You might not think of giving gifts for Thanksgiving with Christmas right around the corner, but a thoughtful gift is a great way to show gratitude and celebrate togetherness. A Thanksgiving gift is a way to show appreciation to loved ones with a physical demonstration of how thankful we are for their presence in our lives.
If you are invited to a family or friend gathering a hostess gift is always appreciated since it can be a lot of work to pull together a large meal. Thanksgiving can also be a nice time to show appreciation to your coworkers and colleagues who have supported you throughout the year. Or just to say “thanks” to your friends and family who have been there for you this year.
If you need ideas, we gathered our best Thanksgiving gift ideas for the host or hostess, friends, families, and colleagues this holiday season.
Unique Thanksgiving Gift Ideas
Whether you are looking for a hostess gift, a way to appreciate your friends and family, or a creative idea for appreciating your coworkers, here are our favorite gifts for Thanksgiving, no matter who you are thankful for this year.
Thanksgiving Gifts for Hostess
A Thanksgiving hostess gift is a way to say “thank you” for all the hard work the hostess (or host) put in to make a special meal or organize a gathering. Whether the hostess is a family member or friend, it can take a lot to pull it all together. Here are some of our favorite hostess gifts for Thanksgiving.
Williams Sonoma monogrammed board
This beautiful Williams Sonoma board is made of marble and has a brass letter in the top corner, making it a personalized, but useful Thanksgiving hostess gift that can be used over and over for charcuterie or as a cheese board. Don’t forget to include Chomps best selling Beef to get her started on creating her own colorful charcuterie board.
Funny dish towels
A dish towel set with a funny or clever saying is always a nice addition to kitchen decor and is often available in a variety of different themes. Choose a towel with a saying that matches the recipient’s personality or interests for a thoughtful hostess gift for Thanksgiving.
Hostess necklace
A beautiful necklace is a welcomed gift for most hostesses, particularly when it is personalized with their initials or a message of gratitude. A pretty necklace doesn’t have to be pricey, either. Online marketplaces like Etsy have many cute options that won’t break the bank, making it a lovely Thanksgiving hostess gift.
A favorite beverage
While a nice bottle of wine is a typical hostess gift for Thanksgiving, other beverages such as a dessert liquor or a sampling of their favorite beer can work just as well. If your hostess prefers non-alcoholic options, there are many delicious non-alcoholic sparkling beverages available that provide a festive gift.
Pretty glassware
Along with a favorite beverage, pretty glassware may also be a welcome gift for a hostess that can be used over and over. These colorful stemless wine glasses by Estelle are a great option that can be used during Thanksgiving or other holiday festivities.
Scented candle
A scented candle is a classic gift. Since it is Thanksgiving, consider a candle that comes in fall flavor like Pumpkin Spice or that includes a message of gratitude. This makes for a perfect hostess gift for Thanksgiving.
Flameless lighter
If you decide on a scented candle, pair it with a fancy lighter. These flameless lighters by Anthropologie come in various colors to match any decor and look classy when lighting holiday candles.
Handcrafted bowl
These handcrafted olivewood bowls from Umbria, Italy make for a beautiful hostess gift for Thanksgiving and centerpiece for any festive table. They can be used throughout the year to serve appetizers or side dishes.
Thanksgiving Gifts for Friends and Family
Thanksgiving gifts for friends and family can be more personalized and tailored to their interests. Or consider gifting a homemade treat or gift basket with family favorites for everyone to share at the Thanksgiving meal.
Homemade cookies
Homemade cookies are always a welcome gift for any Thanksgiving gathering. Consider bringing a large platter to share or wrapping the cookies in individual gift bags to hand out to your family and friends to enjoy later.
Hot chocolate bombs
Hot chocolate bombs are a fun Thanksgiving gift for friends that can be enjoyed at any time. They are “bombs” of chocolate that melt when placed into hot water or milk. If you want to get creative, the bombs can be used to make regular hot chocolate or added to a peppermint mocha for a festive treat.
Fancy pie
If the dessert isn’t being handled by the host, consider bringing a fancy pie. For example, this decadent salted caramel apple pie is a delicious happy Thanksgiving gift to share and enjoy together and it goes perfectly with any Thanksgiving meal.
Seasonal produce
A seasonal produce box loaded with citrus, like this one by Melissa’s Produce, can be enjoyed together at the Thanksgiving meal or throughout the holiday season, making it a thoughtful Thanksgiving gift for friends.
Charcuterie board
A charcuterie board is a great happy Thanksgiving gift to share with friends and family. You can either make a homemade board like this one, including our Chomps meat sticks for a colorful rainbow appearance, or purchase a pre-made fall-themed charcuterie board.
Homemade gift basket
To personalize your Thanksgiving gifts for friends, consider creating a homemade gift basket. Start by selecting a pretty basket and filling it with your loved one’s favorite items and treats. If you need inspiration to get you started, check out our holiday gift basket ideas.
Thanksgiving Gifts for Corporate
If you’re looking for Thanksgiving gifts for employees or coworkers, they might not be quite as personal as those you gift to friends and family. Here are some of our best Thanksgiving gift ideas for employees or coworkers.
Williams Sonoma Charcuterie Hamper
This large charcuterie hamper is a great Thanksgiving gift for employees who have gone above and beyond this year. It is loaded with a variety of cured meats and cheeses from all over the world for your colleagues to enjoy with their families or share with other coworkers.
Box of chocolates
Who doesn’t love a tasty box of chocolates? Consider a handcrafted box like this one from
Recchiuti Confections, which was recognized as the best chocolate box by the New York Times—an ideal option among Thanksgiving gifts for coworkers.
Pretty desk plant
A potted plant can liven up any desk space and makes for a great gift your colleague can enjoy all year long. This beautiful sunset orchid would make a colorful addition to any workspace.
Spa kit
Work can sometimes be stressful, so why not give the gift of relaxation? A spa kit that comes with scented candles, bath salts, or other items can help your coworker feel refreshed and revitalized.
Personalized tumbler
Your coworker may be working on staying more hydrated in the new year, so a pretty personalized tumbler is always a nice gift for water or other beverages of choice.
Wrap Up the Season with Thoughtful Gifts for Thanksgiving
Need more Thanksgiving gift ideas? Check out our gifts for meat lovers and healthy holiday snack roundup for even more gifts your friends, family, and coworkers will love.
While it's easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the season, take a moment this Thanksgiving to show those around you how grateful you are for their presence. Whether it's a beautiful personalized gift or a delicious food offering, like our Chomps trial pack, embrace the spirit of gratitude this Thanksgiving and consider the joy that thoughtful gift-giving can bring to any relationship this time of year.