21 Thoughtful Thanksgiving Gifts for Kids (Fun for All Ages!)

Thanksgiving is all about food, family, and togetherness, but if your house is anything like mine, most of the focus ends up on the adults. A few years ago, I started bringing small Thanksgiving gifts for kids, just to make them feel a little more included in the fun.

Sometimes it’s something to keep them busy while the turkey cooks, other times it’s a cozy little surprise at their place setting.

It’s become one of those small traditions that adds a lot of joy to the day, especially for younger guests who might be waiting (impatiently!) for dinner.

From silly games and crafts to thoughtful keepsakes, these gift ideas have worked well for toddlers through teens, and many have become regular requests at our Thanksgiving table.

Collage of fun Thanksgiving gifts for kids including a plush turkey, pumpkin pop fidget, LEGO turkey set, books, crafts, and games.

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Best Thanksgiving Gift Ideas for Kids

Over the years, I’ve found that even a small Thanksgiving gift can go a long way in helping kids feel part of the celebration.

Whether it’s something to spark a laugh, keep little hands busy, or just add a festive touch to their day, these ideas have become favorites in our house.

From creative crafts to fun games and thoughtful keepsakes, each one is picked with kids of all ages in mind, so everyone feels included (and entertained) while the turkey’s cooking.

Thanksgiving books

One of our favorite ways to ease into the holiday season is with a good Thanksgiving read-aloud. Some of these books spark laughter, others invite meaningful conversations about gratitude, but all of them have earned a spot on our shelf over the years. I’ve included titles we’ve read (and re-read), from silly turkey escapes to sweet stories about family traditions. They make great gifts on their own or paired with a cozy blanket or plush toy.

Pumpkin Pop Fidget

This pumpkin pop fidget is one of those gifts that works for any age. My son still fiddles with his during long dinners or car rides, and even the teens at our Thanksgiving table can’t seem to resist popping a few rows. It’s simple, seasonal, and makes a great little surprise at each place setting.

Turkey Plush Toy

This soft little turkey plush is always a hit, especially with the younger kids in our family. It’s cuddly, the perfect size for little hands, and adds a sweet festive touch to the kids' table. One year, my nephew even tucked his under his arm during dinner like it was his Thanksgiving sidekick.

Gobble Gobble Mad Libs: World’s Greatest Word Game

Mad Libs have become a bit of a tradition in our house, they're silly, quick, and perfect for passing the time before pie. The Thanksgiving version brings just the right amount of chaos to the dinner table (in a good way). Even the adults get pulled into the laughter when we read them aloud.

2 Pack Stuffed Turkey Couple Doll

These little turkey dolls technically fall under decor, but older kids (and even tweens) love using them to decorate their rooms or add a bit of flair to their place at the table. My niece named hers "Cranberry" last year and insisted she got a seat next to the mashed potatoes.

Would You Rather? Thanksgiving Edition

This “Would You Rather” Thanksgiving edition is the kind of goofy fun that breaks the ice fast. We pass it around during dessert, and the kids take turns reading questions out loud (usually in dramatic voices). It’s especially great if you’ve got cousins of different ages, it gets everyone giggling.

This is also one of the best family Thanksgiving gifts

GIANT Thanksgiving Coloring Poster

We’ve used this giant Thanksgiving coloring poster a few times now, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. I roll it out on the kids’ table with a bucket of crayons, and suddenly everyone’s focused (and quiet!) for at least half an hour. The finished poster makes a cute decoration too, it usually ends up taped to our pantry door until December.

Personalized Thanksgiving Shirt

These personalized Thanksgiving shirts are such a fun way to make the kids feel special. One year we ordered one with my son’s name and a little pilgrim hat design, he proudly wore it all day and even posed for extra pictures (which never happens!). You can grab them for the whole family if you want to match, or just surprise the kids with their own.

Pumpkin Farm Play Dough Kit

This pumpkin-themed play dough kit is a hit with toddlers, especially when you need a quiet activity while the adults are catching up. My friend brought it for her preschooler last year, and he spent most of the afternoon “planting pumpkins” and making little hayrides at the kitchen table. It’s adorable, and a great way to keep little hands busy.

Thanksgiving Personalized Stretch Beaded Bracelet

These personalized beaded bracelets are a sweet, simple gift that feels a little extra special. I’ve used them as place-setting surprises with each child’s name, and the kids wore them all day (and some long after!). You can customize the size, so they work well for elementary-age kids through teens.

The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game

This game has been a favorite since my son was in preschool, and it still makes a great Thanksgiving gift for younger kids. It’s easy to learn, fast to play, and doesn’t need adult supervision, which is key when you’re juggling oven timers and gravy! The little squirrel tongs are always a big hit too.

Related: Kids educational board games

Turkey on the Table

We started using Turkey on the Table a few years ago, and it’s quietly become one of our favorite traditions. Each day leading up to Thanksgiving, we write something we’re grateful for on a feather, then read them all together at dinner. It’s thoughtful without being too serious, and the kids really get into it once they see the feather pile grow.

Thanksgiving Day Roasted Turkey Hat

This turkey hat is pure chaos in the best way. We brought it out as a joke one year and now it’s part of our dinner games, whoever wears the hat has to answer in turkey gobbles or act out silly challenges. Great for older kids and teens who like being the center of attention (or need an excuse to be goofy).

Turkey Brick Headz

If you’ve got a LEGO fan at the table, this Turkey Brick Headz is a festive little build that only takes about 10–15 minutes. It’s just the right size to work on before dinner or as a calm moment during the holiday rush. My son proudly added his to our Thanksgiving centerpiece last year.

If you are looking for even more Lego lover gifts check out our favorites.

Super Sorting Pie

This sorting pie is great for toddlers who want to “help” in the kitchen but aren’t quite ready for real cooking. While we bake the actual pie, the little ones sort their pretend fruit and feel like they’re part of the action. It’s hands-on, fun, and sneaks in a little learning too.

LEGO DUPLO Town Farm Animal Care

We gifted this Duplo farm set to a toddler guest one Thanksgiving, and it kept him happily playing on the rug while the rest of us got dinner ready. The animal theme fits perfectly with the harvest vibe, and the chunky pieces are great for little hands. Bonus, it’s quiet!

Thanksgiving Bean Bag Toss

We brought out this bean bag toss game last Thanksgiving while the adults were finishing up in the kitchen, and it turned into a full-blown tournament on the lawn. It’s simple enough for little kids but still fun for teens and grown-ups. Definitely one of those rare activities that works across all ages.

Farm animals sewing kit

This little felt sewing kit was a surprise hit with my crafty niece. It kept her focused for ages while the rest of the cousins were playing outside. The animal theme fits nicely with fall, and it’s a great quiet activity for kids who love hands-on projects but aren’t into running around.

Thanksgiving Sewing Craft Kit

If your kids enjoy crafts, this Thanksgiving-themed sewing kit is perfect for some downtime during the holiday. The felt shapes are easy to stitch together, and the finished pieces make cute decorations. My son was so proud of his little turkey ornament that we added it to our mantel last year.

Turkey Thanksgiving Party Craft Kit

We used this craft kit during a family gathering with cousins, and it turned into a full-on turkey decorating contest. With 24 turkeys to design, everyone got to join in, and no one made the same bird twice. Great for larger groups or classroom parties where you need something fun and low-mess.

Our favorite ideas for girls

If you're shopping for a daughter, niece, or granddaughter, this handpicked list of Thanksgiving gifts for girls includes creative crafts, books, and little surprises that have actually made the girls in our family light up. These are ideas that feel special without being over-the-top.

Picks that boys in our family have loved

Finding Thanksgiving gifts for boys that aren’t just more candy or screen time can be a bit tricky, but these picks have worked well in our family over the years. From goofy games that get everyone laughing to STEM kits and building sets that hold their attention longer than you'd expect, these ideas are a solid mix of fun and function. If your son or nephew is anything like mine, he’ll be all in on the turkey hat and LEGO builds before the first slice of pie is served.

Last Updated on 14 May 2025 by Clare Brown

Best Thanksgiving Gift Ideas for Kids

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