11 Thanksgiving Gift Ideas for Family & Hosts (2024)

FAQs

What to bring for a Thanksgiving host gift? ›

Wine or a side dish are appreciated (and probably expected), but these gifts are also a thoughtful touch. From gift baskets and wine accessories to specialty oils and vinegars, any host will appreciate this selection of presents.

While it's not a tradition to give or exchange gifts on Thanksgiving day, some people bring a gift for the person or family that is hosting the Thanksgiving meal. These gifts are usually small, such as a bottle of wine, flowers, or a platter of desserts the group can share.

Bring Something — Even If Your Host Insists It's Not Necessary. If you're asked to bring something specific, bring that and only that. Thanksgiving is simply not the time to improvise with off-beat flavor combinations or out-of-place dishes.

Exchange of gifts is not customary. However, if you go to somebody's house for Thanksgiving, it is customary to bring a gift for the host. For example, a bottle of wine, which the host can either present at the meal, or save for another occasion. Or, you can bring something to eat, such as a side dish or a dessert.

88% say they plan to purchase food for Thanksgiving, with the most popular items being turkey or turkey breast (59%), dinner rolls or bread (54%), holiday pies (52%), stuffing/dressing (50%) and vegetables (48%)

Say a Toast. There's no better way to celebrate the togetherness that comes with Thanksgiving than with a toast. You can ask one person to take the lead or go around the table and have everyone share what they're thankful for.

Recurring get-togethers. ‍Likewise, if you and your host often go to gatherings at each other's homes (such as a casual dinner or poker night), a hostess gift isn't necessary, though a bottle of wine or an offer to bring a dish for a dinner is a nice gesture.

What not to do as a Thanksgiving guest? ›

“Stop trying to outrun regret,” Dr Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, said. If you regret not spending time with family over the holidays it doesn't necessarily mean you made the wrong decision. “The healthy and loving people in your family system can and should respect your boundaries,” she says.

Gift possibilities include wine, Champagne, flowers (preferably in a vase), a potted plant, chocolates, specialty food items such as jams and jellies or other condiments, fancy nuts, olives, olive oil or vinegar, or items for the house, such as co*cktail napkins, guest soaps and lotions , a picture frame, or a scented ...

There's no specific rule that says it's mandatory to bring a host gift, but the practice has long been customary and deemed an act of respect. Showing up to a function with a gift in hand is the least a guest could do to thank their host for their hospitality. It's also always appreciated!

Should you bring a gift to Thanksgiving? Quite honestly, there are no written laws or unspoken practices that exist for Thanksgiving gifts. Your host or hostess probably won't expect one, but that doesn't mean it won't make their day if you bring them a small treat.

The gift doesn't have to be extravagant, but bring something: a bottle of wine, flowers, or fancy chocolate are all good ideas. Or if your significant other has a particular talent for cooking or baking, perhaps some homemade goodies would be a welcome treat. If you are bringing something to eat, cook it ahead of time.