Turkey Marshmallows? Don't try this one at home: Messy Edible Thanksgiving Craft super fun for kids

Marshmallow Turkey Place Setting fun Favor for Kids to Make

I thought about not posting our failed attempt at Turkey Marshmallows, but it was so much fun for kids; I kept trying hoping for a perfect one. Then, I thought about the difficulty we had and decided more than likely it will happen to you too. We all struggle with perfection. If you want to have some fun with your kids, try this! If you want to make a beautiful, impressive, Thanksgiving table setting... Don't!

Messy Marshmallow Turkey Craft.

Marshmallow Turkey: Edible Craft for Thanksgiving.

I tried with fresh marshmallows. Then with frozen marshmallows to buy some more time.  The kids loved it!   They loved getting messy, they loved eating the mistakes - but it never seemed to work.  I know, I said it's all good and it was good... just somewhat disappointing. You've seen those cute snowman marshmallow party favors or table decorations?

I thought , that looks simple so why not try it with a turkey theme.

Well, here's why not:

First, we stuck toothpicks through the marshmallows for added stability - maybe not the best idea for little ones who like to grab the marshmallows and eat them.

So, then we tried to "glue' them together with chocolate icing.

Marshmallow and Toothpick Turkey.



They looked cute for about two second but the weight of the DOT candies we used for "turkey feathers" caused our turkeys to topple! Every time we tried something new, the marshmallows got gooey and goo-ier.

This part attracted my 4 year old, son who previously had no interest in the project, "Hey, I want to make one! Can I eat your broken one?" "Sure, why not?" Well, his actually stayed standing a little longer...

Thanksgiving Turkey Marshmallow activity 

for your holiday place setting: Jake's (4 yrs.)

I think it's because he has a shorter attention span and wasn't into decorating like the girls were, so the marshmallows didn't melt as quickly. Also, he used plain toothpicks for tail-feathers. 

What you will need to make the attempt:

• Marshmallows - they make chocolate ones that are conceptually great for a Turkey - but stickier than the good, old white variety.
• Icing white or chocolate for "Glue".
• Toothpicks.
• Candies for the tail-feathers - we tried "Dots" and "Milk Duds" but something lighter would work better. Any ideas? I am thinking chocolate chips or mini marshmallows.
• "M and M's", "Red Hots", Chocolate Chips, or Necklace candy for facial features.
• Plastic knife or spoon to spread icing.
• Lots of baby wipes to clean sticky hands.

Good idea, messy results.

Make Turkey Peanut Butter Balls Instead!

Recommended Reading:

Marshmallow Snowman Cupcakes 

Turkey Trouble*






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*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)

Turkey Apple Treats After-School Snack Activities for Preschool

Turkey Apple Treats After-School Snack Activities for Preschool

Purchase candy and food items for snack activities for preschool at the Dollar Tree for this easy, preschool Thanksgiving Turkey apple craft for kids. Find more theme snack recipes in our Summer Camp Handbook.

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

Use lots of cookies in various shapes and sizes, candy corn, goldfish crackers, candy sprinkles, and icing. I suggest graham crackers to make it a little less like junk food. Chocolate covered fudge stripe cookies became the turkey's base and orange Halloween icing bought on clearance became the 'glue.'

We have lots of activities for preschool. We teach messy and creative play classes. Here is a fun paper, turkey hat using your foot as a pattern.

Recommended Reading:

After-School Snack Cookbook

Edie's Best After School Snacks: Healthy snacks for kids like me!

Healthy Zucchini Snacks Mayflower Ship Craft for Thanksgiving

Easy Edible Mayflower Craft for Kids

An Edible Mayflower Boat Ship makes it easy to Play with your Food and Eat your Vegetables, because it is edible art! If you want something sweeter, scroll down for the doughnut Mayflower Ship. Either way, the kids will have making eatable Thanksgiving crafts that are pefect for a party celebration. Enjoy!

Easy Edible Mayflower Boat Craft for Kids.

1. We found this cute Edible Mayflower Boat Craft at Art is Helping the Children.

Mayflower ship you can eat from Art is Helping the Children.

2. Cream Cheese Mayflower Sandwich Boats

Looking for a new way to get your kids to eat vegetables? Try this!  It's pretty self explanatory, we took cucumbers, zucchini, and squash and cut them in half lengthwise. Then, I tried to collect healthy edibles: cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks, sliced squash, pretzels, and mini-dip breadsticks. Cheeseballs worked great too- just not healthy! The kids loved using the colored toothpicks to connect pieces for the "sail".  It's like healthy legos!

When done constructing, set out plates of dip, and let everyone deconstruct, dip, and eat. Everyone ate their veggies. They even tried the yellow squash! Food is more fun when you get to play with it. 

3. For an unhealthier version, try this Doughnut Mayflower from PartyPinching.com. It is super easy with only a pretzel and a doughnut required. That sounds yummy!

Doughnut Sailboat for Thanksgiving.

We read these books: "The Littlest Pilgrim" and "One Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims".  A book about the Mayflower for kids is available but very wordy, "If You Sailed On The Mayflower " by Ann McGovern. You might also like, "On The Mayflower" by Kate Waters for school-age kids.

Recommended Reading:

Bake and Make Amazing Cakes (Kids Can Do It)*

Turkey Treat  

Kid's Squish Book: Slimy, Squishy, Sticky Things to Do That Should Only Be Done When Wearing Your Oldest Clothes*






ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.

*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)