Wondering what to send for Thanksgiving gifts to share the season’s bounty?

The best Thursday of the whole year brings friends and family together at one table to break bread, toast, and feast on the meal that’s been taunting them all day. The football game plays in the background and later everyone will enjoy pie before the turkey dinner sends them into a deep, peaceful sleep. It’s a perfect holiday, but there’s often someone missing.

Whether your daughter couldn’t make the drive home from college or grandpa’s decided to stay south for the crisp day, missing someone special goes with the territory. Sending them a little something helps ease the mind from dwelling on an empty chair. It’s also a fun way to let them know they’re in your thoughts.

Deciding what to give as Thanksgiving gifts is easy. Opt for something your recipients can enjoy right away and share with the company. Since the holiday originated to celebrate the harvest, edible treats and beverages are naturally a good choice, like gourmet gift baskets, prepared meals, and baked goods.

Food Thanksgiving Gifts

Most people associate the holiday with seasonal comfort food pies, coffee cakes, and a full array of buttered bread and maple glazed veggies. Of these usual suspects, dry foods are the best candidates for shipping long distances. And if you don’t have time to bake the goods yourself, plenty of online gourmet shops know how to ship edibles so they arrive in perfect condition.

Prefer to go the homemade route? Jams, chutneys, and pickled veggies are thoughtful gifts around this time of year. They complement a wide array of meals, adding intense flavor to everything from mashed potatoes to a turkey sandwich. Make a large batch and you’ll have delicious gifts for everyone on your list.

For those who don’t have a big sweet tooth, savory treats are just as welcome and simple to make. Create your own hot sauce or infuse olive oil with fresh herbs for a one-of-a-kind gift that’ll last beyond that week of turkey leftovers. 

To make hot sauce from scratch, take a cue from Life Hack and blend hot peppers, salt, and vinegar and let the mixture sit in a jar for about a week. Add your own personal touch with cilantro, peach, mango, pineapple, or other spice-complimenting ingredients.

Spirits

Maybe you don’t enjoy getting crafty in the kitchen, you’re not alone. That’s why so many happily accept an invitation from the cook in the family. So don’t worry if you’re still wondering what to send for Thanksgiving. The list of correct answers includes spirits.

That’s right, opening a bottle of wine given by a friend feels positively luxurious. Choose the one you know well so there’s no question they’ll enjoy it. Non-alcoholic sparkling cider is a tasty alternative for people who don’t drink alcohol.
~
In addition to wine, spirits like rum and brandy are an excellent choice. With this, the host has something new to try and won’t run through her liquor cabinet entertaining. If you’re delivering it yourself, add a vanilla bean and pour it into a special bottle to infuse it with a personal touch.

For the Kiddies

Children love Thanksgiving gifts for a myriad of reasons no school, visiting family, parades, and of course getting to indulge in traditional sweets. Avoid redundancy by skipping the pie-making and going right to the candied nuts and chocolate bark. Pack them in a beautiful box or tin and you’ll know exactly what to send for Thanksgiving this year and every year after. 

These gift ideas have a little something for everyone, which is the best thing about this holiday. No two families are exactly alike, but everybody loves the excitement of opening a present from a loved one and knowing how much thought and heart went into putting it together.