Friendsgiving has one simple rule: be a good friend! It’s also the perfect holiday to have a “Secret Turkey” gift exchange, where everyone gives and gets a gift of gratitude.
Elfster makes it easy: you get to set a budget, make Wishlists and shop for cool gifts from curated gift guides that you know your besties will LOVE.
The secret turkey gift exchange is a fun tradition that adds an element of surprise and excitement to your Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving celebration. If you’re looking for a new way to spice up your holiday gathering a secret turkey exchange is sure to get people in the festive spirit!
What is a Secret Turkey Gift Exchange?
A secret turkey gift exchange, sometimes called a “gobble gift exchange,” is a game where participants draw names and anonymously give a gift to their chosen person. The identities of the gift giver and receiver are kept secret until a predetermined reveal, which is often done at the Thanksgiving dinner or party.
The secrecy adds an extra layer of mystery and anticipation. Part of the fun is trying to guess who had your name based on the gift you receive. A secret turkey exchange is a creative way to show thanks and give back during this season of gratitude.
Why Do a Turkey Themed Gift Exchange?
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on blessings and show appreciation A secret turkey gift swap allows you to thoughtfully express thankfulness and kindness through gift giving
-
It encourages creativity and thoughtfulness as participants try to find the perfect surprise for their match based on clues and hints.
-
The turkey theme ties the exchange directly to the Thanksgiving holiday in a playful, lighthearted way.
-
An element of mystery and friendly competition makes the exchange more engaging than normal gift giving.
-
It’s a great activity for family gatherings, friend groups, classrooms, and offices.
-
The turkey theme provides inspiration for many creative and clever gift ideas.
-
It facilitates gift giving and gratitude when you may not know others well.
-
It gives people an opportunity to make personal connections and express appreciation.
How to Organize a Secret Turkey Swap
Hosting a secret turkey gift exchange takes some coordination but is very manageable with a bit of planning. Here are some tips:
-
Decide the budget range per gift, often $20-30. Keep gifts modestly priced so the focus stays on sentiment.
-
Create a list of participants and use a website like Elfster to randomly match people up while keeping identities hidden.
-
Share ideas, links to wish lists, or interests to give gift givers a starting point.
-
Set a timeline for buying/making and exchanging gifts. Allow 1-2 weeks.
-
Decide when and how to reveal the gift givers in a fun, celebratory way.
-
Encourage clever gift tags and hints about their identity for added mystery.
-
Organize a creative gift wrapping station with turkeys, fall colors, raffia, burlap, leaves, etc.
-
Have a contest for the funniest, most creative, or thoughtful gifts if desired.
Creative Turkey Themed Gift Ideas
The turkey theme provides endless options for gift ideas:
-Turkey kitchen accessories: oven mitts, aprons, towels, cookie cutters
-Turkey jewelry: necklaces, earrings, bracelets, charms
-Turkey decor: salt & pepper shakers, napkin rings, candles, figurines
-Turkey apparel: socks, slippers, hats, scarves, ties
-Edible gifts: chocolate turkeys, cider, baked goods, candy/caramel corn
-Turkey inspired beauty: soaps, bath bombs, nail polish, lip balm
-Turkeys on mugs, water bottles, thermoses, insulated cups
-Turkey stuffed animals
-Funny turkey tee shirts, boxers, or onesies
-Turkey puzzles, games, or coloring books
-Turkeys on greeting cards, notepads, bookmarks
-Turkey gift wrap, bags, tags, ribbons, boxes
With a dash of creativity, it’s easy to come up with lighthearted turkey themed gifts to make your recipient smile. Focus on finding or making a gift that shows thoughtfulness based on their personality and interests.
Bringing People Together with a Turkey Gift Exchange
A secret turkey gift exchange is a great way to foster community, deepen relationships, and show appreciation this Thanksgiving. The gifts don’t need to be extravagant – small gestures to make someone smile or feel seen are most meaningful.
Most importantly, have fun with the secret turkey exchange! Don’t worry about finding the perfect gift. Your creativity and genuine desire to show thankfulness will shine through. Laughter and joy are the greatest gifts you can share.
Frequently Asked Questions About Secret Turkey Gift Exchanges
How many people do you need for a turkey gift exchange?
Turkey exchanges work best with a minimum of 6 people. However, they can be done with just 4 or 5 participants if needed. Make sure it’s an even number so everyone gets matched.
When should you do a turkey gift exchange?
Most turkey gift swaps are done in November leading up to Thanksgiving. Organize it 1-2 weeks in advance so people have enough time to shop and prepare.
What if someone can’t participate last minute?
Have a backup plan in case someone drops out last minute. Either have someone buy an extra gift to substitute or change up the pairings to accommodate fewer people.
How strictly should you stick to the budget?
Encourage people to stay close to the budget guide so gifts are similar in value. But no need to scrutinize every receipt if a gift is a little over or under.
What if you don’t know your person well enough?
The gift hints, wish lists, and sharing of interests ahead of time ensure you can personalize the gift even if you don’t know the person really well yet. Get creative!
A secret turkey gift exchange is a memorable way to kick off the holiday season. With some simple organization and Turkey-themed gifts, you can create a new tradition of giving that brings people together while making lasting memories.
Stress-Free Gifting that Focuses on Friendship
Since Friendsgiving is all about friendship, why not make your gift exchange theme focus on personal connections. Here are a few elf-picked gifts from our Friendsgiving Gift Guide, like an Instax Camera for instant memories, a Gratitude platter for the fearless host of the festivities, “Tell Me Without Telling Me” for a get-to-know-you-better party game or the Friends Collage puzzle cause who doesn’t love the OG FRIENDSGIVING gang.
Top Reasons To Have a Friendsgiving Gift Exchange
There is a lot to be thankful for, especially the great friends in your life. You will all be grateful for this fun addition to your Friendsgiving celebration.
