Food may be the focus, but Thanksgiving is more than just turkey and mashed potatoes. It’s about spending time with loved ones, sharing in the laughter, and making lifetime memories. This year, why not change things up a bit with a Thanksgiving gift exchange? Secret Santa isn’t just for Christmas anymore!
With some creativity and a little planning, you can turn this year’s Thanksgiving into a fun-filled, gift giving celebration. Here’s everything you need, from invitations to games, to make your Thanksgiving gift exchange unforgettable.
Start with the Invitations
Kick off your Thanksgiving gift exchange with a touch of excitement by sending out official invitations. A themed invite sets the tone, getting everyone hyped for the celebration.
Consider using a pre-made Thanksgiving invitation, or craft your own with fall-inspired designs featuring pumpkins, turkeys, and falling autumn leaves. If DIY isn’t your thing, Elfster makes it easy to send invitations and even draw names for the gift exchange. Everyone will know who they’re shopping for, and you can even include details like themes, spending limits, and timelines.
Want to add a little extra flair? Include a teaser gift with your invitation, like a mini pumpkin, a Thanksgiving-themed cookie, or a goofy turkey sticker to build anticipation.
Pick a Theme
Adding a theme to your Thanksgiving gift exchange elevates the fun even further and makes the experience more memorable. Choosing a theme also narrows down gift ideas and encourages a bit of creativity.
Maybe you have a group of food-lovers, making a “Kitchen Gadgets” theme the perfect choice. Participants can exchange fun kitchen tools like pie servers, festive aprons, or turkey-shaped cookie cutters. Or, maybe your group loves football. In that case, try a “Football Fever” theme and watch the Thanksgiving Day games while swapping team gear such as jerseys, hats, or socks. For cozy vibes, go with a “Seasonal Snuggles” theme, featuring gifts like candles, blankets, or loose leaf tea samplers.
Align the theme with your group’s interests, and you’re sure to guarantee smiles all around.
Add Some Playful Games to the Swap
You’re already changing things up—why stick with a straightforward gift exchange when you can turn it into a game? Adding a game to the mix turns your Thanksgiving gift exchange into an unforgettable event!
One idea is “Gobble & Grab,” where all of the gifts are wrapped anonymously, and participants pick one based on a turkey-themed trivia question or a roll of the dice. Another option is a “Turkey Treasure Hunt,” where you hide all of the gifts around the house and provide clues to help everyone find the one for them. Or, try “Pass the Pumpkin,” which is similar to musical chairs. You’ll pass a mini pumpkin around while music plays, and when the music stops, whoever is left holding the pumpkin gets to select a gift. “You’ve Been Gobbled” is also a fun way to spread the Thanksgiving cheer!
Games like these help keep the energy high and can make your exchange even more exciting.
Thoughtful Thanksgiving Gift Ideas
Choosing the perfect Thanksgiving gifts doesn’t have to be stressful. The best gifts are the ones that highlight the thoughtful spirit of the season.
Personalized gifts like gratitude journals, engraved photo frames, or custom mugs are meaningful options to show that you care. If you’re crafty, consider DIY treats like homemade cranberry sauce, spiced pumpkin bread, or a mulled cider kit. Or, gift some experiences, like a coupon for a family game night, movie marathon, or a cooking session.
Encourage all of the participants to get creative and focus on meaningful gifts rather than expensive ones.
After-Dinner Games
After all of the gifts have been exchanged and all of the food has been eaten, keep the festivities going with some Thanksgiving games to play after dinner. These are perfect for bringing everyone together and ending the day with laughter.
Choose from any of the games mentioned above, or maybe try out Thanksgiving-themed charades! A “Gratitude Guessing Game” is a fun and appropriate game where everyone writes down something they’re thankful for, and the group guesses who wrote it.
These games are fun for all ages, making your Thanksgiving celebration one that everyone will remember.
Pro Tip: Plan Ahead for Next Year
A Thanksgiving gift exchange is the perfect opportunity to get ahead on holiday shopping. Encourage everyone in the group to create their own Wishlist, so future gift-giving is simple and stress-free.
Elfster lets participants add their favorite items, making it easy for others to choose the perfect gift. Kids can Wishlist their dream toys, foodies can add those must-have kitchen utensils, and book-lovers can add their most anticipated novels to their lists. Crafting Wishlists allows for more thoughtful gifts and eliminates the guesswork, leaving everyone more time for holiday cheer.
Make This Thanksgiving One to Remember
Thanksgiving is a great time to try something new, and a gift exchange adds an extra layer of joy and connection to your celebration.
With these tips for planning your Thanksgiving gift exchange, you’ll be all set to make this year’s gathering unforgettable. So get those invites sent, pick a theme, and let the gifting (and gobbling) begin!
