There are a few tried and true staples for Thanksgiving day like turkey, gravy, and pumpkin pie.

But if you’re looking for some ideas to make your Thanksgiving day extra special and unique this year, I’ve got a few ideas for you.

All of these ideas are fun for the family and will create memories that you’ll be reminiscing about for years, and maybe even turn into new traditions like they have for my family. Read below to check them out!

1. Create a Festive Cocktail

There is something about a seasonal, festive, and delicious cocktail that just makes you think of the holidays. Anytime I go to a party and there is a special drink served, it always makes the gathering that much more memorable.

There are so many creative, Fall-themed cocktail recipes on the internet.

A Couple Cooks Thanksgiving cocktail recipes had my mouthwatering as I was scrolling through. I can’t wait to try their Pomegranate Prosecco Sparkler. Their recipes look so delicious but also easy and attainable!

Click the link below to check out their savory Thanksgiving cocktail ideas.

Check it out

2. Organize an ornament exchange

Why not mix in a little Christmas with your Thanksgiving with a fun and competitive white elephant ornament exchange? Who doesn’t love getting a new ornament for the tree you’re destined to put up just as soon as the turkey hits the fridge?

I love white elephant themed exchanges. They always bring lots of laughter and fun to a gathering. It is so much fun to see what people come up with with gifts and the ornament theme adds a fun twist. Not only that, It’s always fun to steal your favorite from a family member during an ornament exchange game! The ornament you bring home will hang with pride on your Christmas tree for years to come. Just typing this up makes me what to go buy some ornaments right now!

Linked below is a website with White Elephant Ornament Exchange directions.

Check it out

3. Complete a Turkey Trot Thanksgiving Morning

I’m not kidding you, this is one of my favorite things to do on Thanksgiving!

There is nothing more satisfying then diving into your turkey and mashed potatoes knowing that you’ve gotten a workout in on Thanksgiving morning.

The best part is, most cities and towns host a local Turkey Trot.

Although it may be brisk, you won’t regret getting some fresh air and some exercise before the big meal. If running isn’t your thing, try a morning walk to get the blood pumping.

4. Host a Pie Competition

If you have some bakers in your family who all fancy themselves the “best”, well…….let’s put that to the test with a little Thanksgiving pie contest!

This not only will be fun but it will ensure a plethora of delicious pies for your dessert table to choose from. I can’t think of any other day on the calendar where it’s more acceptable to fill your desert plate with multiple yummy options, so might as well take advantage of it!

Grab a few sticky notes and pens and have everyone secretly write down their favorite pie. The pie with the most votes wins. No cheating, ha!

5. Go for a Post Dinner Walk

We’ve all been there, that feeling when you have ate way too much. This year, try walking it off with a post dinner walk.

I don’t know about your family Thanksgivings, but sometimes after the chaos it’s nice to grab a loved one you haven’t seen in awhile and take a little private break to take a walk and catch up just the two of you and take advantage of that precious family time that doesn’t come often enough.