Thanksgiving isn’t just for grown-ups! A Mini Friendsgiving is a smaller, kid-sized version of the holiday — full of friendship, food, and fun. Whether it’s at school, in your backyard, or around the living room, here’s how to make it magical!
📝 Step 1: Make Your Guest List
Keep it small — about 4–8 friends is perfect. Invite classmates, neighbors, or cousins. You can even make handmade invitations using construction paper and markers!
💡 Idea: Have your child decorate invites with leaves, turkeys, or “I’m thankful for you” messages.
🎨 Step 2: Create Cozy Decorations
Keep it simple and kid-crafted!
- Table décor: Paper leaf placemats or a “thankful tablecloth” where everyone writes something they’re grateful for.
- Centerpiece: A vase of pinecones, mini pumpkins, or handmade paper flowers.
- DIY banners: Cut out paper triangles, color them, and string them across the wall.
🧁 Step 3: Plan a Kid-Friendly Menu
Make sure it’s fun and easy to eat.
Snacks & Mini Meals:
- Turkey or veggie sliders
- Mini mac & cheese cups
- Fruit kabobs shaped like turkeys
- Cornbread muffins
- “Pumpkin patch” pudding cups (chocolate pudding with crushed cookies and candy pumpkins)
Drinks:
- Apple cider or hot cocoa
- Water or juice with fun paper straws
💡 Tip: Let kids help “cook” by stirring, topping, or arranging snacks.
🎲 Step 4: Plan Some Fun Activities
Mix in crafts, games, and gratitude!
- Craft Corner: Make “I’m Thankful” bracelets or decorate paper leaves with kind messages.
- Game Time:
- Thanksgiving Bingo
- Turkey Freeze Dance (dance until the music stops, then freeze like a turkey!)
- Gratitude scavenger hunt (find things around the room that make you feel thankful).
- Story Time: Read a short story about friendship or thankfulness.
💛 Step 5: End with a Gratitude Circle
Have everyone sit in a circle and share one thing they’re thankful for.
Encourage kids to mention friends, family, or even simple joys like “my cozy blanket” or “chocolate pie.”
💡 Bonus Idea: Give each child a small “Thankful Certificate” or goodie bag with stickers and treats to take home.
🌟 Final Tip
Keep it short (1–2 hours is perfect), focus on kindness, and remember — it’s not about the fancy food or decorations. It’s about celebrating friendship and gratitude!
Have an idea you have done before? We’d love to hear about it!
Live.Laugh.Learn,
Jenn, Owner of Teacher Time To Go