Let’s be real—hosting Thanksgiving, whether it’s Friendsgiving or with the extended family on Turkey Day, can feel a little overwhelming. Between coordinating schedules, planning the menu, decorating, and making sure you actually have enough chairs for everyone, it’s easy to feel like you’ve bitten off more than you can chew. (Pun absolutely intended.)

But here’s the thing: Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be super stressful! With some planning and organization, you can throw a fabulous celebration for your family or friends—without breaking the bank or your sanity in the process.

That’s exactly why I created the Ultimate Thanksgiving Party Planner. It’s your one-stop guide to planning every detail of your celebration, from guest lists and budgets to timelines and memories. Think of it as your Thanksgiving Party best friend (because we all need one of those).

Ready to make this year’s Thanksgiving your easiest one yet? Let’s dive in!

Start with the Big Picture

Before you get caught up in Pinterest-perfect tablescapes and recipe rabbit holes, take a step back and think about what you actually want your Thanksgiving Party to be. The Party Details section helps you nail down the basics first.

Date and time: Poll your friends and family early! Thanksgiving week is notoriously busy, so lock down a date ASAP. Weekend brunches or the weekend before or after Thanksgiving tend to work well if Thanksgiving day is out of the question.

Theme: You don’t need one, but it makes planning more fun, especially if you’re throwing a Friendsgiving party. Whether it’s cozy pajamas, a decades throwback, or a specific cuisine, a theme guides your decor and menu decisions. (Check out my post on 45 Creative Friendsgiving Ideas for inspiration!)

Number of guests: Be realistic about your space. A packed house can be fun, but you also want people to be comfortable. 

Make it Potluck Style (Your Budget Will Thank You)

Here’s my number one tip for budget-friendly Friendsgiving: embrace the potluck! This cuts costs, takes pressure off you, and lets everyone contribute their favorites.

The Meal Planner section is like a sign-up sheet that helps you organize who’s bringing what:

Assign categories, not specific dishes: Let Sarah choose any side dish instead of demanding green bean casserole. This gives flexibility while ensuring a balanced menu.

Keep it simple: As the host, you might decide to provide the main dish and basics like beverages or appetizers. Let guests fill in sides and desserts. But if cost is an issue, delegate away!

Communicate dietary restrictions: Use the Guest List tracker to note allergies or preferences, then share this info when coordinating dishes.

One thing I’ve learned over the years? People actually love contributing to potlucks! It makes them feel like they’re part of creating the celebration, not just showing up to eat. Plus, you get to try everyone’s signature dishes and family recipes. My sister makes the most incredible cream corn that my girls and I look forward to every year— why try to do it all yourself when you can enjoy someone else’s cooking?!

Plan Your Shopping List (and Actually Write It Down)

Writing down your complete, detailed shopping list is a total game-changer. It helps you spot gaps (Wait, do we have any vegetables?) and prevents buying duplicate ingredients or freaking out an hour before your guests arrive because you forgot the marshmallows for on top of the sweet potatoes. The Shopping List section gives you space to map out the ALL the ingredients for everything from appetizers to desserts.

I love using the organized shopping list because it groups items by category—produce, meat, dairy, pantry items, beverages, and party supplies. Your grocery trip will be so much faster when you’re not zigzagging across the store seventeen times.

Pro tip: Check your pantry before shopping. I have enough thyme in my pantry for the entire neighborhood because I can never remember if I have any at home. The answer is Yes. Yes, I do . Learn from my mistakes and save yourself some money!

Another helpful hack? Shop for non-perishables a week or two early. This spreads out your spending and means you’re not trying to buy everything at once. Save the fresh produce and perishables for 2-3 days before your party.

Budget Like a Boss

Real talk: Parties can get expensive. Between food, drinks, those adorable napkins you saw on Instagram, and all the little extras, costs add up fast. The Budget Tracker keeps you honest about spending:

1. Set your total budget first: Decide what you’re comfortable spending
2. Allocate by category: Distribute across food, drinks, decor, etc.
3. Track as you go: Write down actual costs to adjust if needed

I’ve found that having a potluck can cut your costs by 60-70%. If you’re hosting 10 people and everyone contributes a dish, you’re only responsible for a fraction of the total food cost. Add in some smart shopping and DIY decor, and you can host an amazing Friendsgiving for under $100.

The free printable planner includes money-saving tips like shopping sales, borrowing serving dishes from friends (why buy something you’ll use once a year?), and DIYing decorations with items you already have. Mason jars, candles, and whatever fall foliage you can find outside go a long way!

Remember, your friends are coming for the company and the laughs, not because you spent $200 on decorations they’ll barely notice.

Timeline Everything (Future You Will Be Grateful)

The secret to stress-free hosting? Start early and spread tasks out. The Timeline breaks everything into manageable chunks:

3 weeks before: Send invitations, plan menu, coordinate potluck
2 weeks before: Finalize RSVPs, shop for non-perishables
1 week before: Buy decorations, prep your playlist
Day before: Do as much food prep as possible and set up decorations
Day of: Follow the hour-by-hour timeline to stay on track

The Day-Of Timeline includes a cooking schedule where you work backwards from serving time. No more “Why is nothing ready?!” panic.

Create the Perfect Atmosphere

The Decor & Setup Checklist covers everything from table linens and centerpieces to photo booth props and bathroom guest towels.

My approach? Keep it simple and cozy. String lights, candles, pumpkins, and fall foliage go a long way. Set up a photo booth area or designated spot for group photos—these are the memories you’ll treasure.

Don’t Forget the Fun

Friendsgiving is really about celebrating your friendships. The Activities section helps you plan games and special moments. Here are a few simple favorites:

• Gratitude sharing: Simple but meaningful
• Friendsgiving Bingo: Funny scenarios everyone can relate to
• Photo booth fun: Props and a backdrop for silly pictures
• Collaborative playlist: Guests add their favorite songs

Choose activities that fit your friend group’s vibe. Competitive bunch? Lean into games. Laid-back crew? Great conversation and good music might be all you need. If you’re looking for more ideas, check out my post with 27 Friendsgiving Games. 

Capture the Memories

The Notes & Memories section gives you space to document what worked, favorite dishes, and memorable moments. Looking back at previous years helps you see what recipes were hits, what made everyone laugh, and how your traditions have evolved.

Plus, having notes makes planning next year so much easier. Did that pumpkin pie disappear in minutes? Make two next year!

The Quick Reference Page: Your Day-Of Lifesaver

The final page includes all those easy-to-forget items like ice, serving utensils, and extra toilet paper. There’s also a Serving Size Guide:

• Turkey: 1-1.5 lbs per person
• Sides: 1/2 cup per person per side
• Wine: 1 bottle per 2-3 guests

And my favorite? Emergency Contacts. Write down your go-to restaurant and grocery that are open on Thanksgiving Day and the friend with extra chairs. Because sometimes things don’t go according to plan, and that’s okay!

Keep It Simple, Make It Special

The most important thing about Friendsgiving isn’t perfect decorations or Instagram-worthy food. It’s about gathering people you care about, sharing good food, and creating memories together.

This planner helps you do exactly that—without the stress, without breaking the budget, and without forgetting anything important. It makes planning easier so you can actually enjoy the celebration.

So download the planner, pour yourself a cup of coffee (or wine—no judgment), and start planning your best Friendsgiving yet!

Free Printable Thanksgiving Planner

Ready to get organized? Get your free Thanksgiving Party Planner here and let’s make this year’s celebration one for the books!

Happy planning, and happy Thanksgiving!

The post Plan the Perfect Friendsgiving! Free Printable Thanksgiving Party Planner for 2025 appeared first on MEREDITH ADKISSON.

Friendsgiving, the beloved unofficial holiday that combines the best of friendship and Thanksgiving, has become an annual celebration for so many.  Whether you’re hosting for the first time or looking to spice up your annual gathering, we’ve compiled a list of the best Friendsgiving ideas to inspire your next Friendsgiving party. From decor and themes to activities and menu ideas, these easy Friendsgiving ideas will help you create a perfect Thanksgiving dinner party this year for you and your favorite people. 

This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission. These come at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting my small business!

Friendsgiving Decor Ideas

Setting the right atmosphere is one of my favorite parts of getting ready for a party, and Friendsgiving is no exception. The right decor can transform your space into a warm, inviting haven that captures the essence of gratitude and togetherness. From rustic elements to creative DIY projects, these are Friendsgiving ideas that will make your space cozy and festive and will help make your guests feel right at home.

Rustic Charm

Keep it simple and use burlap table runners, mason jars, and natural accents for a cozy farmhouse feel. 

Autumn Leaves Centerpiece

Create a stunning centerpiece for your Friendsgiving table with colorful fall leaves, pinecones, and candles. 

Gratitude Tree

Here is a simple and thoughtful Friendsgiving idea. Set up a vase full of tree branches where guests can hang tags with things they’re grateful for. You can download our printable leaves to hang on your Gratitude tree here.

Pumpkin Place Cards

Use mini pumpkins as place-setting holders for a cute and festive touch. If you have beautiful penmanship, use paint pens to write directly on the pumpkins. Or you can opt to fold mini place cards to set on top of the pumpkins. 

Fairy Lights Galore

Drape string lights around the room for a warm, cozy ambiance.

Harvest Table Runner

Create a stunning tablescape using mini pumpkins, gourds, fall flowers or greenery, and lit candles. This Friendsgiving idea creates a warm, idyllic ambiance for your dinner table.

Thankful Placemats

Provide kraft paper placemats and colored pencils or markers for guests to write or draw what they’re thankful for. This simple table decor is perfect for Friendsgiving dinners involving the kiddos. 

Autumnal Scent Bar

Light fall-scented candles around the room.  Or set out warm-scented essential oils that guests can combine with a carrier oil in a glass dropper bottle to create their own custom blend. Here is one of my favorite fall aromatherapy blends that transports you into the mountains during autumn:

Friendsgiving Photo Booth

Create a color-themed backdrop with cute props for memorable photos. This is the perfect Friendsgiving decoration that lends to some of the best mementos.

Unique Friendsgiving Themes

Why settle for a traditional Thanksgiving when you can put a creative spin on your Friendsgiving celebration? Picking a unique theme can add an extra dash of fun to your event, giving your friends something extra to look forward to and talk about long after the gathering is over. This list of Friendsgiving ideas ranges from globally inspired concepts to nostalgic throwbacks, ensuring there’s something to suit every friend group’s personality.

Friendsgiving Brunch

Ditch the traditional Thanksgiving meal and instead, host a late-morning gathering with fall-themed breakfast and lunch options. Opt for pumpkin french toast, sweet potato quiche with turkey breakfast sausage, or whatever your favorite brunch foods might be! Warm up with maple cinnamon lattes. And don’t forget the cranberry mimosas!

Friendsgiving Potluck with a Twist

Allow each guest to choose a country, and have them bring menu items inspired by that cuisine. Upgrade the typical Thanksgiving main dish, side dishes, or desserts, which in my (probably unpopular) opinion, gets rather stale. Swap those mashed potatoes for patatas bravas from Spain or ditch the mac and cheese for Käsespätzle from Germany. 

Outdoor Bonfire

Take the celebration outside with a bonfire, warm cozy blankets, and hot drinks.

Decades Theme

This is one of my favorite ideas and I can’t wait to try it! Choose a specific decade and encourage guests to dress up and bring era-appropriate dishes. Grandma’s hand-me-down cardigan and jello mold never looked so good!

Plant-Based Feast

Here’s your chance to plan a delicious Friendsgiving meal for your animal-loving friends! Challenge everyone to bring delicious vegan or vegetarian dishes to your Friendsgiving gathering. As a vegetarian, I can say that such a meal would be much appreciated!

Pajama Party

This might be the easiest Friendsgiving theme idea. Host a cozy Friendsgiving where everyone wears their favorite PJs. No worrying about what to wear and you can head straight to bed with your full belly after the party. 

Farm-to-Table Friendsgiving

Level up your Friendsgiving feast. Source all your ingredients locally and create a menu that showcases the best of your region’s seasonal produce, while you support local farmers and ranchers. 

Friends-giving

This is the ultimate Gen X/ Millennial Friendsgiving. Make your Friends-giving the real deal with a Friends-themed fall party, complete with matching turkey shirts, a turkey-head hat for photo ops, some Friends trivia, and of course a re-watch of that classic episode. 

Fall Festival

If playful is your thing, plan a Fall festival-themed Friendsgiving that will make the neighbor kids jealous. Bring out carnival-style games, snacks, and fall carnival decor. Have bags of caramel popcorn prepared as party favors.

Fun Friendsgiving Games and Activities

Friendsgiving isn’t just about the food – it’s about creating memories and sharing laughs and love with your chosen family. Incorporating games and activities into your celebration can help break the ice and keep the energy high throughout the event. From traditional Thanksgiving-inspired games to creative twists on classic party activities, these unique Friendsgiving ideas will ensure your celebration is filled with belly laughs, friendly competition, and happy people as they go back home.

Game Night

After the meal bring out all your favorite Friendsgiving party games for the ultimate game night with your pals. From family-friendly games to adult-only games, you’ll be laughing for hours! Keep the party going with your favorite game night drinks and snacks!

Check out all our favorite Friendsgiving Game Ideas in this post:

Friendsgiving Bingo

Pull out the Thanksgiving Bingo cards to keep your guests entertained before or after the big meal. Have simple fun but fun prizes for the winners, such as $5 gift cards, mini bottles of liquor, cute Tupperware containers, fall decor to take home, etc. 

Pie-Eating Contest

If your guests are into it, host a friendly competition to see who can finish a mini-pie (or full pie if your guests can stomach it!) the fastest. You’d be surprised by how competitive this can get.

DIY Craft Station

Set up an area for guests to make their own fall-themed crafts, like candles, wreaths, or centerpieces. Or get a headstart on the upcoming holiday season with some merry little Christmas crafts!

Collaborative Playlist

Every party can use some mood music. Create a shared playlist where each guest adds their favorite Thanksgiving or friendship-themed songs.

Friendsgiving Olympics

The best Friendsgiving party is full of ridiculousness, and this idea has plenty of it. Bring out your crazy party-planning skills. Organize silly competitions like pumpkin bowling, turkey trot relays, old-school bobbing for apples, and pumpkin spice taste tests. 

Gratitude Jar

If you’re not on board with the crazy shenanigans and want to instead foster a gracious and beautiful Friendsgiving atmosphere, create a simple gratitude jar.  Throughout the event, have guests write notes of gratitude to put in a mason jar, then read them aloud towards the end of the evening with a toast to your cherished friendships. This is an easy way to add thankfulness to your Friendsgiving celebration.

Seasonal Cocktail Competition

This is guaranteed to make the party even more fun. Challenge guests to create cocktails with a fall theme and then vote on the best one. For non-drinkers and kiddos, create autumn-inspired mocktails instead. I can’t think of a tastier idea for Friendsgiving!

Friend-Themed Charades

This will get you laughing and is perfect if the kids will be involved with the Friendsgiving party. Play charades with words or phrases related to Thanksgiving. You can download my free printable Thanksgiving Charades here!

Friendsgiving Food and Drink Ideas

While turkey and stuffing might be Thanksgiving staples, Friendsgiving offers the perfect opportunity to get creative with your menu. These food and drink Friendsgiving ideas put a fresh spin on holiday classics and introduce new flavors that will have your guests drooling. Whether you’re looking for innovative serving suggestions, unique recipe twists, or interactive food stations, we’ve got you covered!

Cookie Decorating

Set up a space for Thanksgiving cookie decorating. Use either homemade or bakery-made sugar cookies. Provide tubs of icing, sprinkles, and other fall-colored edible decorations. Box them up in little treat boxes as DIY party favors to enjoy at home. 

Dessert Potluck

Make a Friendsgiving party a great party with extra desserts! Ask each guest to bring their favorite fall dessert to share. And remember, there’s no such thing as too many pecan pies. 

Hot Apple Cider Bar

Want a Friendsgiving party to be epic? This just might be the ticket. Set up a station with various toppings and mix-ins for hot apple cider. Think caramel sauce, cinnamon sticks, red hots, whipped cream, spiced rum, or bourbon. 

Friendsgiving Charcuterie Board

Create a large grazing board with meats, cheeses, fruits, and nuts. It’s the perfect appetizer to get the Friendsgiving party started.

Thanksgiving Sushi

If fusion food is your thing, then this is for you: Thanksgiving sushi. Okay, hear me out. Serve turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce rolled in nori for a fusion twist for an unusual yet delicious side dish. (See recipe here)

Fall Soup Party

Forgo all the traditional Friendsgiving menu ideas and plan a Friendsgiving soup party with your favorite fall soups. Think chicken and dumplings, butternut squash soup, zuppa toscana, broccoli cheddar soup, beef stew…are you drooling yet? When it comes to a Friendsgiving with your favorite peeps, sometimes cozy comfort is the best option.

Cranberry Sauce Flight

Offer a tasting of various homemade cranberry sauces. And if you don’t feel like making your own, create your own flight with some of Stone Wall Kitchen’s fabulous gourmet flavors, including Apple Cranberry Chutney, New England Cranberry Relish, Orange Cranberry Marmelade, Holiday Spiced Cranberry Sauce,  Hot Pepper Cranberry Jelly, and Cranberry Horseradish Sauce.

Build-Your-Own Pie Bar

Provide mini pie pans, pre-made crusts, and various fillings for guests to create their own individual desserts. Enjoy the aroma of the freshly baked pies that can be eaten at your feast or taken home as a party favor. 

Leftover Care Packages

Provide cute containers for guests to take home leftovers. I love these adorable aluminum ones that are super affordable and pretty funny. Let guests bag it up with these autumn gift bags for the most aesthetically pleasing leftovers. 

Extra Special Touches to Make It Memorable

Let’s talk about those little extras that really make Friendsgiving pop. Think heartwarming activities that’ll bring out all the feels and fun ways to capture the moment. These Friendsgiving ideas are all about adding those personal touches that’ll make your Friendsgiving feel extra special. Trust me, your friends will eat this stuff up (pun totally intended)!

Friendsgiving Invitations

Create some cute Friendsgiving invitations to send to your guests! You can find so many free options on Canva! It’s my favorite place to find attractive templates that I can edit or create my own designs. These can then be printed or sent digitally. But receiving an invite in the mail does make it feel extra special! 

Polaroid Moments

Have a Polaroid-style camera for guests to take and print photos. I love the Fujifilm Instax Mini, as a budget-friendly option with great features and consistent print quality! 

Volunteer Together

Spend part of the day volunteering at a local food bank, animal shelter, community clean-up, etc. before your celebration. No time to cook after? Opt for a Friendsgiving dinner out or delicious take-out. 

Friendsgiving Awards

Create fun awards and prizes for your guests to make your Friendsgiving even more fun! Award ideas could include “Best with a Carving Knife,” “Most Festively Dressed,” “Sauce Boss,” etc. Keep it silly and light. No one wants hurt feelings at their Friendsgiving Dinner. 

Virtual Friendsgiving

This probably isn’t the most ideal Friendsgiving idea. But sometimes distance or illness makes it impossible to be with our closest friends. Set up a video call for friends who can’t attend in person to join in for a Friendsgiving toast or game.

Friendship Plant Exchange

It doesn’t have to be Christmas in order to have a gift exchange. Have guests bring small potted plants to exchange with one another. Plants are one of my favorite gifts and are a beautiful daily reminder of the person who gifted them to us. 

“Favorite Things” Gift Swap

If plants aren’t your thing, organize a gift exchange where everyone brings their favorite item under a set price limit. Cozy blankets, a cherished book, or a favorite kitchen gadget are all to-be-loved ideas for a Friendsgiving gift swap with your closest friends.   

Friendsgiving Cookbook

Have everyone bring typed copies of their dish’s recipe. Compile all the Thanksgiving recipes into a cookbook. You can purchase inexpensive binders with clear front pockets, print a quick cover, punch holes in the recipes, and tada! It’s a Friendsgiving cookbook you can add to every year! You can access my template here!

Friend-Focused Toast Time

Designate a time for guests to give short toasts celebrating their friendships. This could be before the meal or even after dessert. Find a moment when your guests are feeling relaxed and the mood is high. This is the perfect way to cap off a successful Friendsgiving. 

Wrapping-Up: 45 Creative Friendsgiving Ideas

Friendsgiving is all about celebrating our friendships and expressing gratitude for the people who make our lives so much richer. With these 45 creative Friendsgiving ideas, you have a wealth of options to make your Friendsgiving celebration truly special. Mix and match these suggestions to create an event that reflects your friend group’s personality and interests. Remember, the most important ingredient for a successful Friendsgiving is the love and laughter shared among friends. And the food. You can’t forget the food. Happy Friendsgiving!

The post 45 Creative Friendsgiving Ideas to Make Your Celebration Unforgettable appeared first on MEREDITH ADKISSON.

Are you planning a Friendsgiving celebration with your friend group this year? While the traditional Thanksgiving dinner with family can be a special time for lots of people, there’s something really great about gathering with your peeps for a Friendsgiving dinner. And what better way to add a fun twist to the festivities than by incorporating some Friendsgiving games and laughs into the mix?

From classic board games to interactive group games, there are tons of options to choose from when it comes to keeping things fun. Whether you’re looking to break the ice with new friends, laugh at raunchy humor, or simply want to have a good time with your closest pals, there’s a game out there that’s perfect for your Friendsgiving celebration. So, gather your people, bring out the holiday cocktails, and get ready to have a blast with these Friendsgiving games.

This post contains affiliate links to products I love and recommend. This adds no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my small business!

Ideas for Friendsgiving Games

Friendsgiving is a time to gather with your closest friends and family, enjoy a scrumptious, carb-laden meal, and have loads of fun. Whether you’re looking for a way to break the ice or keep the party going, there are plenty of popular Friendsgiving games to choose from. Here are a few favorites to consider:

Board Games

Board games are my favorite way to bring people together and have some fun.

6-7 Players Friendsgiving Games

Settlers of Catan, 5-6 Player Extension

This strategy game is perfect for groups of 5 to 6 players if you purchase the additional extension to use along with the original game. You’ll work to build settlements, cities, and roads while trading resources and competing for victory points.

Ransom Notes

This 3-6 player game (or make teams if you have extra players) is a hilarious word game that will have you making ridiculous sentences. And if you need to keep the game PG, you can pull out some of the more mature cards.

Mysterium

This favorite mystery board game is perfect for getting groups of up to 7 to work together. Sometimes you need a break from the competition, and this is the perfect game for that!

Up to 8 Players Friendsgiving Games

Codenames

This word game is great for larger groups and can be played with as few as four players. You’ll work in teams to identify secret agents based on one-word clues. There’s a reason that this is a cult favorite!

Camel Up

If you are looking for a fast-paced, exciting betting game, you’ll love Camel Up. If you’re looking to liven up your Friendsgiving, this is the perfect game.

Telestrations or Telestrations After Dark

One of my FAVORITE group games, this telephone/sketching game is always a blast. If you have a strictly adult group that is NOT easily offended, then Telestrations After Dark will for sure have you rolling (and possibly blushing).

Friendsgiving Card Games

Card games are another favorite option for Friendsgiving. They’re easy to set up and can be played with a wide range of group sizes. Here are a few of my favorite options:

Exploding Kittens

This quirky card game for up to 5 people is perfect for any age group. You’ll draw cards and try to avoid the exploding kitten while sabotaging your opponents. It’s as crazy as the name sounds.

Incohearent

In this funny word game, you’ll be sounding out gibberish while your teammates try and guess what you’re saying. It’s safe for any audience and group size and is sure to make everyone laugh!

Cards Against Humanity

This adult party game is not for the faint of heart. You’ll compete to come up with the funniest and most inappropriate responses to a variety of prompts. Consider all your guests before choosing this raunchy game.

The Voting Game with After Dark Expansion

If your close friends are joining you for Friendsgiving, then you should be safe to pull out this sometimes awkward but undeniably hilarious game. Just be forewarned, it’s not for the easily offended.

Never Have I Ever

This popular adult card game lets you relive your funny and often embarrassing memories with your friends. It’s another game to get you laughing out loud! For a tamer version of Never Have I Ever, you can purchase this Family Edition.

Drinking Games

If you have a ride home from your Friendsgiving or can crash on your friend’s sofa, then you might enjoy these Drinking Games. I can’t guarantee you’ll be having fun the next morning, so be sure to consider that if you have to work or parent the next day.

Do or Drink

This grown-up version of truth or dare takes out the truth option completely. Take the dare or take a drink. If the thought of a dare gives you hives, you might want to skip this one, or you’ll likely regret it later.

Sotally Tober

You can imagine how this game ends. With 125 cards, you’ll be feeling it by the end of the night if you’re on the losing end of this game and laughing if you’re not. This game is ideal for large groups, in my opinion.

You Laugh You Drink

This drinking game gets harder as the night goes on. Definitely practice your poker face before attempting this one. And if you’re like me and have found yourself uncontrollably laughing at funerals, then this game is not for you.

Outdoor Games

If you’re lucky enough to have good weather on Friendsgiving, consider taking the party outside with some fun outdoor games. Here are a few favorites:

Cornhole

This classic bean bag toss game is perfect for outdoor gatherings. This version looks like the hardwood cornhole version but is lightweight and easy to transport in the included carrying case to and from friends’ houses.

Kan Jam

This competitive frisbee game is great for burning off calories after a big meal. You’ll work in teams to throw the frisbee and try to score points by getting it into the can.

Spikeball

This fast-paced game is perfect for those who love volleyball. You’ll work in teams to hit the ball off the net and try to score points by making it difficult for your opponents to return it. The original version comes with a 3.5″ ball about the size of an orange. For newbies, you can try the Rookie Version with a cantaloupe-sized ball.

DIY Friendsgiving Games

Looking for some super fun and easy DIY games to play at your Friendsgiving party? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Trivia Games

Test your friends’ knowledge with some Friendsgiving-themed trivia! You can create your own questions or find some online. Here are a few sample questions to get you started:

• What year was the first Friendsgiving celebrated?

• What is the name of the Native American who helped the Pilgrims during their first winter in America?

• What is the main ingredient in pumpkin pie?

To make the game more competitive, you can divide your friends into teams and award points for correct answers.

Here are some ready-made Trivia Questions to get you started if you’re short on time

• FREE Thanksgiving Trivia printable

• 89 Funtastic Thanksgiving Trivia Questions

Charades

Charades is a classic game that is always a hit at parties. To play, divide your friends into teams and have each team take turns acting out Friendsgiving-themed words or phrases, like carving the turkey, eating too much pie, or playing football.

If you prefer a premade version of Friendsgiving charades, check out these downloadable options:

• 100 Thanksgiving Charades for the Adults

• FREE 40 Hilarious Thanksgiving Charades

Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt is a fun way to get your friends up and moving. To play, hide Friendsgiving-themed items around your house or yard and give your friends a list of clues to help them find items, like a can of cranberry sauce, a cornucopia, or a turkey baster. To make the game more challenging, you can set a time limit for the scavenger hunt. Be sure to have a prize for the winning person or team!

You could also download and print one of these ready-made scavenger hunts

• Thanksgiving Selfie Scavenger Hunt

• FREE Thanksgiving Photo Scavenger Hunt

Thanksgiving Bingo

Create your own Thanksgiving-themed BINGO cards using Canva’s Bingo Card Generator or try some of these printable options:

• “Find Someone Who” BINGO: Thanksgiving Edition

• FREE Thanksgiving Traditions BINGO

• Thanksgiving Mingle BINGO

• Find the Guest BINGO

No matter which DIY game you choose to play at your Friendsgiving party, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy spending time with your friends.

Online Friendsgiving Games

If you can’t be together in person for Friendsgiving, don’t worry! There are plenty of online games you can play with your friends. It’s most fun if you can join on a Zoom call while playing, to really share in the fun and laughs. Here are some ideas for virtual Friendsgiving games that will keep the fun going, even when you’re apart:

Monopoly

Play the classic board game online with friends. You can use websites like Tabletopia or Pogo to play the game virtually. You can also use the Monopoly app to play the game on your phone.

Scattergories

Play the classic word game Scattergories Online with friends. It’s easy to do as a group over Zoom, making it the perfect option for your virtual Friendsgiving.

Cards Against Humanity

Play the popular party game online with friends. You can use websites like PlayingCards.io or Bad Cards to play the game virtually.

Skribbl.io

Play this multiplayer, online pictionary-style game. You can create a private room for you and your friends to play in.

Codenames

Play Codenames, a top multi-player game that’s perfect for playing virtually with friends. Simply create a room, choose your settings, and start the game.

Friendsgiving Party Planning Tips

Games are the perfect way to add some extra life to your Friendsgiving get-together. Here are some planning tips for incorporating games into your Friendsgiving celebration.

Creating a Game-Friendly Atmosphere

To create a game-friendly atmosphere, let your guests know beforehand of the plan for the evening, so they know what to expect. If you’ve planned five hours of crazy fun, let them know ahead of time, so they can schedule that sitter or Uber over.

Set up a designated area for games, whether it’s the dinner table after clean up or card tables in the living room. Make sure there is enough seating and table space for everyone to participate comfortably.

And snacks and drinks are always a good idea, even after all the Thanksgiving food. Making it a fun, relaxed atmosphere is key to a fun Friendsgiving.

Timing and Scheduling

When planning your Friendsgiving event, consider the timing of games. You don’t want to interrupt the flow of the meal or conversation, so it’s best to plan games for after dinner or during dessert. You can also schedule shorter games throughout the night to keep the energy up.

Prizes and Rewards

Who doesn’t like prizes??!! Offering prizes can really bring out the friendly competition. You can ask everyone to bring a $5-and-under prize if you’re tight on cash. Or you can give out small prizes like candy bars or sodas. You can also have a friendly wager like whichever team loses has to do the dishes or bring a dessert to the next game night.

Wrapping Up

We really think that Friendsgiving games are a great way to bring everyone together and create lasting, and possibly hilarious, memories. Whether you choose to play classic board games, DIY games, or drinking games (if you’re of age, of course!), there are plenty of Friendsgiving activities to keep your guests entertained.

Friendsgiving is all about taking the time to celebrate and cherish the people in your life. Friends are sometimes our chosen family. Make priceless memories with them this year. Playing games together is just one way to make the holiday even more special.

We hope you and your friends have a very Happy Friendsgiving!

The post 27 Friendsgiving Games: Fun Ideas for Your Friendsgiving Celebration in 2025 appeared first on MEREDITH ADKISSON.