Thanksgiving Party Favor Ideas
Thanksgiving Party Favor Ideas That Will Make Everyone Feel Extra Grateful
Thanksgiving is the day we gather around a table, eat way too much, and try to figure out where we’ll put all those leftovers. But if you’re like me, Thanksgiving is so much more than just a meal; it’s an opportunity to make everyone feel loved and appreciated. One of my favorite ways to do this? Party favors! A little something extra that says, “I’m thankful for you!”
Here are some Thanksgiving party favor ideas that are simple, heartfelt, and sure to make everyone at your gathering feel special. And don’t worry these are ideas that even the busiest of us can pull together, because we all know that the real Thanksgiving miracle is managing to get everything done on time!
Mini Pumpkin Spice Candle
Let’s start with a classic. Who doesn’t love a cozy candle? You can find mini pumpkin spice candles at almost any store during the fall season, and they’re perfect for creating that warm, holiday vibe. I usually tie a little note around each one with twine that says, “Thankful for you!” It’s small, it’s simple, and it’s something people can actually use. Plus, it leaves your guests with a little whiff of fall to take home with them.
Mom Tip: If you’re feeling crafty, buy some plain candles and decorate them yourself with a little paint or glitter. The kids love to help with this, and it adds a fun personal touch!
Thankful Notes in a Jar
Now, this one’s a bit more sentimental, but I think that’s why it’s so lovely. Get a small glass jar or even a mason jar, and place a handwritten note inside expressing what you’re thankful for about each guest. It could be something as simple as “Thank you for always making me laugh,” or a little memory that you cherish. These are the kinds of favors people hold onto because they’re straight from the heart.
Mom Hack: If writing notes for each person sounds overwhelming, enlist the kids! Have them add their own little notes or drawings for family members. It makes it extra special, and they’ll feel proud to help.
Mini Hot Cocoa Kits
Is there anything cozier than a cup of hot cocoa after a big Thanksgiving meal? You can easily make these mini kits by filling small cellophane bags with hot cocoa powder, a few marshmallows, and maybe even a sprinkle of cinnamon or peppermint. Tie them up with a ribbon and add a little tag that says, “Warm wishes.” It’s the perfect way to keep the holiday sweetness going, even after everyone heads home.
Bonus Idea: Add a mini candy cane as a stir stick it’s cute and makes the cocoa extra festive!
Personalized Thanksgiving Ornaments
I know, I know Thanksgiving isn’t exactly ornament season. But hear me out! These little trinkets can become part of each guest’s holiday decor for years to come. You can find blank wood ornaments at craft stores and decorate them with each person’s name, the year, or even a little turkey. You can bet that every time they hang it up, they’ll remember your Thanksgiving gathering.
Mom Hack: Let the kids add their own artwork to these ornaments for a really memorable keepsake. Even if it’s a little abstract, family members will love it!
Homemade Pumpkin Bread or Muffins
Nothing says “Thanksgiving” quite like the smell of pumpkin bread. If you have a favorite recipe, bake a batch and wrap individual pieces or muffins in some fall-themed parchment or cellophane. Add a little tag that says, “Give thanks, eat pumpkin bread,” and you’ve got a party favor that won’t last long because it’s too delicious!
Mom Tip: Don’t stress if baking isn’t your thing! Store-bought pumpkin bread works just as well. Wrap it up and no one will be the wiser. After all, it’s the thought that counts, right?
Mini Succulents in Fall Colors
Alright, these little guys are perfect if you want something that lasts. Succulents are low-maintenance (my kind of plant!), and you can find them in lovely little pots or even decorate pots yourself. A little “Thankful for you” sign or a tiny bow on each one turns it into a beautiful little memento.
Why I Love This: Unlike other favors, this one doesn’t disappear after Thanksgiving. Guests can keep it on their windowsill or desk and be reminded of your warm gathering every time they look at it.
DIY Thankful Magnets
If you’re into crafts, making magnets is actually much easier than it sounds! Get some small wood rounds, paint pens, or markers, and write out simple gratitude messages or Thanksgiving-themed designs (think tiny turkeys, leaves, or pumpkins). Glue a small magnet to the back, and voilà! You’ve got a custom fridge magnet that guests can take home to remember the day.
Mom Tip: This is a great way to get kids involved. Let them doodle their own designs on the magnets it adds a sweet, homemade touch that family members will love.
Apple Cider Sachets
For a fun twist on the hot cocoa kit, try apple cider sachets. You can buy individual apple cider packets and pair them with a cinnamon stick or even a little slice of dried orange for that extra cozy flavor. Tie them up with a piece of fall ribbon and a tag that says “Harvest Cheers!” It’s a little taste of fall that guests can enjoy whenever they need a warm pick-me-up.
Mom Idea: Pair this with a mug if you want to get extra fancy. You can find inexpensive fall-themed mugs, or use plain ones and let the kids decorate them with ceramic markers.
Mini Pies or Pie Jars
Because honestly, who doesn’t love pie? If you’ve got the time, mini pies in flavors like pumpkin, apple, or pecan are a wonderful treat to send home with guests. They look adorable and feel oh-so-thanksgiving. You can also make “pie jars” by layering pie filling and topping in small mason jars.
Mom Tip: I always make a couple of extra in case someone just has to eat theirs on the car ride home. You can never have too much pie, am I right?
Autumn-Scented Sachets
These little sachets smell like a fall day in a bag—think cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. You can buy sachets already made or make your own by filling small cloth bags with potpourri or dried spices. They’re perfect for tucking into a drawer or hanging in the closet. Every time your guests catch a hint of that scent, they’ll think of Thanksgiving with you.
Why I Love This: It’s subtle, practical, and can be enjoyed long after the holiday is over.
Handwritten Recipe Cards
One of my favorite parts of Thanksgiving is passing down recipes, and recipe cards make for such a personal favor. Handwrite a recipe for a favorite family dish, whether it’s your famous stuffing, cranberry sauce, or pumpkin pie. You could even do a few different recipes so guests can “swap” them around. There’s something so sweet about sharing a bit of your family history with everyone.
Mom Tip: If your handwriting’s anything like mine (a bit of a “mom scrawl,” as I like to call it), try printing recipe cards instead. You can even include a little note like, “From our table to yours.”
Personalized Mini Gratitude Journals
Thanksgiving is a great time to reflect on everything we’re grateful for, and a mini gratitude journal is the perfect take-home to help everyone remember that feeling all year round. Look for small blank notebooks or journals, and add a personalized sticker or tag on the cover. Inside, you can add a little prompt on the first page like, “Start each day with a thankful heart.” It’s a simple gift that can turn into a meaningful habit.
Why This Works: This is a great way to encourage everyone to focus on the positive, even after the holiday is over. Plus, it’s a unique way to give thanks that feels both practical and thoughtful!
Homemade Jam or Jelly
For those who enjoy a bit of kitchen creativity, consider making small jars of homemade jam or jelly. Fall flavors like apple, cranberry, or spiced pear bring the warmth of the season right into these jars. Tie a bit of twine around each one with a label that says, “Spread a little love,” or “Thankful for sweet moments.” Your guests will have a delicious reminder of your gathering every time they spread a little jam on their morning toast.
Why I Love This: It’s practical and a delicious treat that lasts a while. Plus, it’s a nice way to share a little homemade love without too much fuss.
DIY Popcorn Seasoning Kits
Who doesn’t love popcorn on a cozy night in? Create little packets of different popcorn seasonings—think cheddar, garlic herb, caramel, or even cinnamon sugar—and bundle them together as a cute little kit. You can add a tag that says, “Popping by to say thanks!” It’s fun, unexpected, and tasty perfect for that post-Thanksgiving movie marathon everyone’s bound to have.
Mom Tip: Use small plastic bags for each seasoning, and let the kids help label or decorate each packet. This way, everyone can add their creative touch!
Gratitude Rock Garden Kits
If you want something a little out of the ordinary, a mini gratitude rock garden kit could be just the thing. Provide each guest with a small bag containing a few polished stones and a mini marker. Encourage them to write something they’re grateful for on each rock and then place them somewhere in their home or garden as a reminder of all they have to be thankful for.
Mom Tip: This one’s great for kids too! Let them decorate some extra rocks that you can scatter around the Thanksgiving table as a reminder of gratitude.
Tiny Thanksgiving Themed Cookie Cutters
Cookie cutters make a delightful favor because they’re small, useful, and can be used for holiday baking! You can find mini cutters in shapes like turkeys, leaves, pumpkins, or acorns. Bundle a few together with a ribbon and add a cute note like, “Cut out some time to bake!” It’s the kind of favor that’s perfect for kids and adults alike.
Bonus Idea: Attach a cookie recipe card to each bundle so they have everything they need to make a treat later on. Who knows? This might inspire a new Thanksgiving baking tradition!
Homemade Cranberry Sauce Jars
This is a classic and feels especially thoughtful because it’s homemade! Fill small jars with cranberry sauce, whether it’s your grandma’s secret recipe or something quick and simple you whipped up. Add a little note like, “Spread the love,” and tie it with a rustic piece of twine. Not only does this give guests an extra taste of Thanksgiving, but it’s also the perfect topping for all those turkey leftovers!
Mom Hack: If you’re not keen on cooking cranberry sauce, look for artisan or store-bought options in cute mini jars. Dress them up, and it’s still a gorgeous little favor!
Herb Bundles for Holiday Cooking
For a gift that’s both practical and charming, make little bundles of fresh herbs, like rosemary, thyme, and sage perfect for holiday cooking. Wrap each bundle in twine, and attach a small tag with cooking tips or a simple message like “Seasoned with love.” Not only is this a thoughtful favor, but it’s also one that your guests can use to enhance their own Thanksgiving or holiday meals.
Why I Love This: It smells amazing, is eco-friendly, and adds a unique, rustic touch to your Thanksgiving table!
Thanksgiving is about more than just turkey and mashed potatoes; it’s about making people feel valued and loved. A small party favor can be such a lovely way to show your gratitude. Plus, it’s a fun tradition that your family and friends will look forward to every year!
Whether it’s a thoughtful note, a homemade treat, or a cozy candle, the best party favors come from the heart. So, as you’re running around getting everything else ready, don’t stress too much over these favors. After all, the real gift is the time we spend together. These little extras are just the cherry on top… or should I say the whipped cream on the pumpkin pie?
