9 Thanksgiving Giveaway Ideas That Will Drive Sales

Everyone's screaming about Black Friday. Meanwhile, Thanksgiving sits there overlooked, underused, and full of untapped potential.

Smart brands know Thanksgiving giveaways work because they tap into gratitude, family, and community right before the biggest shopping weekend of the year. 

You build goodwill, grow your list, and prime customers for Black Friday all while your competitors are still planning their discount codes.

Here are nine Thanksgiving giveaway ideas that boost engagement and sales, with real examples and tactical execution plans.

 "Thankful For You" Customer Appreciation Giveaway

What it is: Show gratitude to customers with a giveaway focused on appreciation.
Best for: Building loyalty, emotional connection, UGC.
Entry method: Share what you're thankful for, tag someone special.

Why It Works

Thanksgiving is literally about gratitude. Tap into that emotion.

When you publicly thank your customers, they feel valued.

When you ask them what they're grateful for, you create authentic engagement that algorithms love.

Bonus: User responses become future content. Feature the top 5 answers in follow-up posts; people love seeing their words highlighted.

How to Run It

1. Launch early November (3 weeks before Thanksgiving)
2. Entry mechanic: "Comment what you're most thankful for this year"
3. Optional boost: "Tag someone you're grateful for, you both get entered"
4. Mid-campaign: Share best responses as Instagram Stories/Reels
5. Post-campaign: Create "Top 5 Gratitude Moments" content piece

Prize Ideas

• Limited edition Thanksgiving product (creates FOMO)
• $100-250 store gift card
• Spa day or wellness package
• Weekend getaway (if budget allows)
• Year's supply of your product

Entry Methods

• Simple: "Comment what you're most thankful for to enter"
•  Referral boost: "Tag someone you're grateful for—both entered"
•  UGC gold: "Post a photo of what you're thankful for + tag us"

Pro Tips

• Feature 2-3 responses daily during campaign (keeps momentum)
• Create carousel post with best responses after contest ends
• Use heartfelt responses in future marketing (with permission)
• Consider multiple smaller winners vs. one big prize (more gratitude shared)

2. Thanksgiving Feast Kit Giveaway

What it is: Complete Thanksgiving dinner kit with all the essentials.

Best for: Food brands, kitchen brands, local businesses

Entry method: Follow, share, tag friends.

Why It Works

Thanksgiving dinner is expensive. A complete feast kit solves a real problem: feeding the family without the stress or cost.

Partner with local farms, grocery stores, or complementary brands to split costs and multiply reach.

What to Include

Complete feast kit:

• Turkey (whole or breast roast)
• Stuffing mix
• Mashed potato ingredients
• Gravy
• Canned vegetables
• Pumpkin for pie
• Apple cider
• Recipe cards

Budget-friendly alternatives:

• Dessert bundle (pies, cookies, specialty treats)
• Drink package (wine, cider, coffee, specialty beverages)
• Kitchen tools bundle (roasting pan, carving set, serving dishes)
• Side dishes only (for brands that don't do full meals)

How to Run It

Timing: Launch mid-October, end 2 weeks before Thanksgiving (gives time to fulfill)

1. Partner with 2-4 complementary brands
2. Each contributes one component
3. All brands promote simultaneously
4. Require following all partners
5. Winner announced 10 days before Thanksgiving
6. Rush shipping to arrive before the holiday

Prize Ideas by Brand Type

• Food brands: Complete meal kit
•  Kitchen brands: Cookware + recipe book + gift card for ingredients
•  Beverage brands: Full bar setup + mixer + glassware
•  Non-food brands: "Feast on us" gift cards to grocery stores + your product

Entry Methods

• "Submit your favorite Thanksgiving recipe"
•  "Tag everyone you're inviting to Thanksgiving dinner"
•  "Follow + share + tag 3 friends"
•  "Tell us your best Thanksgiving memory"

Pro Tips

• Announce deadline clearly: "Winner announced Nov 15th—prize arrives before Thanksgiving"
• Show the spread: Photos of everything laid out together
• Partner smart: Grocery store + wine shop + bakery = complete package
• Offer runner-up prizes: 5 winners get $50 grocery cards

3. Friendsgiving Bundle Giveaway

What it is: Prize bundle perfect for friend groups celebrating together.
Best for: Millennials/Gen Z, brands with young audiences.
Entry method: Tag your Friendsgiving crew.

Why It Works

Friendsgiving is huge with younger demographics, people who live far from family, or want to celebrate twice.

The tag mechanic creates viral growth: each entrant tags 5-10 friends, who tag more friends. Exponential reach.

What is Friendsgiving?

Thanksgiving with friends instead of (or in addition to) family. Usually more casual, often potluck-style, heavy on games and drinks.

Prize Ideas

• Activity bundles: 

✅ Board game collection (Codenames, Exploding Kittens, Cards Against Humanity)
✅ Video game prize (new release + gift cards)
✅ Group experience (escape room, ax throwing, cooking class for 6)
✅ Party supplies (decorations + disposable fancy plates + games)

• Food & drink:

 ✅ Pizza party package + drinks
✅ Charcuterie board kit + wine
✅ Dessert buffet bundle

• Creative activities:

 ✅ Tie-dye kit for the group
✅ LEGO collaboration set
✅ Karaoke machine + party lights
✅ Foosball or air hockey table

How to Run It

1. Launch: Early November
2. Entry: "Tag your Friendsgiving crew (all get entered)"
3. Bonus entries: Share giveaway to Stories
4. Mid-campaign push: "How are you celebrating Friendsgiving? Comment below!"
5. Winner selection: Random draw from valid entries

Entry Methods

• "Tag your entire Friendsgiving squad—everyone enters"
• "Comment your Friendsgiving plans + tag your crew"
• "Share this to your Story + tag us for bonus entry"

Pro Tips

• Emphasize group entry: "Tag 5 friends = all 6 of you are entered"
• Create FOMO: "Win the ultimate Friendsgiving party package"
• Use Friendsgiving hashtags: #Friendsgiving #FriendsgivingGoals
• Make it shareable: Fun, casual graphics that friends want to tag each other in.

Black Friday Sneak Peek Giveaway

What it is: Early access to Black Friday deals for giveaway entrants
Best for: E-commerce brands, retail, online stores
Entry method: Email signup, referrals for VIP access

Why It Works

You're running Black Friday deals anyway. Use Thanksgiving week to:

• Build your email list before the shopping frenzy
• Create anticipation and buzz
• Stand out from competitors focusing only on discounts

Early access feels exclusive. People will enter just to see deals first, even if they don't win the grand prize.

How to Run It

Timing: Launch November 1st, end November 20th.

1. Grand prize: $500 gift card to your store
2. Everyone who enters: Gets Black Friday preview email 48 hours early
3. Top referrers: Get VIP access 72 hours early + extra 10% off
4. Build urgency: "Limited quantity on Black Friday items—see them first"

Prize Structure

Grand prize options:

• $250-500 store gift card (redeemable Black Friday)
• Black Friday bestsellers bundle
• VIP shopping experience + concierge service

Everyone wins:

• Early access email (48 hours before public)
• Exclusive sneak peek at doorbusters
• Extra coupon code (5-10% off)

Entry Methods

• "Enter email to get Black Friday sneak peek"/
•  "Refer 3 friends = VIP early access (72 hours early)"
•  "Follow + sign up = entered + first look at deals"

Pro Tips

• Make early access real: Actually give them 48+ hours early access
• Tease top deals: "Early access to our $X item (normally $Y)"
• Create urgency: "Only 50 units available—early access sees them first"
• Segment your list: Tag giveaway entrants separately for targeted Black Friday emails

Email sequence:

1. Entry confirmation: "You're in! Black Friday preview coming Nov 23rd"
2. Mid-campaign: "2 days until Black Friday sneak peek"
3. Preview email: "Your exclusive first look at Black Friday"
4. Black Friday launch: "Public launch—your early access deals still available"

Thanksgiving Recipe Contest

What it is: Users submit their best Thanksgiving recipes to win
Best for: Food brands, kitchen brands, cooking stores
Entry method: Submit recipe (+ photo for bonus UGC)

Why It Works

You get hundreds of recipes you can repurpose forever, blog posts, social content, email newsletters, even a branded cookbook.

Recipe contests naturally generate high engagement because everyone thinks their recipe is the best.

How to Run It

Launch: Early November (gives people time to test recipes)
Deadline: Week before Thanksgiving
Judging: Week after Thanksgiving
Winner announcement: Early December

Step by step:

1. Create a submission form on the website
2. Ask for: Recipe name, ingredients, instructions, story behind it
3. Optional: Photo of finished dish
4. Bonus points: Photo featuring your product
5. Select the winner via: Judges panel, public voting, or random draw

Prize Ideas

✅ Stand mixer or high-end kitchen appliance ($200-400)
✅ Cooking class or private chef experience
✅ $200 grocery store gift card
✅ Complete cookware set
✅ Recipe featured in your brand's cookbook/blog (+ prize)

Entry Methods

Basic: "Submit your best Thanksgiving recipe to enter"
UGC boost: "Submit recipe + photo of the dish = double entry"
Product integration: "Use our [product] in your recipe for bonus entry"
Story element: "Tell us the story behind this family recipe"

Judging Criteria

• Creativity (30%)
• Ease of preparation (20%)
• Use of seasonal ingredients (20%)
• Presentation (if photo submitted) (15%)
• Story/personal connection (15%)

Pro Tips

• Create categories: Best side dish, best dessert, best main, most creative
• Multiple winners: Award 3-5 recipes instead of one
• Repurpose content: "Top 20 Thanksgiving Recipes From Our Community"
• Feature runner-ups: Share recipes throughout November/December
• Build a cookbook: Compile submissions into downloadable Thanksgiving guide

After Contest

1. Publish winning recipes on blog
2. Create social media posts featuring top entries
3. Send email with recipe roundup to all participants
4. Create Pinterest boards with submitted recipes
5. Use in next year's Thanksgiving content

Thanksgiving Decor Giveaway

What it is: Home decor bundle for Thanksgiving hosting
Best for: Home goods, lifestyle brands, decor stores
Entry method: Share decor tips or photos of your Thanksgiving setup

Why It Works

People love showing off their decorated homes. You tap into that pride while collecting stunning UGC photos for future marketing.

Thanksgiving decor is less saturated than Christmas, so it’s easier to stand out.

Prize Bundle Ideas

Complete tablescape:

• Fall-themed table runner
• Napkin rings and cloth napkins
• Centerpiece (pumpkins, florals, candles)
• Place card holders
• Serving dishes

Cozy home package:

• Scented candles (pumpkin spice, apple cider, cinnamon)
• Throw blankets
• Decorative pillows
• String lights
• Seasonal wreath

DIY craft bundle:

• Crafting supplies for DIY decor
• Instructions and templates
• Gift card to craft store

How to Run It

1. Launch: Late October
2. Entry: Share your Thanksgiving decor plans OR submit photos
3. Hashtag: Create branded hashtag like #[YourBrand]Thanksgiving
4. Repost: Share best submissions throughout campaign
5. Winner: Best decorated setup or random draw

Entry Methods

"Share your Thanksgiving decor tips in the comments"
"Post photo of your table setup + #[BrandHashtag]"
"Submit your best Thanksgiving decor photo to enter"
"Tag us in your Thanksgiving home photos"

Pro Tips

• Create inspiration: Share your own decor ideas first
• Feature submissions: Repost best photos to Stories/Feed
• Multiple categories: Best table, best entryway, most creative, etc.
• Timing matters: Launch early enough for winners to use prize on Thanksgiving
• Partner with influencers: Have them share their decor + enter giveaway

UGC Strategy

1. Collect photos with proper usage rights in terms
2. Create "Thanksgiving Decor Inspiration" blog post
3. Pinterest board with all submissions
4. Instagram highlights reel with best setups
5. Next year's marketing: "Last year's winners"

7. "Guess the Turkey Weight" Contest

What it is: Fun guessing game—closest guess wins
Best for: Restaurants, butcher shops, grocery stores, any brand wanting simple engagement
Entry method: Comment your guess

Why It Works

Super simple, requires zero effort, and creates a comment section explosion (which algorithms love).

It’s nostalgic, too, because it reminds people of county fair games. Light-hearted and fun, perfect for a holiday mood.

How to Run It

1. Take photo of turkey on scale (cover the weight)
2. Post: "Guess the weight of this turkey!"
3. Entry rules: Comment your guess (one per person)
4. Bonus: Tag a friend for extra entry
5. Winner: Closest guess (or random draw from close guesses)
6. Reveal: Post winner + actual weight

Prize Ideas

✅ Full turkey (if you're food-related)
✅ Complete Thanksgiving dinner for 6
✅ $100 grocery gift card
✅ Free meal at your restaurant
✅ Your product bundle (for non-food brands)

Entry Method Variations

Basic: "Comment your guess (in pounds)"
Referral: "Guess + tag a friend = both entered"
Engagement: "Like this post + comment guess = entered"
Share boost: "Share to Stories for bonus guess"

Pro Tips

• Use a real turkey: Show it in your photo (builds trust)
• Give range hints: "Between 10-25 lbs"
• Allow multiple guesses: "One guess per person, but tag friends for fun"
• Create urgency: "Closes in 48 hours!"
• Engage in comments: Like every guess, respond to funny ones

Variations

• "Guess how many kernels in this jar of corn"
• "Guess the price of this Thanksgiving feast"
• "Guess how many pumpkin pies we'll sell this week"
• "Guess the temperature we'll cook this turkey at"

Thanksgiving Photo Contest

What it is: Users submit Thanksgiving-themed photos
Best for: Brands wanting high-quality UGC
Entry method: Upload photo to Instagram/website with hashtag

Why It Works

You get professional-quality photos from real customers. Perfect for testimonials, social proof, and future marketing campaigns.

People already take photos on Thanksgiving—you're just giving them a reason to share.

Photo Categories

Thanksgiving table: Place settings, centerpieces, full spread
Family moments: Candid shots of celebration (respecting privacy)
Food close-ups: That perfect pie, carved turkey, etc.
Your product in use: If relevant, featuring your items
Behind the scenes: Cooking prep, kids helping, etc.

How to Run It

Timeline:

• Launch: November 1st
• Reminder: "2 weeks until Thanksgiving—start planning your photo"
• Submission deadline: Week after Thanksgiving (gives people time)
• Judging: Following week
• Winner announcement: Early December

Prize Ideas

✅ Photography equipment (camera, lens, tripod)
✅ Professional photo shoot session
✅ $200 print package for family photos
✅ High-quality photo printer
✅ Frame collection + gift card

Entry Methods

"Post your Thanksgiving table photo + #[BrandHashtag]"
"Upload your best Thanksgiving moment to our website"
"Submit photo showing our product at your Thanksgiving"
"Tag us in your Thanksgiving photos on Instagram"

Judging Criteria

• Composition and lighting (30%)
• Creativity (25%)
• Captures Thanksgiving spirit (25%)
• Use of brand product (if applicable) (20%)

Pro Tips

• Extend deadline: Give people until week after Thanksgiving to submit
• Show examples: Post inspiration photos before contest
• Multiple winners: Best table, best food, best candid, most creative
• Get rights: Terms should allow you to use photos in marketing
• Feature finalists: Create Instagram carousel with top 20 entries

After Contest

1. Create "Thanksgiving Memories" blog post with entries
2. Feature winner's photo in email campaign
3. Use photos across social media (with credit)
4. Create Pinterest board with all submissions
5. Consider photo book or calendar with best entries

Gift Basket Giveaway

What it is: Curated basket of products, treats, or themed items
Best for: Any brand, works with any budget
Entry method: Follow, tag friends, share

Why It Works

Gift baskets look impressive but are budget-friendly. Combine small items for big perceived value.

It’s also easy to customize for your niche. Perfect for brand partnerships (split costs, double reach).

Gift Basket Ideas by Niche

Food & Beverage:

• Gourmet treats + wine + cheese + crackers
• Coffee/tea collection + mugs + cookies
• Hot chocolate bar (cocoa, marshmallows, toppings)

Self-care:

• Candles + bath bombs + face masks + cozy socks
• Aromatherapy oils + diffuser + relaxation music

Entertainment:

• Books + bookmark + hot beverage + blanket
• Movie night (streaming gift card + popcorn + candy)
• Game night (board games + snacks + drinks)

Seasonal:

• Fall favorites (pumpkin items, apple cider, fall candles)
• Thanksgiving host essentials (serving pieces + decor + treats)

Mixed:

• "Cozy Night In" (blanket + candles + tea + book)
• "Gratitude Bundle" (journal + pen + inspiring book + treats)

How to Run It

1. Assemble or photograph basket (presentation matters)
2. List everything included (builds perceived value)
3. Post across platforms with eye-catching photo
4. Clear entry rules
5. Optional: Let winner gift it to someone else

Prize Ideas

✅ $100-200 worth of products in themed basket
✅ Partner with 3-5 brands (each contributes item)
✅ "Build your own" option (winner chooses items)
✅ Holiday bundle (Thanksgiving → Christmas transition)

Entry Methods

"Tag someone who deserves this gift basket"
"Comment why you're grateful for someone + tag them"
"Follow + tag 3 friends to enter"
"Share to Stories + tag us for bonus entry"

Pro Tips

• Show individual items: Post stories highlighting each product in basket
• Partner strategically: 4-5 complementary brands = bigger prize, split cost
• Presentation matters: Beautiful basket presentation increases entries
• Donation option: "Win this OR donate it to someone in need"
• Holiday timing: Winner can give as Thanksgiving hostess gift

Creative Twist: "Pay It Forward" Option

When announcing the winner, offer them a choice:

1. Keep the basket for themselves
2. Gift it to a friend (you deliver with thank-you note)
3. Donate to local family in need

This creates emotional story content and brand goodwill.

Strategic Timing: When to Launch Your Thanksgiving Giveaway

Early November (Nov 1-7):

• Recipe contests (gives time to test)
• Feast kit giveaways (needs shipping time)
• Black Friday sneak peek (builds email list early)

Mid-November (Nov 8-15):

• Decor giveaways (winners can use before holiday)
• Friendsgiving bundles (celebrations often week before)
• Turkey weight contests (quick turnaround)

Week Before Thanksgiving (Nov 16-21):

• Last-minute gift baskets
• "Thankful for you" appreciation posts
• Quick guessing games

Week After Thanksgiving (Nov 24-30):

• Photo contests (people just took photos)
• Recipe collections (people just cooked)
• Black Friday to Cyber Monday bridge content

Why Thanksgiving Giveaways Work Better Than You Think

They Build Your Pre-Black Friday List: Run your Thanksgiving giveaway November 1-15. You've now got a warm email list ready for Black Friday on the 29th.

Everyone's saving budget for Black Friday ads. Thanksgiving week is quieter, which means lower ad costs and higher organic reach.

Thanksgiving = gratitude. Giveaways during gratitude season feel generous, not salesy. Brand sentiment skyrockets.

Bridge for Christmas. Thanksgiving winner announcements flow naturally into Christmas prep content. "Didn't win? Here's 20% off for Christmas gifts."

Your Thanksgiving Giveaway Checklist

• Choose giveaway type (pick ONE from this list)
• Set clear goal (emails, followers, UGC, sales?)
• Select prize (relevant + attainable + valuable)
• Create timeline (launch, reminders, deadline, winner)
• Design graphics (autumn colors, Thanksgiving themes)
• Write entry rules (clear, simple, compliant)
• Set up landing page (if collecting emails) 
• Plan promotion (organic posts + paid ads)
• Prepare follow-up (winner announcement + non-winner offer) 
• Bridge to Black Friday (connect giveaway to shopping events)

You thank them, you give them…

Thanksgiving is a two-bird-one-stone scenario.

It’s your warm-up to Black Friday, but also a chance to build real connections, grow your list, and stand out while everyone else is screaming about discounts.

Pick one giveaway idea from this list. Launch it on November 1st. Watch your engagement (and email list) grow before Black Friday even starts.

Your competitors will still be planning their Black Friday ads. You'll already have tons of new warm leads ready to buy. 

That's the Thanksgiving advantage.