Thanksgiving Gifts Buying Guide, Stores, and Prices
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Thanksgiving Gifts

Thanksgiving is a holiday for giving, so why not say thanks to your host? This year, bring along a special token of appreciation to the person's home which you are visiting. When in doubt, ask the host if he or she needs anything for the party. Often the affair will be completely under control, so you may have to improvise or make your own gift. Here are some suggestions for getting someone a present for a Thanksgiving celebration.

  • A no-fail option, even if the host didn't ask you to bring food, is a gift basket . While these aren't very personal, they are in line with the spirit of the season. Plentiful baskets chock full with meats ,cheeses ,nuts , and fruits  are quite fitting. Fine wine or liqueurs are also suitable for the right party. You can personalize a gift basket by making it your own, but be sure to include some of the recipient's favorites! Be sure to arrive early if you want your gift served before or with the main meal.
  • Flowers, centerpieces ,wreaths , and cornucopias  are reasonable offerings for decor-minded hosts. Look for arrangements that echo harvest colors; yellow, gold, red, bronze, purple, brown, and copper shades are best. If you're making your own special centerpiece  or wreath, consider using wheat sheaves, nuts, fall leaves, or berries to accent fall flowers like sunflowers, daisies, alstroemeria, lilies, marigolds, and chrysanthemums.
  • You can also make unique, harvest-themed trinkets; please visit the Thanksgiving Crafts Guide for more ideas that are guaranteed original.

Food Items

Most hosts will appreciate a little help in the food department. Try to find seasonal items like pumpkin cake  or maple cookies ; these will be super with traditional favorites like sweet potato pie or apple cider. A savory pie or a special side dish can also improve the meal. Be careful; just as no one should overshadow the bride on her wedding day, nothing you bring to the meal should top the chef's specialty.

Cornucopia Fruit Basket 

The horn of plenty is a traditional symbol of good fortune. A cornucopia fruit basket usually features apples, pears, and oranges as well as cookies, cheese, smoked nuts, and candies.

Thanksgiving Gift Basket 

These usually include seasonal favorites like maple sugar-flavored popcorn, honey cinnamon almonds, butter pecan cookies, toasted wheat crackers, salami, and various cheeses.

Pumpkin Flavored Coffee 

Combine the rich, creamy taste of pumpkin pie with aromatic roasted coffee and you get a delectable start to your day.

Spiral Sliced Ham 

The host has the turkey covered, so why not provide an alternate meat? You can buy a ready-to-serve honey-glazed ham so you won't have to do any prep work before the party.

Cheesecake Sampler 

Bring a cheesecake sampler to the party and you will surely be the most popular guest. These often include varieties like Amaretto, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Fudge, New York Style, Blueberry Swirl and many more.

Decorative Accents

When looking for decorations , think warm, think cozy, think family. Candles with spicy fragrances, toasty throws or blankets  with an autumn theme; and even nature-inspired picture frames  are always on the right track.

Pilgrim Nutcracker 

A Thanksgiving-themed nutcracker is perfect for the assorted nut  lover you know. 

Cornucopia Wreath 

Cornucopia wreaths are carefully made with real twigs and silk or naturally preserved fall leaves. 

Autumn Themed Votives 

Breathe in the woodsy scents of autumn--without the chill!--with a fall-themed votive candle.

Gourd Bowls 

These are a contemporary twist to the 4000-year-old technique of creating gourd bowls. 

Turkey Basket 

A turkey basket is a nifty way to bring Thanksgiving treats to your friends and family.

Rosemary Plant 

A hardy herb that can give any dish a fresh, culinary seasoning.

Place Card Holders 

Elegant card place holders are a nice touch and they help organize dinner guests.

Guest Soaps 

These soaps are ideal for use in the guest bathroom.

Cashmere Scarf 

Give someone a soft and stylish scarf to keep him or her warm in the coming winter months.

Picture Frame 

Everybody loves photos on display! Electronic picture frames  are a modern-day twist on a classic.

Sports Oriented Gifts

While the big, drowsiness-inducing meal is the main event on Thanksgiving, football is pretty important too, if only as the traditional way to kill time. Your host might not be able to use any of these gifts on the holiday itself, but they'll be sure to appreciate them throughout the season.

Keg-Shaped Grill 

This grill is just the thing for tailgate party regulars, though this might not be the best way to prepare that turkey dinner.

NFL Sweatshirts 

On cold Sunday afternoon, nothing is better than watching the game in an authentic NFL sweater  or hoodie .

NFL Mug 

These mugs are excellent for those who like to watch the game and have a beer.

Padded Stadium Seat 

Sit in the bleachers in style! With these padded seats you can lean back, relax, and really enjoy the game. 

Picture Taking Binoculars 

These are neat binoculars that take clear, digital pictures and video from hundreds of feet away.

Gifts for the Chef

If you're dining at the house of someone who loves to cook and entertain, why not opt for a gift that speaks his or her language? Cooking tools and equipment are always helpful for the motivated chef. Don't forget that glassware and tableware are also good options; festive appetizer plates , ceramic serving caddies ,olive oil and vinegar sets , and Thanksgiving-themed cheese knives  or spice racks  are just a few ideas. It may be a good to send these items on ahead so the recipient can make use of them.  You can also count them as early holiday presents.

Gravy Boat 

Often overlooked on the kitchen table, a gravy boat can be a practical and decorative gift.

Oven Thermometers

A good oven thermometer can make the difference between a dry turkey and a perfectly cooked bird.

Cheese Board 

Perfect for enjoying appetizers, a cheese board will delight the host who lives to serve.

Gourmet Carving Set 

Nobody should be without quality carving utensils this Thanksgiving.

 

Pie Dish 

You can't serve pie without a dish, so be sure you grab one or two for the holidays.

Family Entertainment

After the food and football, there is only one thing left to do: relax. One classic Thanksgiving activity is settling down to catch a flick as a family, perhaps with a cup of cocoa. Here are some typical holiday films that you can bring to your next Thanksgiving get-together.

Related Guides

Thanksgiving and Fall Crafts

Thanksgiving Guide

Thanksgiving Carving Knife Roundup

Thanksgiving Dining Room Decorations

Thanksgiving Dinner Guide 

 

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