to count down the days than with a fun, family-filled game of Pluck the Turkey! This cheerful DIY craft doubles as a countdown calendar and daily gratitude activity that brings everyone together for a few moments of laughter, kindness, and creativity.

Each day, a family member gets to “pluck” one colorful feather from your turkey and reveal a surprise inside. It maybe an act of kindness, a silly challenge, a cozy craft, or something to be thankful for. It’s a wonderful way to slow down, share smiles, and remember what the holiday is truly about.

✂️ How to Make Your Own “Pluck the Turkey”

You’ll Need:

• A piece of cardboard for the turkey’s body
• Construction paper (fall colors like red, orange, yellow, and green)
• Scissors and glue dots
• A black marker
• Optional: googly eyes, or you can draw the eyes yourself

Instructions:

• Create the Turkey Body: Cut out a simple turkey shape from cardboard. Add eyes, a beak from yellow paper, and a red wattle (that’s the little gobble under the beak!). You can also add wings for an extra festive touch.
• Make the Feathers: Cut several rectangles or feather shapes from colorful construction paper: one for each day leading up to Thanksgiving (I used 27).
• Add the Surprises: Write or glue inside each feather a fun idea, act of kindness, thankful thought, or family activity. Then fold the paper to keep the surprise hidden inside.
• Number and Attach: Number each folded feather and attach them to the turkey’s body using glue dots. Arrange them in a beautiful fan shape for the turkey’s tail.

Time to Play! Each day, “pluck” one feather and complete whatever’s written inside. By Thanksgiving, your turkey will be bare, but your heart will be full.

This sweet tradition is a reminder that thankfulness isn’t just for one day! It’s something to celebrate all month long. Gather your family, create your turkey, and get ready for 27 days of gratitude, kindness, and giggles.

Below, you can download the free printable PDF of the ideas I used for this year’s “Pluck the Turkey” to help inspire your own!

🧡 Looking for even more ways to celebrate gratitude this season?
Check out the Thankful Pumpkins, another fun and meaningful way to reflect on the blessings in your life and fill your home with thankfulness. Click the link above so you can explore more ways to celebrate all the wonderful things you have to be grateful for.