Thanksgiving Minute To Win It Games
Silly, Speedy, and So Much Fun for the Whole Family!
Thanksgiving is one of those holidays where food is the main event, but once everyone’s stuffed to the brim and lounging around in a turkey coma, it’s the perfect time to sneak in a little fun and laughter. Enter: Thanksgiving Minute to Win It Games!
These are quick, goofy games that take just one minute each, but pack in a whole lot of giggles. They’re perfect for all ages, kids, teens, grown-ups, and even Grandpa with his “dad jokes” can join in. The best part? You don’t need fancy supplies. Just grab a few things from around the house and let the fun begin!
Why Play Minute to Win It Games at Thanksgiving?
Besides the obvious “they’re ridiculously fun,” here’s why these games are perfect for your Thanksgiving gathering:
- Short and sweet – They only take 60 seconds!
- Perfect between dinner and dessert
- Easy for big groups or small families
- Get kids moving (and off the couch!)
- Hilarious photo and video moments
You can play these games tournament-style with teams, or just for fun, no scorekeeping required. Either way, you’re guaranteed a whole lot of laughs.
Thanksgiving Minute to Win It Game Ideas
Here’s a big list of fun and simple games to try this Thanksgiving. Some are active, some are silly, and some are perfect for players who just want to sit and laugh.
1. Pumpkin Stackers
You’ll need:
- Mini pumpkins or gourds
See how many mini pumpkins you can stack on top of each other in just one minute. It sounds easy… until your tower topples!
Goal: Build the tallest stack possible before time runs out.
Mini Pumpkins Fake Pumpkins
Halloween Mini Pumpkins
2. Pie Face Challenge
You’ll need:
- Paper plates
- Whipped cream
- Gummy worms
Compostable Paper PlatesAmazon Grocery, Gummi WormsReddi Wip Real Cream
Hide 3 gummy worms in a pile of whipped cream on each plate. Players must use only their mouth (no hands!) to find and pull out the worms.
Goal: Find all the worms before the clock hits zero!
3. Thanksgiving A to Z
You’ll need:
- Paper and pens
Each player tries to write down one Thanksgiving-related word for every letter of the alphabet. (Like A = Apple pie, B = Beans, C = Corn…)
Goal: Get through as many letters as you can in 60 seconds!
4. Toss the Turkey Leg
You’ll need:
- Rolled up socks (pretend turkey legs)
- A laundry basket
Stand a few feet away from the basket and try tossing the “turkey legs” in.
Goal: Get as many socks into the basket as you can in one minute.
5. Candy Chopsticks
You’ll need:
- Chopsticks
- A bowl of candy
- An empty bowl
Players must use chopsticks to move cranberries from one bowl to the other.
Goal: Transfer as many as possible in 60 seconds. It’s harder than it looks!
6. Don’t Drop the Corn!
You’ll need:
- Plastic spoon
- Candy corn
- Cups
Place a cup on each end of the room. Players must carry candy corn in a spoon from one cup to the other. The catch is they must hold the spoon in their mouth! No hands!
Goal: Move as many pieces as you can before time’s up.
7. Gobble Guess
You’ll need:
- A list of Thanksgiving-themed charades prompts
- A timer
One player draws a card and acts it out while the others guess.
Goal: Guess as many Thanksgiving words as possible in one minute. Great for all ages!
8. Turkey Cup Stacking
You’ll need:
- Plastic cups
See how high you can stack the cups in one minute. Bonus points if they’re decorated like little turkeys!
Goal: Build the tallest free-standing tower before the buzzer.
9. Stuff the Turkey (Blindfolded!)
You’ll need:
- Bowl of cotton balls
- A spoon
- A small pot or basket
- Blindfold
Blindfolded players must scoop cotton balls (stuffing) into the basket (“turkey”).
Goal: Get the most cotton balls in without peeking!
Small BasketCotton BallsSilk Blindfold
10. Sweet Potato Shuffle
You’ll need:
- Sweet potatoes
- A spoon
Set up a start and finish line. Players must balance a sweet potato on a spoon and race to the end without dropping it.
Goal: Complete as many laps as possible in 60 seconds.
11. Gravy Relay
You’ll need:
- Small cups of water (pretend gravy)
- A spoon
- A large bowl
Scoop “gravy” from the cups using only a spoon and transport it to the bowl across the room.
Goal: Fill the bowl as much as possible in one minute.
12. Pumpkin Pie Puzzle
You’ll need:
- Cut-up paper “pies” or puzzle pieces
- Timer
Each player gets a small pie-themed puzzle to put together as fast as possible.
Goal: Finish your puzzle before the minute is up!
13. Cornucopia Catch
You’ll need:
- Candy or small toys
- Plastic cups
- A partner
One person tosses the items, and the other catches them in a cup.
Goal: Catch the most in 60 seconds. Great for siblings or parent-kid duos!
14. Turkey Feather Blow
You’ll need:
- Feather (real or craft)
- Straw (optional)
Keep the feather floating in the air for the full minute using only your breath. For little ones, let them use a straw.
Goal: Don’t let that feather touch the floor!
15. Thanksgiving Noughts and Crosses
- You’ll need:
- Black board or old picnic table
- plastic pumpkins or real mini ones
Players take turns racing to the board to place their pumpkin. First team to get 3 in a row wins or whoever has the most in a row after 1 minute!
Goal:
Get three in a row before time runs out!
Hosting Tips for a Smooth and Silly Game Time
Here are a few tips to keep things light and laughter-filled:
- Use a Timer
- Keep it fair by timing each round with your phone or a kitchen timer.
- Add Music
- Play some fun fall tunes or upbeat Thanksgiving music to keep the energy up.
- Offer Simple Prizes
- Little treats like candy bars, mini trophies, or “Winner” stickers make the games even more exciting!
- Keep Everyone Involved
- Let some cheer while others play. Even watching these games is a blast!
Include Sit-Down Options
Not everyone wants to run around. Games like word mashes, charades, and puzzles are perfect for folks who want to stay seated.
When to Play These Games?
You can sneak these into your day wherever it works best:
- While the turkey is roasting
- After dinner (to fight the food coma!)
- While waiting for dessert
- As a kids’ activity while adults clean up
- During a Thanksgiving party or Friendsgiving
Mix and match to keep it fresh, there’s no wrong way to play!
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, but there’s always room for a little chaos and giggling too. Minute to Win It games are the perfect way to break up the day, get everyone moving, and create memories your family will talk about for years.
No matter your family’s age range or energy level, there’s a game here for everyone. So grab a timer, gather your crew, and get ready for a laugh-out-loud Thanksgiving you’ll never forget!
