Thanksgiving Games For Adult Couples: Elevate Your Holiday Fun
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, delicious food, and gathering with loved ones. While the kids might have their own activities, adult couples often look for engaging ways to connect and enjoy the holiday spirit. Finding the perfect Thanksgiving Games For Adult Couples can transform your celebration.
This article explores a curated list of the best games designed to bring laughter, friendly competition, and memorable moments to your Thanksgiving. We’ve gathered a variety of options to suit every preference, from strategic challenges to lighthearted fun.
Whether you prefer cooperative play or head-to-head battles, there’s something here for you. We’ve included choices across different price points, ensuring there are fantastic options for every budget. Get ready to discover your next favorite holiday tradition among these top picks.
From classic board games with a twist to modern card games, this collection highlights truly exceptional choices. Prepare to find the perfect addition to your holiday entertainment, making your Thanksgiving truly special.
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1. Codenames Duet
What it is: Codenames Duet is a cooperative word association game designed specifically for two players, or two teams of couples. You and your partner work together to identify all your secret agents.
Why it’s awesome: It’s a brilliant game for communication and deduction, perfect for couples who enjoy a mental challenge. The cooperative nature means you win or lose together, fostering teamwork.
Who it’s for: Ideal for couples who love word puzzles and strategic thinking. It’s a mid-range price point game that offers immense replayability.
Standout feature: The satisfaction of cracking your partner’s clues together is incredibly rewarding. It’s one of the best Thanksgiving Games For Adult Couples for intellectual fun.
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2. Patchwork
What it is: Patchwork is an engaging two-player board game where you compete to create the most aesthetically pleasing and high-scoring quilt. Players collect unique fabric pieces.
Why it’s awesome: This game combines strategy, spatial reasoning, and a charming theme. It’s easy to learn but offers surprising strategic depth, keeping you engaged throughout.
Who it’s for: Perfect for couples seeking a relaxing yet competitive game. It’s a mid-range game that provides a quiet, thoughtful challenge.
Standout feature: The unique “quilting” mechanic and resource management make every game feel fresh. It’s a top choice for a cozy evening.
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3. Ticket to Ride (Standard Edition)
What it is: Ticket to Ride is a classic board game where players collect colored train cars to claim railway routes across a map. Your goal is to connect cities and complete destination tickets.
Why it’s awesome: It’s incredibly accessible, making it easy for anyone to pick up and play. The blend of strategy and luck keeps every game exciting and offers great replay value.
Who it’s for: Great for couples who enjoy light strategy and a bit of geographic exploration. This is a mid-range to premium game, offering hours of fun.
Standout feature: The simple yet addictive gameplay loop of collecting cards and claiming routes is highly satisfying. It’s a fantastic option among Thanksgiving Games For Adult Couples.
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4. Bananagrams
What it is: Bananagrams is a fast-paced word game where players race to build their own crosswords using letter tiles. There’s no board, just a race to “peel” and “dump” tiles.
Why it’s awesome: It’s incredibly portable and requires no pencil, paper, or board. The quick nature of the game makes it easy to play multiple rounds.
Who it’s for: Excellent for couples who love word games and quick thinking. It’s a budget-friendly option that provides instant fun.
Standout feature: The “no turn-taking” mechanic creates a lively and engaging atmosphere. It’s a top contender for spontaneous fun.
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5. Our Moments: Couples Edition
What it is: This card game features 100 thought-provoking questions designed to spark meaningful conversations between couples. It encourages connection and shared discovery.
Why it’s awesome: It’s not a competitive game, but rather a tool for deepening your relationship. The questions range from lighthearted to profound, ensuring engaging discussions.
Who it’s for: Perfect for couples looking to connect on a deeper level or simply enjoy a quiet, intimate evening. This is a budget-friendly way to foster closeness.
Standout feature: It encourages genuine conversation and reflection, moving beyond everyday small talk. It’s a unique entry among Thanksgiving Games For Adult Couples.
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6. Exit: The Game – The Abandoned Cabin
What it is: Exit: The Game is a series of escape room-style puzzles that you can play at home. This specific scenario challenges you to solve riddles to escape a mysterious cabin.
Why it’s awesome: It perfectly captures the thrill of an escape room without leaving your living room. The puzzles are clever and varied, requiring teamwork and creative thinking.
Who it’s for: Ideal for couples who love puzzles, mysteries, and a good challenge. It’s a mid-range price point for a one-time experience.
Standout feature: The immersive storytelling and innovative puzzle design make it feel like a real adventure. It’s an exciting choice for an evening.
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7. Catan (2-Player Variant with Rivals for Catan)
What it is: While classic Catan is for more players, Rivals for Catan is a dedicated two-player card game that captures the essence of the original. You develop your principality by building settlements and cities.
Why it’s awesome: It offers the strategic depth of Catan in a format perfectly suited for couples. The game evolves, with new expansions adding variety.
Who it’s for: Great for couples who enjoy resource management, strategy, and world-building. This is a mid-range game that offers substantial replay value.
Standout feature: The intricate card play and evolving kingdom building provide a rich strategic experience. It’s a top-tier strategic option.
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8. The Mind
What it is: The Mind is a unique cooperative card game where players work together to play cards in ascending order without communicating. It’s all about intuition and connection.
Why it’s awesome: It’s incredibly simple to learn but profoundly engaging. The silent cooperation creates a fascinating bond and tension between players.
Who it’s for: Perfect for couples who enjoy abstract games and a unique challenge. It’s a budget-friendly game that offers a truly different experience.
Standout feature: The unspoken communication and shared intuition required are truly remarkable. It’s a fantastic icebreaker or relationship-builder.
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9. Wavelength
What it is: Wavelength is a social guessing game where two teams compete to read each other’s minds. One player gives a clue that falls on a spectrum between two opposing concepts.
Why it’s awesome: It sparks hilarious debates and insights into how your partner thinks. The scoring mechanism is clever and encourages nuanced clues.
Who it’s for: Excellent for couples who enjoy party games and understanding each other better. It’s a mid-range game that can easily scale for more players.
Standout feature: The innovative spectrum dial creates endless possibilities for clues and guesses. It’s one of the most fun Thanksgiving Games For Adult Couples.
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10. Exploding Kittens: A Card Game About Kittens and Explosions and Sometimes Goats
What it is: Exploding Kittens is a highly strategic, kitten-powered version of Russian Roulette. Players draw cards until someone draws an Exploding Kitten.
Why it’s awesome: It’s incredibly silly, fast-paced, and full of unpredictable twists. The artwork is hilarious, and the gameplay is surprisingly strategic.
Who it’s for: Great for couples who enjoy lighthearted, humorous games with a touch of chaos. It’s a budget-friendly option for quick, fun rounds.
Standout feature: The “Defuse” cards and other tactical options add depth to the otherwise simple premise. It’s a top choice for quick laughs.
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11. Forbidden Island
What it is: Forbidden Island is a cooperative board game where players work together to collect treasures from a sinking island before it’s completely submerged. Every turn brings new challenges.
Why it’s awesome: It’s a thrilling race against time, requiring strategic planning and teamwork. The game is beautifully designed and easy to set up.
Who it’s for: Ideal for couples who enjoy cooperative strategy and a sense of adventure. It’s a mid-range game that offers high tension and satisfaction.
Standout feature: The constant threat of the island sinking keeps players on the edge of their seats. It’s a fantastic cooperative experience.
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12. Sushi Go!
What it is: Sushi Go! is a fast-paced card game where players try to grab the best combination of sushi dishes as they pass by. It’s all about drafting and set collection.
Why it’s awesome: It’s incredibly quick to learn and play, making it perfect for short bursts of fun. The cute artwork and simple rules are very appealing.
Who it’s for: Excellent for couples looking for a light, quick, and charming card game. It’s a budget-friendly option that’s easy to bring anywhere.
Standout feature: The “pass and play” mechanic makes it highly interactive and engaging. It’s a delightful choice for casual gaming.
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13. Jaipur
What it is: Jaipur is a fast-paced card game for two players where you take on the roles of powerful traders in India. Collect goods, exchange them, and sell them for the most profit.
Why it’s awesome: It’s a highly strategic game with simple rules, offering deep decision-making in a short playtime. The artwork is vibrant and appealing.
Who it’s for: Perfect for couples who enjoy economic strategy and head-to-head competition. It’s a mid-range game that provides excellent replayability.
Standout feature: The balance between risk-taking and careful planning makes every turn critical. It’s considered one of the best two-player games.
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14. Trivial Pursuit: Decades 2010 to 2020
What it is: This edition of the classic trivia game focuses on pop culture, news, and events from the 2010s. Test your knowledge of the most recent decade.
Why it’s awesome: It’s a fantastic way to reminisce and challenge each other’s memory of recent history. The questions are designed to be fun and engaging.
Who it’s for: Great for couples who love trivia and grew up or experienced the 2010s. This is a mid-range game that offers a fun, nostalgic challenge.
Standout feature: Focusing on a specific decade makes the questions feel more relevant and achievable. It’s a great Thanksgiving game for adult couples.
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15. What Do You Meme? (Couples Edition)
What it is: This special edition of the popular meme-captioning game is tailored for couples. Players match hilarious captions to iconic meme images.
Why it’s awesome: It guarantees plenty of laughter as you try to create the funniest meme. The couples edition adds a personal touch, often leading to inside jokes.
Who it’s for: Ideal for couples with a good sense of humor who enjoy internet culture. It’s a mid-range game that brings out your creative and funny side.
Standout feature: The sheer absurdity and relatability of the memes make it incredibly entertaining. It’s a top choice for a laugh-filled evening.
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16. Hive Pocket
What it is: Hive Pocket is a highly tactical two-player abstract strategy game, often described as “chess for bug lovers.” Players try to surround their opponent’s Queen Bee.
Why it’s awesome: It’s incredibly deep strategically yet has very simple rules. The tactile, high-quality pieces are durable and satisfying to play with.
Who it’s for: Perfect for couples who love abstract strategy games like chess but want something more portable. It’s a mid-range game offering endless strategic depth.
Standout feature: No board is needed, and the pieces interlock, making it excellent for travel. It’s a brain-teaser for strategic minds.
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17. A Little Wordy
What it is: From the creators of Exploding Kittens, A Little Wordy is a clever deduction game where players try to guess a secret word chosen by their opponent. You get clues based on your guesses.
Why it’s awesome: It’s a unique blend of wordplay and deduction, challenging your vocabulary and logical thinking. The small size makes it very portable.
Who it’s for: Great for couples who enjoy word games, puzzles, and a bit of friendly rivalry. It’s a budget-friendly option for thoughtful fun.
Standout feature: The reverse-guessing mechanic where you try to guess your opponent’s word is very engaging. It’s a top pick for word enthusiasts.
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18. Unstable Unicorns (2nd Edition)
What it is: Unstable Unicorns is a strategic card game about unicorns and destruction. Build a Unicorn Army, play magic cards, and betray your friends.
Why it’s awesome: It’s delightfully chaotic and full of unexpected twists. The whimsical artwork and clever card abilities make every game unpredictable and fun.
Who it’s for: Ideal for couples who enjoy quirky themes, light strategy, and a good dose of take-that gameplay. It’s a mid-range game for silly fun.
Standout feature: The adorable yet mischievous unicorns and powerful “Neigh” cards create constant interaction. It’s a unique and entertaining option.
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19. Love Letter
What it is: Love Letter is a quick and elegant card game of risk, deduction, and luck. Players try to get their love letter to the Princess while keeping others’ letters away.
Why it’s awesome: It’s incredibly simple to learn, yet offers surprising depth and strategic choices. Games are fast, making it easy to play many rounds.
Who it’s for: Perfect for couples looking for a very portable, quick, and engaging card game. It’s a budget-friendly option for instant fun.
Standout feature: The simplicity of having only 16 cards creates a focused and intense deduction experience. It’s a classic for a reason.
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20. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
What it is: Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is a frantic party game where players must quickly slap the central pile of cards when a match is revealed. It’s a test of reflexes and memory.
Why it’s awesome: It’s incredibly simple, hilarious, and guaranteed to get everyone laughing. The fast pace and silly actions make it an instant hit.
Who it’s for: Great for couples who enjoy high-energy, silly games that require quick reflexes. It’s a budget-friendly game for spontaneous fun.
Standout feature: The combination of memory and physical action creates a uniquely engaging experience. It’s a fantastic icebreaker or energizer.
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21. Sequence
What it is: Sequence is a classic board game that combines cards and strategy. Players try to create rows of five chips on the board using cards from their hands.
Why it’s awesome: It’s easy to learn, yet offers a good balance of luck and strategic thinking. It’s a timeless game that many people already know and love.
Who it’s for: Ideal for couples who enjoy classic board games and a mix of strategy and chance. It’s a mid-range game with broad appeal.
Standout feature: The combination of playing cards and placing chips on the board offers a unique twist. It’s a reliable choice for family gatherings.
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22. 7 Wonders Duel
What it is: 7 Wonders Duel is a two-player card game specifically designed to capture the epic feel of 7 Wonders in a head-to-head format. Build your civilization and wonders.
Why it’s awesome: It offers immense strategic depth and replayability, with multiple paths to victory. The game feels grand and impactful despite its card-driven nature.
Who it’s for: Perfect for couples who enjoy strategic card games, civilization building, and intense head-to-head competition. It’s a mid-range to premium game.
Standout feature: The brilliant card-drafting mechanism and three distinct victory conditions make every decision crucial. It’s often hailed as one of the best two-player games.
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23. Throw Throw Burrito
What it is: Throw Throw Burrito is a dodgeball card game. Players collect matching sets of cards, but if “Burrito cards” are played, a real-life dodgeball battle ensues.
Why it’s awesome: It’s an incredibly energetic and hilariously chaotic game that gets you moving. The physical element adds an unforgettable twist to card play.
Who it’s for: Great for couples who love active, silly, and slightly absurd games. It’s a mid-range game that guarantees laughs and movement.
Standout feature: The sudden, unexpected “burrito duels” and “brawls” are an absolute riot. It’s a top choice for lively Thanksgiving Games For Adult Couples.
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24. Codenames
What it is: The original Codenames is a team-based word association game. Two spymasters give one-word clues to help their team identify their secret agents.
Why it’s awesome: While often played with more, it works wonderfully with two couples (four players). It’s a fantastic test of communication and creative thinking.
Who it’s for: Ideal for couples who enjoy word puzzles, deduction, and cooperative team play. It’s a mid-range game with incredibly high replay value.
Standout feature: The challenge of giving a single, precise clue to cover multiple words is immensely satisfying. It’s a perennial favorite.
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25. The Hygge Game – Cozy Conversation in Pleasant Company
What it is: Inspired by the Danish concept of Hygge, this game features over 300 questions designed to spark warm, cozy, and meaningful conversations.
Why it’s awesome: It’s less about winning and more about connecting, sharing stories, and enjoying each other’s company. The questions are gentle and thought-provoking.
Who it’s for: Perfect for couples seeking a relaxed, intimate way to spend time together and deepen their bond. It’s a budget-friendly option for meaningful interaction.
Standout feature: It creates an atmosphere of comfort and genuine connection, embodying the spirit of Hygge. It’s a unique addition to Thanksgiving Games For Adult Couples.
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Last Words
Choosing the right Thanksgiving Games For Adult Couples can truly enhance your holiday gathering. We’ve explored a wide array of options, from strategic board games to lighthearted card games and engaging conversation starters. Each product on this list offers a unique way to connect and have fun.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet, intimate evening or a lively, laughter-filled competition, there’s something here for every taste and budget. Consider your preferences and the kind of experience you want to create. You can’t go wrong with any of these top-tier choices.
We encourage you to explore these fantastic options further. Check out current prices and availability on Amazon to find the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving festivities. Get ready to create new cherished memories this holiday season with these best Thanksgiving Games For Adult Couples.
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.
