Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for gratitude, good food, and gathering with loved ones. It’s also an exceptional opportunity to strengthen bonds and foster collaboration within your team. Whether you’re in an office, working remotely, or planning a group get-together, incorporating fun and engaging Thanksgiving activities for team building can boost morale and create lasting memories.
Finding the best activities that cater to diverse interests and budgets can sometimes feel like a challenge. This curated list presents a variety of options, from spirited games to creative projects, ensuring there’s something for every team dynamic. We’ve handpicked top products and ideas available on Amazon, making it easy to plan your festive team event.
These suggestions range from budget-friendly choices perfect for a casual gathering to more premium kits designed for a structured team-building exercise. Each option is designed to spark communication, encourage teamwork, and inject a dose of holiday cheer. Get ready to discover the perfect Thanksgiving activities for team building that will bring your group closer together.
Here are some of the best Thanksgiving activities for team building that you can easily incorporate into your celebration:
1. Thanksgiving-themed Charades & Pictionary Game
This classic party game is a fantastic icebreaker and energy booster for any team. It encourages non-verbal communication and quick thinking, leading to plenty of laughter and memorable moments. Teams can act out or draw holiday-related phrases, characters, or objects.
It’s perfect for groups looking for a lighthearted, interactive activity that doesn’t require extensive setup. This game is suitable for all ages and skill levels, making it incredibly inclusive. You can find pre-made card sets that are budget-friendly.
The standout feature is its simplicity and universal appeal. Everyone understands the rules, allowing immediate engagement and competitive fun. It’s a great choice for kicking off your Thanksgiving team building efforts.
2. “Thanksgiving Family Feud” Style Game Kit
Bring the excitement of a popular game show to your team with a Thanksgiving twist. This activity pits two teams against each other to guess the most popular survey answers related to the holiday. It’s excellent for stimulating discussion and friendly rivalry.
This type of game encourages collaborative strategizing within each team as members work together to brainstorm answers. It’s ideal for mid-sized to larger groups who enjoy a bit of competitive spirit and general knowledge. Many kits are available in a mid-range price point.
Its standout feature is the structured competition that requires both individual input and group consensus. This makes it a top option for dynamic Thanksgiving activities for team building.
3. Collaborative Fall Jigsaw Puzzle (1000-piece)
Working on a large jigsaw puzzle together is a surprisingly effective way to foster quiet collaboration and problem-solving skills. A beautiful fall or Thanksgiving-themed puzzle provides a shared goal and a tangible sense of accomplishment.
This activity is perfect for teams who prefer a more relaxed, yet engaging, challenge. It encourages patience, spatial reasoning, and subtle communication as members contribute to the bigger picture. You can find many high-quality options in the mid-range category.
The main benefit is how it naturally promotes teamwork without direct competition. It allows different team members to contribute in their own way, making it one of the best Thanksgiving activities for team building that builds focus.
4. Thanksgiving Trivia Challenge Cards
Test your team’s knowledge of historical facts, holiday traditions, and fun pop culture related to Thanksgiving. Trivia cards are a simple yet effective way to engage everyone and spark interesting conversations.
These challenge cards are ideal for quick, segmented activities or as a full-fledged competition between smaller groups. They encourage quick recall and can reveal surprising facts about your teammates. They are often very budget-friendly.
Their standout feature is their versatility; use them as icebreakers, segment fillers, or a main event. This makes them a top choice for easily integrated Thanksgiving activities for team building.
5. DIY Gratitude Jar Craft Kit
This activity combines creativity with a meaningful reflection on thankfulness. Teams can decorate a jar and then collectively fill it with notes expressing what they are grateful for, both personally and professionally.
It’s perfect for teams looking for a heartwarming and reflective team-building experience. This collaborative craft encourages open communication and fosters a positive, appreciative atmosphere. Many kits are mid-range in price.
The unique benefit is the lasting keepsake it creates, serving as a reminder of shared appreciation. This is a best practice for fostering positive group dynamics among Thanksgiving activities for team building.
6. “Minute to Win It” Party Games Kit (Adaptable)
High-energy, quick-fire challenges are excellent for boosting morale and encouraging playful competition. A general party games kit can be easily adapted with Thanksgiving-themed props or challenges.
These games are perfect for teams that thrive on fast-paced action and lighthearted rivalry. They require quick thinking, coordination, and often, a bit of strategic planning within small groups. You can find various kits at a budget-friendly price.
The key advantage is their ability to generate immediate excitement and laughter. This makes them a top pick for energetic Thanksgiving activities for team building.
7. Tabletop Escape Room Game (e.g., Exit: The Game – The Enchanted Forest)
Engage your team in a cooperative puzzle-solving adventure with a tabletop escape room game. While not specifically Thanksgiving-themed, many offer captivating storylines that promote logical thinking and communication. “Exit: The Game” series is a popular choice.
These games are ideal for smaller teams (2-4 people per kit) who enjoy intricate puzzles and working under a time constraint. They demand strong collaboration and diverse problem-solving approaches. These are typically in the mid-range price category.
Their standout feature is the intense collaborative problem-solving required to “escape.” It’s a great way to test teamwork under pressure, making it a compelling option for Thanksgiving activities for team building.
8. Fall-Themed Cookie Decorating Kit
Combine creativity with a delicious outcome! Teams can decorate pre-baked fall or Thanksgiving-shaped cookies, either individually or as a collaborative art project. This activity is engaging and satisfying.
This kit is perfect for teams who enjoy hands-on activities and a bit of sweet indulgence. It encourages artistic expression and can be a fun, low-pressure way to interact. You can find quality kits in the mid-range price bracket.
The unique benefit is the edible result, providing both a fun process and a tasty treat to share. This makes it a truly delightful option among Thanksgiving activities for team building.
9. “Who Am I?” Thanksgiving Edition Game
This classic guessing game is an excellent icebreaker and communication exercise. Players have a Thanksgiving-related word or character secretly placed on their forehead and must ask yes/no questions to guess their identity.
It’s perfect for getting everyone talking and laughing, especially at the beginning of an event. This game encourages creative questioning and active listening. It’s often a budget-friendly printable or card set.
Its main advantage is its simplicity and effectiveness in getting people to interact immediately. This makes it one of the best initial Thanksgiving activities for team building for new or mixed groups.
10. Cooperative Board Game: Forbidden Island
“Forbidden Island” is a popular cooperative board game where players work together to collect treasures and escape a sinking island. It emphasizes strategy, resource management, and collective decision-making.
This game is ideal for teams who enjoy strategic challenges and want to practice working towards a common goal without individual winners. It fosters strong communication and planning skills. It’s typically a mid-range investment.
The standout feature is the pure cooperative nature, where success hinges entirely on team effort. This makes it a top-tier choice for strategic Thanksgiving activities for team building.
11. Virtual Team Building Game: Jackbox Games Party Pack (Digital Code)
For remote teams or hybrid setups, a Jackbox Games Party Pack is an invaluable resource. These digital games are played using phones or tablets as controllers, offering a variety of humorous and interactive experiences.
They are perfect for teams spread across different locations who still want to engage in real-time, fun interactions. The variety of games ensures there’s something for everyone, from drawing to trivia. This is a mid-range digital purchase.
The key benefit is its accessibility for remote teams, allowing for genuine connection and laughter regardless of physical distance. It’s a best-in-class option for virtual Thanksgiving activities for team building.
12. DIY Thanksgiving Centerpiece Kit
Unleash your team’s collective creativity by challenging them to build stunning Thanksgiving centerpieces. Kits often include artificial flowers, gourds, candles, and other decorative elements. Teams can either compete or collaborate on one large display.
This activity is ideal for teams who enjoy hands-on crafting and artistic expression. It promotes design thinking, resource allocation, and aesthetic collaboration. Many kits fall into the mid-range price point.
Its standout feature is the blend of creativity and tangible outcome, adding a festive touch to your gathering space. It’s a great choice for artistic Thanksgiving activities for team building.
13. Thanksgiving Bingo Game Set
Bingo is a timeless, inclusive game that can be easily themed for Thanksgiving. Players mark off holiday-related images or words on their cards as they are called out.
It’s perfect for larger groups or those looking for a relaxed, low-stakes activity that everyone can enjoy. This game promotes focus and offers gentle competition. Many sets are very budget-friendly.
The main advantage is its simplicity and ability to engage a wide range of participants without complex rules. This makes it a top, accessible option for Thanksgiving activities for team building.
14. Story Cubes Classic Set
“Rory’s Story Cubes” are a set of nine dice with various images on each face. Players roll the dice and then collaboratively create a story based on the images. This sparks imagination and verbal communication.
This set is ideal for teams looking to enhance creative thinking, collaborative storytelling, and active listening skills. It’s a fantastic way to encourage out-of-the-box thinking. This product is typically in the mid-range price.
Its unique benefit is its ability to inspire spontaneous narratives and shared creativity. It’s a best-in-class tool for imaginative Thanksgiving activities for team building.
15. Thanksgiving Photo Booth Props Kit
Encourage creativity and generate fun memories by setting up a Thanksgiving-themed photo booth. A kit usually includes various props like turkey hats, pilgrim bonnets, silly glasses, and speech bubbles.
This activity is perfect for teams who enjoy lighthearted fun and creating lasting mementos. It encourages playful interaction and provides a relaxed way to bond. These kits are often very budget-friendly.
The standout feature is the instant fun and shareable memories it creates, fostering a festive and joyful atmosphere. It’s a great choice for memorable Thanksgiving activities for team building.
16. Blind Drawing Communication Game Kit
This classic team-building exercise focuses on clear communication and interpretation. One person describes an image without showing it, and others try to draw it based solely on the verbal instructions, often blindfolded.
It’s perfect for teams looking to improve active listening, precise instruction-giving, and understanding different communication styles. It often leads to hilarious and insightful results. You can easily assemble a kit with drawing pads, pens, and blindfolds, making it budget-friendly.
The key benefit is its direct focus on communication challenges and problem-solving. This makes it a top, insightful option for Thanksgiving activities for team building.
17. Thanksgiving “Would You Rather” Cards
Spark engaging conversations and discover more about your teammates with a set of “Would You Rather” questions, all themed around Thanksgiving. These questions present two challenging or humorous choices.
This activity is ideal for teams looking for a low-pressure way to encourage discussion, share opinions, and find common ground or amusing differences. It’s a great icebreaker or conversation starter. These cards are usually very budget-friendly.
Its main advantage is its simplicity and effectiveness in initiating fun, thought-provoking discussions. It’s one of the best casual Thanksgiving activities for team building.
18. DIY Fall Wreath Making Kit
Engage your team in a hands-on craft project where they create beautiful fall wreaths. Kits typically include a wreath base, faux leaves, berries, small pumpkins, and ribbons. Teams can work individually or collaborate on a larger piece.
This activity is perfect for teams who enjoy creative expression and producing a decorative item they can take home or display. It encourages fine motor skills, design collaboration, and a sense of accomplishment. These kits are typically mid-range in price.
The standout feature is the blend of artistic endeavor and a lovely decorative outcome. It’s a great choice for creative and lasting Thanksgiving activities for team building.
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As you can see, there’s a wealth of fantastic Thanksgiving activities for team building to choose from, catering to various team sizes, preferences, and budgets. From engaging board games that foster strategic cooperation to creative craft kits that encourage shared expression, each option offers a unique way to connect and celebrate.
When selecting the best activity for your group, consider your team’s personality and what kind of interaction you want to encourage. Whether you prioritize laughter, thoughtful reflection, or intense problem-solving, you can’t go wrong with these top suggestions. They are all designed to strengthen bonds and create positive memories.
Take a moment to check out the current prices and availability of these products on Amazon. Investing in these Thanksgiving activities for team building is an investment in your team’s cohesion and morale, ensuring a festive and productive holiday season.
About the Author
I dig until I hit truth, then I write about it. Diane here, covering whatever needs covering. Rock climbing clears my head; competitive Scrabble sharpens it. My engineering background means I actually read the studies I cite. British by birth, Canadian by choice.
