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