Thanksgiving isn’t usually a holiday for giving gifts, but that’s why it’s the perfect chance to surprise people you care about! Imagine bringing a Thanksgiving gift to thank the person hosting dinner for all their hard work. Or think about how happy kids would be with a fun, fall-themed gift.
Even a small present for your parents or spouse can show them how much they mean to you on this special day. With that in mind, here are 15 Thanksgiving Day gift ideas to make everyone’s holiday a little brighter.
What to Gift for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to show appreciation with a thoughtful gift. Here are 15 great gift ideas to inspire you.
1. Gourmet Gift Basket
A gourmet gift basket is a great way to share tasty treats with family and friends. You can fill it with cheese, chocolate, nuts, and fruits. To make it extra special, add a bottle of sparkling cider or wine. This gift offers many different flavors for the person to enjoy. Also, you can choose treats that the person loves. This makes it a thoughtful and personal Thanksgiving gift.
2. Scented Candles
For a cozy touch, scented candles with fall aromas like pumpkin spice, apple cinnamon, or vanilla make perfect Thanksgiving gifts. They create a warm atmosphere that makes the home feel inviting. Besides, they set a relaxing mood for the holiday. You can choose a scent that reminds the person of fall. This makes the gift more personal. Scented candles are a thoughtful and cozy Thanksgiving gift.
3. Personalized Cutting Board
A cutting board personalized with a family name or initials is a useful and thoughtful gift for Thanksgiving. It adds a personal touch to the kitchen. In addition, it makes chopping and serving food extra special. This gift is practical and meaningful. A personalized cutting board will be appreciated during the holiday season.
4. Premium Tea or Coffee Set
For tea or coffee lovers, a high-quality tea or coffee set is a great gift. You can add a cute mug or teapot to complete the set. This makes it a thoughtful and practical Thanksgiving gift. Plus, it’s perfect for anyone who enjoys a warm drink during the holiday season.
5. Cozy Throw Blanket
Thanksgiving is a time to get cozy, so a warm and soft throw blanket makes a perfect gift. It’s something anyone can enjoy during the holiday. Look for blankets in fall colors like orange, brown, or red to add a seasonal touch. This gift will help keep the person warm and comfortable all season long.
6. Thanksgiving-Themed Cookies
Thanksgiving-themed cookies decorated as pumpkins, turkeys, or leaves make a fun and tasty gift. These cookies are perfect for the holiday and look great on any table. You can pack them in a pretty box to make the gift even nicer. This gift is sure to make everyone happy, both kids and adults. Plus, it’s a sweet way to celebrate Thanksgiving with something delicious.
7. Japanese Imabari Towels
Imabari towels from Japan are some of the most absorbent bath towels. They are soft and luxurious. Some towels, like the Japarcana towel, are made from Supima cotton. This material adds to their quality. They come in many sizes and colors. Because of this, it is easy to find the perfect one for anyone. Imabari towels add elegance to any home. They are also very soft and comfortable to use. This is why they are a unique and thoughtful gift on Thanksgiving Day.
Treat someone special to the luxury of Imabari towels this Thanksgiving. Explore our collection and add a touch of Japanese elegance to your holiday!
8. Bottle of Fine Wine
A bottle of fine wine can make any Thanksgiving dinner special. Whether it’s a classic red or a refreshing white, wine is always a great gift. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday. Wine also pairs well with many Thanksgiving dishes. This makes it a thoughtful gift.
9. Decorative Cheese Board Set
A decorative cheese board set makes a great Thanksgiving gift for those who love to entertain. The set usually comes with matching utensils. You can also add some cheese or crackers to make it even better. This gift is perfect for anyone who enjoys hosting guests and sharing food.
10. Personalized Thanksgiving Platter
A Thanksgiving-themed platter personalized with the family’s name or a holiday message is a unique gift. It adds a special touch to the table setting. The platter can be used every year for Thanksgiving meals. This makes it a gift that will be remembered and enjoyed for many holidays to come. It’s a simple but meaningful way to celebrate the season.
11. Potted Succulents
Potted succulents are easy to care for and bring a touch of nature indoors. A small, cute succulent plant makes a simple but thoughtful gift. It’s perfect for adding a bit of green to the Thanksgiving table. This gift is great because it lasts longer than flowers and doesn’t require much attention. Plus, it brightens up any space with its beauty.
12. Luxury Chocolate Box
A box of luxury chocolates makes a sweet Thanksgiving gift. You can choose chocolates with unique flavors or seasonal fillings to make it extra special. This gift is perfect for anyone who loves chocolate. It’s a simple and delicious way to add a festive touch to the holiday.
13. Handcrafted Serving Utensils
Handcrafted serving utensils make a unique and useful Thanksgiving gift. Wooden or metal utensils with decorative handles can add style to any meal. These utensils are strong and perfect for serving food during the holiday. They are a great way to make meals feel more special.
14. Recipe Book for Family Favorites
A blank recipe book is a meaningful and practical Thanksgiving gift. It gives the person a place to write down their family recipes. You can add a favorite recipe of your own to the book for a personal touch. This gift helps create lasting memories and keeps family traditions alive.
15. Japanese Green Tea Set
A Japanese green tea set is a unique Thanksgiving gift. It adds a cultural twist to the holiday. Matcha or sencha tea is both healthy and delicious. The traditional tea set brings a little piece of Japan to the celebration. This gift is perfect for tea lovers and adds a special touch to any gathering.
Celebrating Thanksgiving Day in Japan
Thanksgiving in Japan is called Kinro Kansha no Hi, which means Labor Thanksgiving Day. It is different from Thanksgiving in the U.S. In the U.S., Thanksgiving is always on the fourth Thursday of November. But in Japan, it is always on November 23rd. If November 23rd is a Sunday, the holiday is moved to the next Monday.
Unlike in the U.S., Thanksgiving in Japan is not about religion. It is a holiday to celebrate the hard work of workers. It is like Labor Day in the U.S. On this day, people honor the work of laborers. One big event is the Nagano Labor Festival, where people talk about important issues like the environment and human rights.
The History of Thanksgiving in Japan
Thanksgiving in Japan has a long history. It started more than 2,000 years ago as a harvest festival called Niinamesai. The first Niinamesai ceremony was held between 660–585 BC when Emperor Jimmu ruled. It celebrated the harvest of rice, wheat, barley, and beans. Over time, it became a way to honor hard work. The emperor would taste the new rice during the ceremony.
Labor Thanksgiving Day in Japan became official in 1948, after World War II. The government changed laws to give workers more rights, and the day became a time to celebrate them.
How Do Japanese Celebrate Thanksgiving?
In the U.S., people celebrate Thanksgiving with parades, big sports games, and large meals. But in Japan, Thanksgiving is quieter. People may visit parks or amusement parks with family and have a small dinner at home. Most businesses stay open, but many workers take the day off to go to meetings for labor groups.
A special tradition in Japan is that children in elementary school make cards or small gifts. They give them to workers like police officers, firefighters, and hospital staff to thank them for their hard work during the year.
As for food, Thanksgiving in Japan is simpler. Instead of turkey, many families eat fish, rice, and tea. However, if you are an American in Japan during Thanksgiving, you can find turkey dinners at international hotels or American restaurants in cities like Tokyo and Osaka. You can also buy turkey at international markets in Tokyo and make your own U.S. Thanksgiving meal.
Final Words
Thanksgiving is a great time to show gratitude with gifts that make others feel special. Whether it’s a soft blanket or a luxurious Imabari towel, your gift will add a touch of Japanese style to the holiday.
Looking for the perfect Thanksgiving gift? Take a look at our Imabari towels and gift set. Bring a little piece of Japan to your celebration!