30 Thanksgiving Giveaway Ideas to Show Gratitude

Thanksgiving is all about food, family and gratitude, making it a perfect time for businesses and organizations to connect with their audiences. Whether you’re planning a community event, employee appreciation program or customer loyalty initiative, thoughtful giveaways strengthen relationships and spread holiday cheer. From food staples and holiday baskets to seasonal swag and family-friendly items, here are 30 Thanksgiving giveaway ideas that make a lasting impression.

Table of Contents

1. Thanksgiving Food Giveaway Ideas
2. Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway Ideas
3. Thanksgiving Giveaway Ideas for Kids
4. Thanksgiving 5K Giveaway Ideas
5. Seasonal Home & Office Giveaway Ideas
6. Community & Charitable Giveaway Ideas
7. Tips for Hosting a Successful Thanksgiving Giveaway
8. Show Your Gratitude with the Perfect Giveaway

Thanksgiving Food Giveaway Ideas

Food giveaways tie directly to the holiday and are always appreciated.

1. Whole Turkeys or Turkey Vouchers

A classic prize that feels instantly festive. Distributing whole turkeys or vouchers redeemable at local grocery stores gives families the centerpiece of their Thanksgiving meal. This traditional approach works well for community organizations, employers or businesses thanking customers.

Pro Tip: Make it more memorable by packaging your turkey or voucher inside a custom grocery tote, a keepsake they’ll use long after Thanksgiving.

2. Grocery Store Gift Cards

Gift cards give recipients the flexibility to stock up on their holiday favorites while eliminating guesswork about dietary preferences and family sizes. Cards ranging from $25 to $100 provide meaningful support that accommodates various cooking traditions and household needs.

Pro Tip: Pair gift cards with a branded insulated cooler bag so your giveaway feels more substantial than just an envelope.

3. Pumpkin or Apple Pies

These quintessential Thanksgiving desserts save recipients baking time while delivering classic holiday flavors. Partnering with local bakeries adds a community connection. Ready-to-serve pies work beautifully as raffle prizes, employee gifts or customer appreciation gestures that require no preparation.

Pro Tip: Present pies on a branded cutting board, turning a simple dessert giveaway into a thoughtful gift.

4. Thanksgiving Dinner Kits

Complete meal kits take the planning out of holiday cooking by bundling everything together. Pre-packaged collections typically feature stuffing mix, gravy, cranberry sauce, boxed mashed potatoes and dinner rolls. These kits are particularly valuable for busy families or those facing food insecurity.

Pro Tip: Bundle kits with custom aprons or branded measuring spoons, practical items that tie into the cooking theme and keep your brand visible in their kitchens.

5. Gourmet Snack Boxes

Curated snack collections offer variety and indulgence beyond the main meal. Look for seasonal flavors like caramel apple popcorn, pumpkin spice candies, cinnamon roasted nuts or harvest-themed chocolate assortments featuring nuts, popcorn and chocolates that capture fall’s essence.

Pro Tip: Choose snack boxes that come in reusable mugs, tote bags, or custom buckets so recipients have a keepsake long after the treats are gone.

Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway Ideas

Branded gift baskets feel thoughtful and can be themed for families, employees or communities.

6. Fall-Themed Gift Basket

A well-designed basket captures autumn comfort with candles, mugs, cozy blankets, and treats. Include pumpkin-scented candles, a ceramic mug perfect for cider, a plush throw blanket, and fall treats. These gift sets provide items that recipients can enjoy throughout the season and make great employee recognition gifts.

Pro Tip: Package everything in a wicker basket or wooden crate, and consider adding a few branded household items like coasters or decorative accents to make the gift feel both seasonal and practical.

7. Cooking Essentials Basket

Support home cooks with specialty spices, utensils, measuring spoons, and recipe cards. Include sage and thyme alongside useful tools like basting brushes or meat thermometers. Adding recipe cards with Thanksgiving favorites makes this kitchen-themed basket both functional and inspirational for holiday meal preparation.

Pro Tip: Pick up custom kitchen accessories like branded spatulas, aprons, or kitchen towels that recipients can use while preparing their Thanksgiving meals.

8. Coffee & Cocoa Basket

Pair quality coffee beans with gourmet hot cocoa mixes, festive mugs and biscotti for creating cozy moments. This combination works beautifully for employees, clients or raffle prizes appealing to anyone who loves warm beverages during crisp fall mornings or after Thanksgiving dinner.

Pro Tip: Include mugs with your logo, so every morning coffee or evening cocoa becomes a reminder of your thoughtful gift.

9. Wine & Cheese Basket

Select quality wine alongside artisan cheeses, crackers, preserves and chocolate for sophisticated pairings. This classy seasonal gift for adults works well for client appreciation, executive gifts or fundraising auction items where you want to make a memorable impression on recipients.

Pro Tip: Include custom wine glasses in the basket to elevate the experience and give recipients a keepsake they’ll enjoy long after the holiday.

10. Wellness Basket

The holiday season can be hectic, making branded wellness gifts particularly thoughtful. Include herbal teas, cozy socks, and stress-relief items like aromatherapy products or bath salts that support self-care during busy times.

Pro Tip: Use a branded cosmetics bag or travel pouch as your “basket”. It keeps the gift organized and doubles as a practical item for future trips or everyday use.

Thanksgiving Giveaway Ideas for Kids

Kid-friendly giveaways help families feel included and keep the holiday fun.

11. Plush Turkeys or Stuffed Animals

Turkey plushies or autumn-themed stuffed animals work wonderfully for family-oriented events or community organizations serving families. Soft, cuddly toys bring smiles to young faces while choosing quality materials ensures they withstand repeated hugging and become cherished companions.

Pro Tip: Attach a small branded tag or ribbon to each plushie so kids (and parents) remember where this favorite toy came from.

12. Thanksgiving Coloring Books & Crayon Sets

Thanksgiving-themed coloring books provide screen-free entertainment that keeps kids engaged during family gatherings. Look for books featuring turkeys, harvest scenes and gratitude prompts that celebrate the holiday’s meaning while offering hours of creative fun.

Pro Tip: Bundle coloring books with branded crayons inside a custom drawstring bag kids can reuse for school supplies or toy storage.

13. Sticker Activity Packs

Sticker collections featuring fall themes, turkeys and autumn leaves offer portable fun that’s easy to distribute and always popular with children. These lightweight items are budget-friendly and work well as additions to larger packages or standalone handouts kids love using.

Pro Tip: Slip sticker sheets into a branded pencil case or small pouch that kids can reuse for school supplies or collecting treasures.

14. DIY Craft Kits

Hands-on projects engage children’s creativity while teaching Thanksgiving traditions. Include colorful construction paper, branded crayons, markers, safety scissors, glue sticks, googly eyes, pipe cleaners, feathers and instructions for creating paper turkeys, pinecone decorations or autumn wreaths that become keepsakes.

Pro Tip: Create an easy bundled giveaway with a color-your-own tote bag kit, which includes crayons and gives kids a reusable bag they can personalize.

15. Cookie Decorating Kits

Provide supplies for families to decorate their own Thanksgiving treats together. Include items like icing tubes, festive sprinkles, edible markers, and tools such as cookie cutters. This makes the activity interactive, fun, and food-safe.

Pro Tip: Add a themed touch with pumpkin cookie cutters, and package everything in a branded storage container families can reuse for baking supplies, leftovers, or future crafts.

Thanksgiving 5K Giveaway Ideas

Turkey Trots and Thanksgiving fun runs are popular events that pair perfectly with branded giveaway items.

16. Branded T-Shirts or Hoodies

Quality apparel provides event keepsakes that get worn year after year while becoming a walking advertisement for your organization. Design shirts featuring your event name, date and logo in seasonal colors that runners treasure as collection additions.

Pro Tip: Choose moisture-wicking fabrics in performance blends that runners actually want to wear for workouts, not just cotton tees they’ll use for yardwork.

17. Custom Water Bottles

Reusable water bottles serve runners during races and long afterward as a practical, eco-friendly option. Choose BPA-free materials in fall colors with measurement markings or flip-top lids. These items align with active lifestyles while keeping your brand visible.

Pro Tip: Select insulated bottles that keep drinks cold for hours, adding genuine utility that cheap plastic bottles can’t match.

18. Sports Towels or Sweatbands

Small accessories enhance the race experience without breaking your budget through low-cost items for participants. Microfiber sports towels featuring your event logo help runners cool down and fit easily in gym bags for future workouts and activities.

Pro Tip: Bundle towels and sweatbands together in a mesh bag for an affordable combo that feels more substantial than individual items.

19. Drawstring Bags or Fanny Packs

Lightweight drawstring bags work perfectly for holding keys, phones, and post-race snacks as convenient carriers for race day essentials. Fanny packs offer hands-free convenience that provides ongoing utility well beyond race day at gyms and parks.

Pro Tip: Choose styles with zippered pockets for valuables, elevating them from basic giveaways to genuinely useful gear.

20. Medals or Ribbons

Finisher medals create a sense of accomplishment and serve as lasting reminders. Design branded medals featuring Thanksgiving themes like turkeys or autumn leaves alongside your event name to commemorate the run. Many runners display these mementos proudly throughout the year.

Pro Tip: Include a built-in ribbon or loop that doubles as a bookmark, giving runners a practical reason to keep your medal visible on their desk or nightstand.

Seasonal Home & Office Giveaway Ideas

Practical, seasonal items are perfect for employees, customers or event attendees.

21. Branded Blankets or Throws

Quality branded blankets in fall colors provide warmth and get regular use on couches, in offices or at outdoor events. Choose neutral patterns that complement various décor styles, ensuring people actually display these cozy items rather than storing them away.

Pro Tip: Choose fleece or sherpa materials over thin polyester, ensuring recipients actually use your blanket instead of relegating it to the back of a closet.

22. Custom Mugs with Cocoa or Tea

A ceramic mug featuring your logo alongside packets of hot cocoa mix or specialty tea bags creates a complete gift with practical drinkware paired with seasonal beverages. This combination works wonderfully for client gifting or employee appreciation programs.

Pro Tip: Select ceramic mugs over disposable options, creating a keepsake that recipients use daily rather than once and toss.

23. Candles in Fall Scents

Soy or beeswax candles in scents like pumpkin spice, apple cinnamon or vanilla create an aromatic ambiance for any space. Choose branded candles in containers that match your brand aesthetic, from rustic mason jars to sleek vessels that provide extended exposure during hours of burning.

Pro Tip: Look for candles with 40+ hour burn times in glass containers that recipients can repurpose for storage or planters after the wax is gone.

24. Thanksgiving-Themed Kitchen Towels or Aprons

Cotton dish towels featuring autumn designs get frequent use as functional items that enhance holiday cooking during meal preparation and cleanup. Aprons with Thanksgiving themes add festive flair while protecting clothing. Both work well for food-related businesses or culinary connections.

Pro Tip: Select 100% cotton materials over polyester blends for items that actually absorb spills and hold up through repeated washing.

25. Reusable Tote Bags

Durable canvas totes serve multiple purposes as eco-conscious carriers for shopping and beyond. Choose sturdy construction that withstands repeated use while providing ongoing visibility.

Pro Tip: Choose bags that fold into compact pouches, making them easy to keep in cars or purses so people actually remember to use them.

Community & Charitable Giveaway Ideas

Thanksgiving is also about giving back. These tangible items show generosity.

26. Pre-Packed Thanksgiving Meal Bags

Complete meal collections support families facing food insecurity while honoring Thanksgiving’s spirit through a box with nonperishable holiday staples. Include canned vegetables, stuffing mix, cranberry sauce and gravy. Partner with local food banks to identify families in need.

Pro Tip: Fill a branded reusable shopping bag or cooler with your meal components so families have something useful after enjoying the food.

27. Grocery Store Gift Card Packs for Families

Gift cards remove barriers families face when purchasing fresh ingredients for Thanksgiving dinner as direct financial assistance for holiday meals. Consider $50-$100 denominations that meaningfully impact holiday budgets while respecting recipient dignity through allowing personal meal planning choices.

Pro Tip: Tuck gift cards into a branded cardholder with a handwritten note, adding a personal touch to financial assistance.

28. Kids’ Backpacks with Snacks and School Supplies

Filled branded backpacks address both immediate needs and longer-term educational support. Include snacks and school supplies like nutritious snacks, notebooks, pencils, crayons and age-appropriate books. This combination helps families stretch tight budgets while investing in children’s education.

Pro Tip: Choose quality backpacks with padded straps and multiple compartments that kids will actually want to use for school daily.

29. Care Packages for Seniors or Veterans

Thoughtful collections honor those who may spend Thanksgiving alone through blankets, puzzles and snacks. Include warm fleece blankets, large-print puzzle books, shelf-stable snacks and hot beverage packets. Coordinate with senior centers or veterans’ organizations to identify recipients.

Pro Tip: Include a handwritten thank-you note in each package, adding a personal connection that shows genuine appreciation beyond material items.

30. Donation-in-Kind

Organize a program where employees, customers or community members nominate families facing hardship. Deliver gift baskets or meals to nominated families, including fresh turkey, side ingredients, desserts and household items. This approach builds community connections while directly supporting neighbors.

Pro Tip: Coordinate with local organizations to deliver baskets anonymously if recipients prefer privacy, or arrange personal delivery if they’re comfortable with recognition.

Tips for Hosting a Successful Thanksgiving Giveaway

Thoughtful planning maximizes your giveaway’s impact and ensures your efforts create meaningful connections with your audience. Consider these strategies to make your Thanksgiving giveaway memorable and effective.

• Choose prizes that align with your audience – practical food items for community members, branded merchandise for in-house employees or for remote employees who can’t join in-person celebrations
• Promote across multiple channels – use social media, email, in-store signage and community boards to reach diverse audiences
• Keep rules simple and participation easy – straightforward processes encourage broad participation while complicated entry requirements reduce engagement
• Consider various entry methods – social media follows, email signups, in-store visits or community nominations accommodate different preferences
• Clearly communicate details – share deadlines, winner selection dates and prize distribution methods so participants know what to expect
• Tie in branded promotional products – extend your visibility beyond the holiday when recipients use your branded items throughout the season

Quality items that provide genuine utility create positive associations with your brand. When recipients use your blanket, mug or tote bag throughout the season, your organization stays top of mind long after Thanksgiving dinner ends.

Show Your Gratitude with the Perfect Giveaway

From food kits and cozy home items to kids’ crafts and Turkey Trot swag, these Thanksgiving giveaway ideas spread gratitude while keeping your brand visible. Thoughtful giving during the holiday season strengthens relationships with employees, customers, and community members alike.

Pinnacle Promotions makes it easy to find and customize products that fit your audience. Explore more fall giveaway ideas or contact our team to request a virtual sample and discover options that match your budget and timeline. Pinnacle Knows Promo, and we’ll guide you through every step of creating giveaways that truly connect.